Confined Space: Entry Supervisor Responsibilities

Friday, September 10, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

The responsibilities of an entry supervisor for a confined space are:

  • Know space hazards including information on the mode of exposure, signs or symptoms and the consequences of exposure
  • Verify emergency plans and specified entry conditions such as permits, tests, procedures and equipment before allowing entry
  • Terminate entry and cancel permits when entry operations are completed or if a new condition exists
  • Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable
  • Take appropriate measures to remove unauthorized entrants
  • Ensure that the entry operations remain consistent with the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained
Is the entry supervisor at your facility aware of these responsibilities or could he/she use additional training? Call one of the Environmental Health and Safety Compliance technicians at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770 if you have these types of training needs!

Upcoming Webinar on Safety Audits: A Logical Process

Friday, September 10, 2010 by Brooke Lock
Join us for a webinar discussing safety audits. We will start out with why you may be considering a safety audit. This will be followed with a logical process of how to perform the audit, starting with how to prepare for the audit, then the audit process itself, and we will finish up with many of the issues that need to be evaluated. Given this topic covers a very broad range of issues, we will be looking at this from the “50,000 foot level”. Stick around until the end since we will finish with some overall observations to help minimize your risks.

To register for this December 16th Environmental Health and Safety Audit webinar, visit augustmackevents.webex.com.

In-Situ: Dual Phase Extraction (DPE)

Thursday, September 9, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

The in-situ remediation technology of dual phase extraction (DPE) is also known as multi-phase extraction or vacuum-enhanced extraction. During DPE, the following occurs:

  • DPE uses vacuums to remove contaminated groundwater, free-phase product and contaminated vapors from soils.
  • Extracted liquids and vapor are treated and collected for disposal.
  • DPE pulls air through pore space in contaminated soils and pulls contaminated groundwater and free product from the same well location.
  • Requires permits for discharge of water into POTW or back into the ground.
  • May require permits for the discharge of treated vapors to the atmosphere.
  • DPE requires regularly-scheduled O&M and sampling.
  • Effectiveness depends on type of soils and depths of groundwater.
The advantages of DPE are the following:
  • Minimal disturbance to site operations.
  • Medium length treatment timeframes.
  • Flexible applications.
  • Can aid in the continuous removal of free product.
  • Can be utilized underneath of structures.
  • Proven performance.
  • Agency-accepted cleanup technology.
  • Containment technology.
The disadvantages of DPE are the following:
  • Requires extensive knowledge of subsurface conditions (pilot test).
  • Above-grade equipment and associated noise.
  • Requires continual O&M and sampling.
  • Extracts a large volume of groundwater.
  • Treatment techniques for vapors removed from soil may be expensive.
  • Seasonal temperature changes may affect performance.

For more information on DPE, contact one of the environmental assessment and remediation specialists at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770.

Bankruptcy and Environmental Cleanups (Part One): A General Motor Co. Story

Thursday, September 9, 2010 by August Mack Environmental
On November 25, 2009, the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts reported bankruptcy cases filed in federal courts for fiscal year 2009 totaled 1,402,816, up 34.5 percent over the 1,042,993 filings reported for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2008.

For the 12-month period ending March 31, 2010, 1,531,997 bankruptcies were filed; 61,148 of those were business filings – a 27.4 percent increase in the number of filings!

To learn more about bankruptcy and environmental cleanup, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental analysis and remediation experts at August Mack Environmental.

Environmental Issues that Affect the Construction Industry

Thursday, September 9, 2010 by Tom Anderson
Before you begin your construction project, have you thought through all of the potential environmental compliance requirements and issues that could affect your project? Depending upon whether this is new construction, renovation or demolition construction project, there may be different things to consider. On many new construction projects, storm water is something that must be considered. Failure to comply with these regulations can be costly.

eCAP: Air Emissions Module

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by Stephanie Cox
The eCAP® Air Emissions Module is designed to ensure facilities are complying with environmental compliance requirements outlined in Titles I-VI of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) as codified in 40 CFR Parts 50-99, as well as any state and local regulatory agency-specific requirements. Based upon a plant’s air permit, the facility will be classified as a major source, synthetic minor or minor source. Facilities with a Title V Operating Permit or FESOP (synthetic minor) can purchase the Air Emissions Module-Major Source Option. Facilities with a general operating permit can purchase the Air Emissions Module-Minor Source Option.

For more information on eCAP®, contact one of the environmental compliance technicians at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770.

The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 by August Mack Environmental
It is an employer’s responsibility to provide a safe work environment for his/her employees. As such, one of the areas of great safety risk to employees concerns hazardous energy. Subsequently, a well developed and effective program to control hazardous energy through a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program is of utmost importance. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has promulgated rules with regards to this area in 29 CFR 1910.147.

The purpose of a LOTO program is to ensure before an employee performs any servicing or maintenance on machinery or equipment, where the unexpected energizing, startup or release of any type of energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative. The employer needs to establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections. One of the most important and time-consuming of these tasks is the development of the energy control procedures. The regulatory standard describes this specific requirement in 29 CFR 1910.147[c](4). Exceptions to the requirement also are noted in this section of the regulation.

To learn more about Lockout/Tagout, click here to read an article written by an Health & Safety Compliance expert at August Mack Environmental.

Environmental Budgets

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by eCAP Account Team
How much should you budget for environmental compliance programs? That's always been a tough question, but not with eCAP®. For a monthly fee, eCAP® fixes your costs annually and takes care of the majority of your compliance issues. So you don't have to worry about hiring extra staff or taking personnel away from more productive and profitable tasks. And when new regulations lead to new compliance requirements, we make sure you know about them. With eCAP®, compliance is not an unpredictable expense, but a monthly investment in peace of mind. Call us about this Environmental Compliance Solution!  To talk to Tom Anderson with August Mack Environmental about this program, call 317.916.3105.

How Clean is "Clean"?

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by August Mack Environmental

In today’s economic condition, an abundance of commercial and industrial properties have been surfacing in the marketplace. While the list of availability grows, the environmental stigma associated with past business at these facilities has continued to rise and continues to be one of the largest deterrents for perspective buyers.  It seems unless the property is “clean”, no one wants to assume “the environmental skeletons” that may reside in the property’s proverbial closet. But “How clean is ‘clean’?” remains the underlying question.   

The advent of risk-based closures has helped define “clean” and the ultimate goal of any cleanup program is a “No Further Action” (NFA) status letter. While this has helped alleviate some buyers’ concerns, unless the words “No Further Action” were uttered by a regulator, the presence of contamination still added a stigma to a property causing most investors, developers and bankers to shy away.

To learn more, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental assessment and remediation experts at August Mack Environmental.

Managing Environmental Exposures in Buildings

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

Today's building managers and owners must not only manage the most well-known types of environmental issues in buildings, such as asbestos, lead-based paint, lead in the water and mold, but they also must consider the new environmental exposures issues including Chinese drywall, vapor intrusion and PCBs in caulk.

Since buildings exist to protect people from the elements of the outside world while supporting human activity, buildings should not make people sick, cause them discomfort or inhibit their ability to perform. If environmental exposures are not managed properly, a building owner is likely to experience a high remediation cost and a problematic resolution of liability claims.

Are you doing enough to proactively manage the environmental exposures in your building? Call one of the environmental due diligence experts at August Mack Environmental.

Benefits of an Environmental Management System (EMS)

Monday, September 6, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

Implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) at your company can be extremely beneficial by providing a general framework for organizing the tasks for effective environmental management. Additionally, implementing an EMS can have the following benefits:

  • Integrates existing environmental programs
  • Creates an orderly process for understanding and meeting regulatory requirements
  • Integrates environmental issues into mainstream business activities
  • Reduces risks associated with environmental issues
  • Builds an engine of continuous environmental performance
  • Improves environmental performance
  • Enhances image with public, regulators, lenders and investors
  • Increases efficiency/reducing costs
To learn more about the benefits of an EMS, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental compliance technicians at August Mack Environmental.

Lead in Construction - Limiting Exposure

Monday, September 6, 2010 by August Mack Environmental
In 1977, the U.S. government’s Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead-based paint (LBP). Though banned more than 30 years ago, LBP is still prevalent throughout residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Therefore, it is important to recognize and protect against potential occupant and employee exposure hazards associated with lead.

It is very likely painted surfaces in structures built prior to 1978 contain LBP and the older the structure; the more likely LBP is present. Even if lead-containing paint has been painted over and encapsulated, lead dust can still become airborne during renovation or restoration activities. It is common for companies doing renovation work fail to recognize the potential for LBP on the surfaces they are impacting. This potential lead exposure can be avoided with general awareness.

To learn more about lead in construction, click here to read an article written by an environmental assessment consultant at August Mack Environmental.

Have a Great Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 6, 2010 by Tom Anderson
August Mack specializes in environmental, health and safety compliance; environmental due diligence; environmental site remediation; and sustainable business strategies to the industrial, legal, financial, health care and government sectors throughout North America. August Mack has offices in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information on August Mack's environmental, health and safety services, visit www.augustmack.com or call 800.579.0770.

Have a GREAT Labor Day

Monday, September 6, 2010 by Health and Safety Account Team
I hope you are having a great three day weekend enjoying the Labor Day weekend!

August Mack Environmental specializes in environmental, health and safety compliance; environmental due diligence; environmental site remediation; and sustainable business strategies to the industrial, legal, financial, health care and government sectors throughout North America.
 

Who is Involved in Confined Space Entry Procedures?

Friday, September 3, 2010 by Stephanie Cox
The three types of people involved in confined space entry procedures are the following:
  • Entry Supervisor 
  • Attendant
  • Authorized Entrants
Do you know what the responsibilities are for each of these individuals for confined space entry? If not, contact an Environmental, Health and Safety Program manager at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770.

Understanding LDAR Applicability and Implementation

Friday, September 3, 2010 by August Mack Environmental

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, or leaks, arose out of the research projects conducted between the 1950s and 1980s at several facilities throughout the United States. The research concluded the cumulative effect of all the leaking components may present environmental and health problems to the surrounding area. The research also concluded when most components leak, they do so at very low levels, thus a majority of fugitive emissions come from a very small percentage (not exceeding 10 percent) of high leaking components. The need for fugitive VOC emissions was also necessitated by the fact that approximately 70 percent of total VOC emissions from facilities engaging in processing of gases and light liquids arose from uncontrolled emissions.

To learn more about LDAR, click here to read an article written by one of the environmental compliance specialists at August Mack Environmental.

In-Situ: Soil Vapor Extraction (SVE)

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

In the in-situ remedial technology of soil vapor extraction (SVE), the following occurs:

  • Vacuum is applied to the unsaturated zone through extraction wells.
  • Vacuum causes movement of vapors toward extraction wells.
  • Volatile constituents are removed through the extraction wells.
  • The extracted vapors are discharged to the atmosphere.
The advantages of in-situ SVE are the following:
  • Proven performance; readily available equipment; easy installation; agency approved.
  • Minimal disturbance to site operations.
  • Short treatment times (usually six months to two years under optimal conditions).
  • Easily combined with other remedial technologies.
  • Can be used under buildings and other locations that cannot be excavated.

The disadvantages of in-situ SVE are the following:

  • Concentration reductions greater than about 90 percent are difficult to achieve.
  • Effectiveness less certain when applied to sites with low-permeability soil or stratified soils.
  • May require costly treatment for atmospheric discharge of extracted vapors.
  • Air emission permits generally required.
  • Only treats unsaturated-zone soils; other methods may also be needed to treat saturated-zone soils and groundwater.

For more information on SVE, contact one of the environmental remediation specialists at August Mack Environmental at 800.579.0770.

What Does Going Green Mean?

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Tom Anderson
I can't tell you how many times potential clients have asked me about "Going Green" and immediately want to discuss sustainable business strategies, such as recycling, planting trees, etc. My first response is to ask whether they are compliant with all of the required environmental compliance requirements. The typical response is either "yes" or an inquisitive look. Based upon my experience, many facilities are not fully compliant with the numerous environmental compliance programs that are applicable to their operations. They are not willfully violating these requirements, but they just do not realize what all the requirements are that affect them! There are regulations that may be applicable related to boilers, chemicals, waste disposal, storage of oil related products, underground storage tanks and the list goes on. This is why it is difficult to be fully compliant. So where should you start? Step back and perform a full environmental compliance audit. If you need help with that, call me at 317.916.3105.

Safety and Environmental Base Module

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by Stephanie Cox

The Safety and Environmental Base Module is the foundation of eCAP®. This module is designed to provide ongoing solutions to environmental compliance requirements. It provides routine interaction with the environmental compliance consultant experts and plant personnel to ensure consistent environmental regulation compliance and program improvement. This can be accomplished at three levels: program development, program implementation and compliance monitoring. In addition, training can be provided to employees to establish an understanding of the facility’s environmental, health and safety mission. At least one of these options are required and selections of additional options is dependent upon the facility’s compliance needs.

Asbestos Considerations

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 by Stephanie Cox
When managing and/or owning a building with asbestos containing materials (ACMs), the following need to be considered:
  • Asbestos can present time and cost constraints
  • Asbestos can require ongoing management
  • Construction inspections are required prior to renovation and demolition activities
  • Asbestos abatement costs can be expensive