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Tuesday, October 25, 2022
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IHMM Certifications Matter
Validate your knowledge and experience. It’s how professionals stay on top of their field
The CSHM is ideal for those who seek Executive positions within their organizations. Possessing the CSHM® helps employers demonstrate to suppliers, customers, and enforcement agencies that they excel at regulatory compliance and the management of workplace safety
It’s how you differentiate yourself
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, and ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it, and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
IHMM Certificant Recognition
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are placed 10 Year, 20 Year, and 30 Year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
IHMM has Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges are accompanied by lapel pins sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
IHMM is in all 50 of the United States and in 47 countries around the World.
IHMM In-Person or Remotely Proctored Exams
The American National Standards Institute [ANSI] has approved Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for IHMM’s CHMM, CHMP, and CDGP exams. IHMM has been using the Kryterion Remotely Proctored Exams for the CSHM and CSMP exams since April 2020.
76% of Kryterion in-person testing centers have reopened. If you prefer the comfort and convenience of taking your exam from your home or office instead of at a Kryterion center, IHMM is ready to enroll you in a remotely proctored examination.
Please contact either Kortney Tunstall at [email protected] for the CHMM, Student CHMM, CHMP, or CDGP exams or Kaylene Cagle at [email protected] for the Student ASHM, CSHM, or CSMP exams.
IHMM Credentials Accredited By
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
Hurricane Ian Devastates Puerto Rico and Florida – We Can Help
The images showing the devastation left by Hurricane Ian this week are heartbreaking. We can help our neighbors in need. Here are just a few of the agencies assisting hundreds of thousands who have lost family members and property.
- Feeding South Florida > https://feedingsouthflorida.org/donate-now/
- Volunteer Florida > https://www.volunteerflorida.org/?fbclid=IwAR2_l2HHD6R0ikkEQJz3AJQgxmIXwxZ1EyqOXoxlzG6TUur331qdUfjvTE0
- American Red Cross > https://www.redcross.org/
OSHA Hurricane Recovery Operation Resources
Due to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Ian, many workers are and will be affected with on-going cleanup and recovery efforts. We wanted to remind everyone that OSHA has an Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage that provides information to protect workers responding to hurricanes and floods. Attached is a PDF for our Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricane and Flood Cleanup and Recovery, found on OSHA web page here. OSHA is dedicated to the protection of ALL workers including day laborers, temporary workers, and non-English speaking workers. Many of the OSHA materials are available in other languages, along with a few Public Service Announcements that have been recorded and transcribed.
On September 29, 2022, DOL issued a press release urging first responders, recovery crews, and the public to be vigilant from hazards in Hurricane Ian recovery operations. DOL also has a Disaster Recovery Assistance page that provides resources to assist with recovery efforts. Please share this information, as appropriate, with your members and stakeholders, including those who may be hurricane cleanup and recovery employers, workers, and volunteers.
See > Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricane and Flood Cleanup and Recovery
For questions about these resources, please contact Christopher Lawver (202-693-1985; or [email protected]) or Bill Matarazzo (202-693-2160 or [email protected]).
PHMSA – 49 CFR under the new HM-215P international harmonization
The agency has posted a link to a webinar it produced that summarizes what it views as notable changes to the 49 CFR under the new HM-215P international harmonization. It’s always good to get a feel for what the agency itself views as imperative, so although most of us have already digested the HM-215P, it’s well worth a look to get the “inside track.” Here’s a link to the free webinar, viewable on YouTube.
The agency is also seeking stakeholder feedback on its development plans for the upcoming 2024 edition of the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). You may find the ERG here > https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/training/hazmat/erg/emergency-response-guidebook-erg
The ERG is a very popular “one-stop shop” for many first responders when they interact with dangerous goods, so if you have what you think is useful feedback for the DOT to help improve the next edition, they want to hear from you. Send comments to this email address: [email protected]
The agency listed no formal deadline for comments, but noted that reviews will begin “in early 2023.”
Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR): Reconsideration of Fugitive Emissions Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to repeal regulatory amendments promulgated through a final rule adopted in 2008 under the Clean Air Act (CAA or Act) that addressed the consideration of “fugitive” emissions of air pollutants from stationary sources when determining the applicability of certain permitting requirements under the Act. Those amendments have been stayed as a result of the reconsideration process. To bring closure to the reconsideration proceeding, the EPA is proposing to fully repeal the 2008 rule by removing the stayed provisions of the regulatory amendments adopted in 2008. The EPA is also proposing to remove a related exemption for modifications that would be considered major solely due to the inclusion of fugitive emissions. As a result of the proposed changes, all existing major stationary sources would be required to include fugitive emissions in determining whether a physical or operational change constitutes a “major modification,” requiring a permit under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) or Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) programs.
EPA Poised To Release Lead Strategy, Teeing Up Revised Soil Cleanup Guide
EPA is poised to release its final strategy to reduce lead exposures, especially in environmental justice communities, after it recently cleared interagency review, setting the stage for the development of revised cleanup guidance that is expected to drive additional investigation and remediation at hundreds of thousands of sites with lead-contaminated soil.
“This strategy that we have that’s coming out to reduce that exposure to disparities in U.S. communities is groundbreaking in its attention across EPA programs on how we can address the people who are most vulnerable and are facing the greatest exposure,” Carlton Waterhouse, deputy assistant administrator of the EPA Office of Land and Emergency Management (OLEM), said Oct. 20 at the annual meeting of the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) in Arlington, VA.
Waterhouse told Inside EPA that the lead strategy has recently cleared interagency review, and is designed to support all offices within EPA in tailoring lead exposure reduction efforts to focus on underserved communities.
While Waterhouse did not give a timeline for the strategy’s release, EPA’s website notes that Oct. 23-29 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a time when the agency could be expected to highlight efforts it is taking to reduce lead exposures.
A draft version of the EPA’s “Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities,” which was released last October, says the final version will “lay out an all-of-EPA plan to strengthen public health protections and address legacy lead contamination for communities with the greatest exposures and promote environmental justice [EJ].”
EPA’s Rejection Of Criticisms Signals Likely Suits Over Ozone Downgrades
EPA’s decisions to downgrade multiple areas’ “nonattainment” status with federal ozone standards appear likely to spur fresh litigation, given the agency’s rejection of many criticisms from state and industry officials of the reclassifications, according to recently published EPA responses to public comments.
In a response to comments document recently uploaded to the agency’s regulatory docket, EPA outlines its rejection of the criticisms with regard to nonattainment areas reclassified from “serious” to “severe” nonattainment with the 2008 ozone national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS), which is set at 75 parts per billion (ppb).
EPA overruled objections from Texas air regulators and industry groups who opposed the downgrade for the Houston area, rejected criticism from Colorado officials over a downgrade for the greater Denver area, and also brushed aside an objection from Connecticut officials who blame the state’s high ozone on emissions from elsewhere.
The agency in its responses rejects a series of accusations, including that it mishandled data, made arbitrary decisions, and ignored the effects of pollution from other states — all arguments that could feature in eventual litigation challenging the designations.
And in a second document, EPA rejects similar objections to its separate decision to reclassify many more areas from “marginal” nonattainment to “moderate” nonattainment for the tougher 2015 ozone NAAQS. EPA set the 2015 limit at 70 ppb, making it even harder for some areas to ultimately attain all the applicable federal limits.
–InsideEPA
States’ Diverse Approaches To Haze Plans Set Stage For Clashes With EPA
States are taking divergent approaches in their latest wave of draft plans to curb regional haze, ranging from taking no action due to high cost or minimal benefit at one extreme, to requiring tough pollution controls at another, setting the stage for some clashes with EPA officials who favor stronger action, air quality experts say.
Most states are now at an advanced stage of preparing their state implementation plans (SIPs) that will ensure “reasonable further progress” (RFP) in reducing haze under the regional haze rule, after many missed an extended deadline in 2021 to turn in the plans for EPA approval.
Jeremy Jewell, an environmental analyst with Trinity Consultants, told an Oct. 19 webinar hosted by the Air and Waste Management Association that so far, states have submitted 36 second-phase haze SIPs to EPA.
“The various SIPs span the spectrum” of possible responses to EPA, Jewell said, ranging from plans that do nothing to those that would impose expensive new controls. Some states opposed to stronger measures are “ignoring” EPA advice to take more aggressive action, Jewell added.
The plans for the second phase of the regional haze program cover the period between 2018 and 2028. Unlike the first phase of the program, they will focus on RFP, rather than initial installation of best available retrofit technology (BART), a stringent level of emissions control. The program aims to restore visibility to natural conditions in Class I areas — national parks and wilderness areas — by 2064.
–InsideEPA
IHMM at Federation of Environmental Technologists Conference
October 26-27, 2022 – Pewaukee, Wisconsin
FET’s Annual Conference and Exhibition is held in October each year over a 3-day period. Visit IHMM on October 26-27, 2022 in Booth 43!
The first day provides a number of Professional Development Courses to choose from, followed by a 2-day program including an opening plenary session, a panel discussion and many educational sessions on everything environmental, health and safety.
IHMM certificants may claim up to 20 CMPs for recertification for their attendance.
2022 IHMM Board of Directors Election
On Monday, October 3, 2022, the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management began its 2022 elections for the IHMM Board of Directors for 3 seats with service beginning January 1, 2023. IHMM’s Nominating Committee began soliciting candidates for three seats on March 8, 2022, and continued in every Tuesday edition of IHMM Today through June 28, 2022. The three seats up for election in 2022 are [1] seat for a CDGP, [1] seat for a CSHM, and [1] seat for At-Large, which can come from a CHMM, CDGP, CHMP, CSHM, or CSMP.
The election will run from Monday, October 3, 2022, through Friday, November 4, 2022.
At Large Candidates
[On the ballot you vote for 1 of the following]
Bennett, Stephen M., CSMP. Read more about Stephen here.
Breton, Gerard A., CSMP. Read more about Gerard here.
Kasanicky, John, CSMP. Read more about John here.
Rehlander, Matthew, CSMP. Read more about Matthew here.
Sharratt, Ryan B., CHMM. Read more about Ryan here.
St. Peter, Shawn, CSMP. Read more about Shawn here.
Winning, Erika, CHMM. Read more about Erika here.
Certified Safety and Health Manager [CSHM] Candidates
[On the ballot you vote for 1 of the following]
Rosenberg, Jan, CSHM. Read more about Jan here.
Certified Dangerous Goods Professional Candidate [CDGP].
[On the ballot you vote for 1 of the following]
Schmelczer, Ivan, CDGP. Read more about Ivan here.
NOTE: When you receive your IHMM Election Buddy email with a unique key and access to your 2022 Board of Directors Ballot, vote for one person in each of the 3 categories above. One CDGP, one CSHM, and one At Large.
Thank you for participating in the 2022 IHMM Board elections on Monday, October 3, 2022, through Friday, November 4, 2022.
In 2019 Mark Bruce from AHMP and Gene Guilford from IHMM worked on a project to get the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to recognize the CHMM and CDGT credentials. With Mark’s work on the ground in Pennsylvania, we succeeded.
- We have already succeeded in 13 states – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Ohio, North Dakota, and Georgia. [Red states in the map above]. These are states where IHMM credentials are cited or 40 CFR 312.10 is cited by reference.
- We have partially succeeded in another 16 states – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. [Orange/Black Stripe states in the map above] These are states where the requirements of an “environmental professional” or QEP are cited that coincide with an IHMM credential so that relatively little work would need to be done to clarify the desired outcome.
- We have 21 states where no reference to an IHMM credential is made in either statute or regulation, nor is there anything defined in the area of an environmental professional. These states will require legislation or regulatory work. [Yellow states in the map above].
In January 2021 Mark at AHMP and Gene at IHMM has launched 45 in 5, getting the other 45 states to recognize our credentials in 5 years. If we can find a volunteer like Mark in other states [see above] we can work with those volunteers on crafting the right message to the right agencies in state governments across the country. If we find enough volunteers we can get this done in less than 5 years.
In January 2022 Gene Guilford released the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation that states a private certification that meets or exceeds the requirements of the regulation is an Environmental Professional under the regulation. Here is the crosswalk between the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] blueprint. The CHMM meets or exceeds the requirements of an Environmental Professional.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Watch legislative and regulatory developments in your state that provide an opportunity for us to create amendments or other interventions
- Be willing to speak with regulators and legislators in your area about the recognition efforts we craft together
EPA’s Industrial Stormwater Sector-Specific Fact Sheet Stakeholder Meetings
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is hosting a series of public meetings in Fall 2022 to inform updates to EPA’s industrial stormwater fact sheet series. Last updated in 2006, EPA developed a fact sheet to provide guidance to each of the 29 industrial sectors covered under the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP), which authorizes stormwater discharges from industrial activity in areas where EPA is the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting authority. Each fact sheet describes the types of facilities included in the sector, typical pollutants associated with the sector, and types of stormwater control measures used to minimize the discharge of the pollutants. These resources are an important part of EPA’s industrial stormwater program to assist facilities in managing their stormwater discharges. The industrial stormwater fact sheet series is used by a variety of other stakeholders, including facilities covered under state industrial stormwater permits and other industry groups.
Since industries and stormwater control measures may evolve over time, EPA is undertaking an effort to review and update the fact sheets. In January 2022, the Agency published a Federal Register Notice seeking written comments on the fact sheets. EPA received many valuable comments, as well as input that highlighted areas in need of further clarification and interest in continuing the dialogue with EPA on these resources. In response to this request, the Agency will be hosting a series of public meetings focused on certain industrial sectors to hear more about stakeholders’ individual real-life experiences with industrial stormwater management. Through these meetings, EPA would also like to engage those stakeholders who may not have had the chance to submit comments to attend and share their thoughts.
EPA is particularly focused on hearing stakeholder’s input on: common activities, pollutant sources, and associated pollutants at facilities in these sectors; and stormwater control measures or best management practices, including source control and good housekeeping/pollution prevention measures for potential pollutant sources at facilities in the sector.
A personal invitation from EPA’s industrial stormwater permit writers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7NinMa1hB8
Fall 2022 Industrial Stormwater Fact Sheet Meetings:
- Timber Products (Sector A) Stakeholder Meeting
- October 26, 2022, 1pm-2:30pm EDT
- Register
- Water Transportation and Ship and Boat Building and Repair Yards (Sectors Q & R) Stakeholder Meeting
- November 2, 2022, 1pm-2:30pm EDT
- Register
- Rubber, Miscellaneous Plastics, and Miscellaneous Manufacturing (Sector Y) Stakeholder Meeting
- November 9, 2022, 1pm-2:30pm EST
- Register
Please register and join the discussion! Attendance at each one of these meetings is worth 1.5 IHMM CMPs
IHMM Scholarship Program
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is pleased to have created $32,000 in academic scholarships, divided equally between $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student CHMMs, and $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student ASHMs.
IHMM seeks to foster the growth and academic success of students whose courses of education, and participation in one of our Student certifications, will lead to those students becoming fully-certified IHMM credential holders later in their professional lives.
Go to > https://ihmm.org/scholarship/
IHMM CHMMⓇ 2022 Salary Survey
IHMM is pleased to release its 2022 salary survey for Certified Hazardous Materials ManagersⓇ [CHMMⓇ] across a broad range of position titles in the CHMMⓇ community of practice.
You may download the CHMM survey here.
IHMM CSHMⓇ 2022 Salary Survey
IHMM is pleased to release its 2022 salary survey for Certified Safety and Health Managers Ⓡ [CSHMⓇ] across a broad range of position titles in the CSHMⓇ community of practice.
You may download the CSHM survey here.
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IHMM – 26 Fellows Are Mentors | Where are the Mentees?
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to provide instruction to the more than 75 IHMM Fellows in becoming mentors.
Given the extraordinary experience Fellows have, this is a unique opportunity for IHMM Fellows to help guide more recent certificants in their professional development activities.
Atanu and Gene exchanged information about this program on 10/3 and while we are grateful for the 26 Mentors – We Have No Mentees! No one could use help?
IHMM’s Collaboration platform contains a “Mentor Match” module [see below at right] that allows mentors to signup designating the hours, number of mentees, subject areas, and length of time they wish to mentor – as well as allowing mentees to signup requesting assistance in specified areas. The mentor match module does the rest by matching mentors and mentees.
Tire Particles Can Impact Fresh Water
Engineering Duckweed to Produce Oil for Biofuels, Bioproducts
Large Emissions from Ship Scrubbers
Key Step Toward Big Gains in Plastics Recycling
Battery Tech Breakthrough Paves Way for Mass Adoption of Affordable Electric Car
Forty-Second Update of the Federal Agency Hazardous Waste Compliance Docket
Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities September 2022
Parent Company Definition for Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Reporting
EPA to Review Cleanups at 45 Southeast Superfund Sites
UPS Settles with EPA to Correct Alleged Hazardous Waste Violations Nationwide
EPA Releases 2021 Data Collected under Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
China Publishes Draft List of Key New Pollutants under Pollutant Control Action Plan
EPA Announces the Release of Its Updated Lists of Disinfectants for Emerging Viral Pathogens, Including Ebola
EPA Opens Comment Period on New HFC Allowance Allocation Rule
Environmental Law Monitor: Bankruptcy and Environmental Law
TCEQ Announces New Public Involvement Plan
GAO Recommends EPA Use New Data to Analyze the Demographics of Communities with PFAS in Their Drinking Water
EPA Proposes Changes to NSR Fugitive Emissions Requirements – What You Need to Know
NJDEP Publishes New PFAS Standards
2022 Chemicals Workshop Webinar Series: PFAS, REACH and Other Chemical Regulatory Issues
CHEMET and Nexxiot partner to manufacture Intelligent tank containers for safer transportation of dangerous goods
Dangerous goods transport survey highlights challenges
Michigan OSHA launches emphasis program targeting heat hazards
New Study Shows Many Struggle ‘Often’ to Get Employees to Use PPE
Safety Culture Week: A Review – EHS Daily Advisor
House passes bill calling for a NIOSH research program on mental health in the workplace
U.S. EPA begins work to set up $27 bln green bank
The Top Trends in Construction for 2022
Unannounced hazmat inspection blitz finds 1700 violations
Unboxing the New Digital IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
Federal chemical safety protocols not followed in Dinwiddie demonstration that lead to fire
World Health Organization Reports Finding on Mental Health at Work
Rethink Your PPE Offerings
OSHA Steps Up Prosecution of Safety Violations
#1 – Recertification Video
#2 Recertification Video
IHMM Recertification Videos
IHMM is pleased to release two YouTube instructional videos about navigating the IHMM recertification process. These step-by-step videos easily enable IHMM certificants to start and complete a recertification application.
While the full recertification cycle is 5 years, IHMM encourages all certificants to start a recertification application and add certification maintenance points as they are earned to make the final submission quick and easy to accomplish.
FREE US DOT PHMSA HMIT GRANT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS REGULATIONS AWARENESS TRAINING WORKSHOP – 24 IHMM CMPs
Courses are here> https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/?tribe_paged=1&tribe_event_display=list&tribe-bar-date=2022-01-24&tribe-bar-search=NPETE
These workshops are offered with U.S. DOT PHMSA HMIT (Hazardous Materials Instructor Training) Grant support to the National Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (National PETE).
This training is FREE for employees and federal, state, county, and local government employees involved in DOT HazMat Shipping, Receiving and Handling via Ground, Air, and Vessel Transportation.
The workshop curriculum is in accordance with 49 CFR § 172.704 for General Awareness, Function-Specific, Safety, and Security Awareness training requirements.
Class size is limited to 10-15 students with mask/social distancing protocols, so act fast. Minimum of 6 attendees is needed to confirm the class.
Registration: Contact Mr. Raymond Davis, CHMM, IHMM Fellow, NPETE US DOT PHMSA HMIT Grant Project Coordinator/Instructor at [email protected]
Please provide Mr. Davis with the following registration information via email to [email protected]
Your name, Your company, Your company address/city/state/zip, Phone number, and Email
Upon receipt of your registration information, the address of the training location will be provided.
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Margaret Toscano at [email protected] and she’ll be happy to help you.
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
NSC News
Michigan OSHA launches emphasis program targeting heat hazards
‘So little information’: Researchers point out lack of work-injury data on Indigenous people
OSHA advisory committees to meet in November
Researchers to look for link between stunt work and CTE
FMCSA requests input on possible changes to ELD regulations
New for firefighters: A guide for talking with doctors
NSC Webinars
October 27 – Is Your Written Hazard Communication Program OSHA Compliant?
November 3 –Forklift Compliance: Inspection Requirements, Training and FAQs
November 10 –Big Ambitions, Complex Data and Limited Visibility: How EHS and ESG Professionals Are Dealing with Today’s Evolving Challenges
November 17 – Seven Secrets for Successful Safety Incentive Systems
December 1 – OSHA Training for General Industry: Reviewing the Elements for Select Topics
American Society of Safety Professionals
IHMM is a member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and is pleased to bring this important information to all of our certificants.
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
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Beltway Buzz – Ogletree Deakins
Federal Contractor COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Update. The federal contractor vaccine requirement is back in the news. As T. Scott Kelly and Emily Halliday discussed, in late August 2022, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit narrowed the coverage of a previously issued nationwide injunction that barred enforcement of the federal contractor COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Eleventh Circuit’s ruling officially went into effect on October 18, 2022. As a result, on October 19, 2022, the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force issued an update regarding the enforcement of the federal contractor COVID-19 vaccine mandate:
Despite the lifting of the nationwide bar to enforcement on October 18, 2022, at this time agencies should not: (1) take any steps to require covered contractors and subcontractors to come into compliance with previously issued Task Force guidance; or (2) enforce any contract clauses implementing Executive Order 14042.
Going forward, federal contractors can expect at least two more significant steps from the Task Force and the administration. First, “the Task Force will begin a process to update its guidance regarding COVID-19 safety protocols for covered contractor and subcontractor workplace locations.” The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will then “review the updated Task Force guidance and make a determination regarding whether the new guidance promotes economy and efficiency in Federal contracting.” Second, if OMB approves the updated guidance, “OMB will provide guidance to agencies on timing and considerations for the provision of written notice from agencies to contractors regarding enforcement of contract clauses implementing requirements of Executive Order 14042, except as barred by any applicable injunctions.”
NLRB Extends Joint Employer Comment Period. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has extended the deadline for stakeholders to submit comments in response to its proposed joint-employer regulation. Comments were originally due on November 7, 2022, but they now must be received by the Board on or before December 7, 2022. Reply comments are now due by December 21, 2022.
NLRB Inspector General to Audit Mail-Ballot Protocols. Mail-ballot voting continues to be an issue at the NLRB. Several weeks ago, the Buzz noted a recent Board decision in which the dissent advocated for a comprehensive review of the Board’s post-pandemic mail-ballot standard. This week, we highlight a memorandum from the NLRB’s Office of Inspector General that initiates an audit of the Board’s mail-ballot election procedures. According to the memo, the audit will “[d]etermine if any external factors are impeding the Agency’s mail ballot elections” and “[d]etermine if the Agency’s internal controls for mail ballot elections and representation decision writing are effective.” The audit is perhaps a response to employer complaints made over the summer that NLRB officials were improperly coordinating with union officials during a mail-ballot election. According to the memo, a draft report will be issued in March 2023.
Immigration News. The immigration policy front has been busy of late. For example:
- Form I-9 “alternatives” docket closes. October 17, 2022, was the deadline for stakeholders to submit comments in response to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement proposed rule that potentially would allow for “virtual” Form I-9 verification procedures. If finalized as proposed, the regulation would authorize the secretary of homeland security to explore flexible options for I-9 verification.
- More H-2B visas on the way. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it would publish a regulation providing for the issuance of an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas for the 2023 fiscal year. Of that number of supplemental visas, 20,000 will be reserved for workers from Haiti and the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, with the remainder available for returning workers. The announcement does not mention how the full-year supplemental visa allocation will be apportioned between the first and second halves of the fiscal year.
PBGC Issues Reg. Proposal on Withdrawal Liability. The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has proposed a rule to “provide interest rate assumptions in determining a withdrawing employer’s liability to a multiemployer pension plan.” A multiemployer pension plan is a collectively bargained defined benefit plan involving two or more separate employers. Pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), when an employer withdraws from an underfunded multiemployer plan, it is subject to withdrawal liability based on the employer’s share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits. According to a PBGC press release, “[t]he proposed rule would specifically permit the use of [ERISA section] 4044 rates either as a standalone assumption or combined with funding interest rate assumptions, to determine withdrawal liability.” Comments are due by November 14, 2022.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOCIETY
IHMM and HMS
The graphic to the left illustrates the relationship between IHMM and HMS. IHMM formed HMS to serve IHMM’s certificants. IHMM offers a variety of professional credentials and HMS creates education and training programs to serve the applicants and certificants of those credentials.
Easily Find Courses to Help You Pass IHMM Credential Exams
CDGP® Prep Course
CE-1112: CDGP® Exam Prep – Columbia Southern University – Available On Demand
CHMM® Prep Courses
Daily – CHMM® Online Review – Bowen
Daily – CHMM® Prep Course – Institute of Safety & Systems Management
Daily –Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM®) Exam Prep – SPAN Exam Prep, Division of ClickSafety
Nov 30-Dec 1, 2022 – CHMM® Prep Course – PTP Consulting
CSHM® Prep Courses
Bowen EHS, An HMS Training Partner, Adds 3 New Programs for IHMM certificants To Earn CMPs
| Daily | CHMM Online Review | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Acute Toluene Exposure Webinar | Bowen EHS | Online |
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on-demand.
These are the first programs to be added to the “CHMM Blueprint CMPs” hot button on the HMS site. The HMS Education and Training Committee has reviewed the contents of these programs and compared the contents to the CHMM blueprint. IHMM thanks the HMS Education and Training Committee and its Chair, Diana Lundelius, CHMM, for their work on reviewing programs proposed for CMPs for recertification of credentials. This effort ensures that only the programs that meet the highest standards get to participate in the IHMM recertification effort and HMS education and training.
Click on the graphic below…
CHEMTREC, An HMS Training Partner, Adds 2 New Programs for IHMM certificants To Earn CMPs
| Daily | OSHA Hazard Communications Standard | Chemtrec | Online |
| Daily | Shipping Lithium Batteries and Cells Training | Chemtrec | Online |
Thank you CHEMTREC and Erica Rohde for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! Both of the new CHEMTREC programs are available online and on-demand.
These are the first programs to be added to the “CHMM Blueprint CMPs” hot button on the HMS site. The HMS Education and Training Committee has reviewed the contents of these programs and compared the contents to the CHMM blueprint. IHMM thanks the HMS Education and Training Committee and its Chair, Diana Lundelius, CHMM, for their work on reviewing programs proposed for CMPs for recertification of credentials. This effort ensures that only the programs that meet the highest standards get to participate in the IHMM recertification effort and HMS education and training.
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IHMM and HMS Tie Exam Preparation Together for Applicants
Every IHMM certification that requires an examination has a section of its website entitled Examination Preparation.
Connected to the Examination Preparation panel is a companion panel that is Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam.
You see the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel from the CHMM site at left.
When you click on the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel it takes the applicant directly to the HMS site where all CHMM prep courses may be found and chosen.
For the 397 CHMM applicants IHMM had on August 31, 2022, all 397 looking for CHMM prep courses could see and chose their favored CHMM exam prep course. If your course is not on the HMS platform, none of the 397 CHMM applicants could find you.
If you want your CHMM prep course on the HMS platform so it can be found by IHMM CHMM applicants, contact Gene Guilford at [email protected]
HMS Makes Finding Courses to Earn CMPs Easy
Every year more than 1,600 IHMM certificants have to recertify their credentials, evidenced their continuing commitment to improvement and learning to elevate their professional credential.
Earning Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] is illustrated under Recertification of Your Credential, that includes the Recertification Claims Manual – Appendix A, that details all of the ways a certificant may earn CMPs > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/
Having mastered that manual, how does an IHMM certificant find courses to earn CMPs?
HMS has made that simple and easy.
- Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
- Scroll down until you see a row of buttons…click on the CMPs button
The system will then generate all of the courses on the HMS E&T platform with IHMM CMPs already attached.
The next developments by the HMS E&T committee will refine available courses’ CMPs by individual credential!
HMS Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] Exam Prep
The Columbia Southern University/HMS CDGP prep course is found here on the Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] education and training website > https://hazmatsociety.org/training/ce-1112-cdgp-exam-prep/2022-02-02/
The CSU CDGP exam prep course is delivered entirely online and may be initiated by any CDGP applicant at any time. The CDGP applicant has up to 10 weeks to complete the prep course, though an extension of the 10 weeks may be requested from CSU directly. The CSU CDGP exam prep course contains 8 modules covering the 4 principle texts involved in the CDGP exam, as follows:
- UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, and
- International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions (ICAO TI), and
- International Air Transport Association’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (IATA DGR), and the
- International Maritime Organization’s Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code).
More information on the IHMM Certified Dangerous Goods Professional [CDGP] credential may be found here > https://ihmm.org/cdgp/
Applications for the 2022 HMS Scholarship Awards Now Open
The HMS scholarship award is given annually to undergraduate and graduate students whose academic program and research studies have the potential to address the most serious issues in handling hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environmental issues, health & safety challenges. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. academic institutions.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATIONS IS December 1, 2022. All submissions and associated materials must be submitted using the online form.
Scholarship Winners Will Be Announced at the HMS Annual Meeting.
For More Information, Visit > https://hazmatsociety.org/scholarship/
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
RCM&D Professional Liability Insurance
HMS is proud to have partnered with RCM&D to be able to offer an outstanding comprehensive professional liability insurance program to IHMM certificants. Here, you will find information about this important program offering Environmental Consultants and Engineers Professional Liability coverage. This coverage is intended to add protection for loss stemming from actual or alleged negligent acts, errors and omissions in performing professional services.
For more information see > https://hazmatsociety.org/professional-liability-insurance/
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
99% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
As an IHMM certificant, you pay no dues to take advantage of IHMM’s Foundation at HMS. We do appreciate IHMM’s certificants encouraging their companies to contribute.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
A Collaborative Culture
There are 804 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
A collaborative culture is important for every business but is especially important for our hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety communities of practice. Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? This is where we come together to help each other.
IHMM credentialed professionals are at the top 1% of their professions and their reach is global. We are at the forefront of environmental protection, health, and safety and this is where collaborating with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another, lessens the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
Columbia Southern University
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University. Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2022
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2022, virtually as well as in-person as COVID issues allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2022.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2023
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2023, virtually as well as in-person as resources allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2023.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
ASSP Greater San Jose and San Francisco Chapters Safety Symposium
San Ramon Marriott – Thank you Bart Miller for leading this effort
March 9, 2023
National Safety Council Congress & Expo
New Orleans, LA
October 23-25, 2023
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society is IHMM’s Professional Association and HMS’ education and training website can be found here. These events are produced independently of IHMM, and their providers have no access to IHMM certification examinations or program information other than that which is publicly available.
IHMM AFFILIATIONS
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516