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Tuesday, February 6, 2024
IHMM Today is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM).
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Certified Dangerous Goods Professional® (CDGP®)
IHMM’s Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP®) credential is an unbiased verification that a company employs a global multi-modal hazmat transportation expert, as the CDGP recognizes expertise in dealing with the safe, secure, and compliant multi-modal transportation of dangerous goods internationally under the model regulations published by the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, International Civil Aviation Organization, and International Air Transport Association.
IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the credential badges that are now in each CHMM, CHMP, CDGT, CDGP, AHMM, Student CHMM, CSHM, CSMP, CSSM, ASHM and Student 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/.
Hazardous Materials / Dangerous Goods Transportation Credentials
Certified Hazardous Materials Manager
Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner
Certified Dangerous Goods Professional
Associate Hazardous Materials Manager
Certified Dangerous Goods Trainer
Student Certified Hazardous Materials Manager
EHS / Workplace Safety Credentials
Certified Safety & Health Manager
Certified Safety Management Practitioner
Associate Safety & Health Manager
Student Associate Safety & Health Manager
Certified School Safety Manager
Microcredentials
Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist
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 85 countries around the World.
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.
IHMM RECENT NEWS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/DANGEROUS GOODS
CISA, EPA release cyber incident response guide for water sector
Multidisciplinary team to develop GHG emission guidance for water utilities
EPA Proposes to Modify the Definition of Hazardous Waste and Add Multiple PFAS as Hazardous Constituents
Deadline for Filing Annual Pesticide Production Reports — March 1, 2024
Congress at odds over pipeline safety funding as ruptures continue
PHMSA delivers proposed rule on carbon pipeline safety to White House OMB
Much has been done to improve rail safety in wake of East Palestine
Nuclear waste transport risks to be conveyed
OSHA Enforcement Directive Addresses Hazardous Chemicals
The 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook Is Coming!
Top Risks for Businesses in 2024
Ohio reaches $110M settlement with DuPont
Engineers Unmask Nanoplastics in Oceans for the First Time, Revealing Their True Shapes and Chemistry
Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures
EHS/WORKPLACE SAFETY
OSHA -Emergency Response Standard
4 Strategies for Better Project Data
4 ways to level construction’s playing field
Public construction spending soars, but private projects still face hurdles
7 ways that Davis-Bacon changes could cost contractors
Job openings drop, but demand persists
3 dead, 9 injured in Idaho construction collapse
More of OSHA’s ‘most interesting cases’
EHS staffing optimization: Four questions to ask
Safety Training 2.0: Interactive and Engaging Approaches
NIOSH Bringing ‘Strategic Foresight’ to OSH Community
CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Launches First Federal Campaign for Hospitals to Tackle Healthcare Workers Burnout
National Interscholastic Athletics and After-School Activities Safety and Security Forum Addresses School Safety
INSIDE IHMM
IHMM Enters Its 40th Year
On December 3, 1984 the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management was created with the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager® [CHMM®] credential. John H. Frick, Harold M. Gordon, John J. McCambridge, and Richard A. Young created what would become an Institute that offers 11 professional credentials across Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods and EHS Work Place Safety communities of practice in all 50 of the United States and 85 other countries.
IHMM thanks its hundreds of volunteer leaders, thousands of certificants and companies who support IHMM through strengthening its ability to extend its reach and allow us all to live up to why we exist our vision, and our mission…
Why We Exist
We believe there is only one Earth; our passion is to protect it.
Our Vision
IHMM credentials and competency standards are embraced worldwide
Our Mission
IHMM sets standards of excellence for professional credentials to advance the global environmental, health, and safety communities of practice.
Comparing the IHMM CDGP with the DGSA
#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.
Full recertification information is found here >> https://ihmm.org/credentials/#recertification
Questions about your recertification may be made to either Jimmy Nguyen [email protected] of Jelian Larbi [email protected]
The Dr. John H Frick Memorial IHMM Scholarship Program – Closed for 2023 – Deadline 10/15/2023 – Re Opens in 2024
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/
A Collaborative Culture
There are 1,233 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]
IHMM Organizing Broader Government Affairs Activities – Call for Volunteers
In strategic planning on August 17, 2023 IHMM created a strategic imperative to create a broader government affairs operation on behalf of, and with the assistance of, all of IHMM’s certificants.
- Federal Government – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching Federal regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - Federal Government – Congress
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in Congress.
- State Governments – Regulatory
We need a group of people watching state regulatory developments to advise when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in the agencies. - State Governments – Legislatures
We need a group of people watching legislation to advise us when taking action can be helpful and raise our visibility in state legislatures.
If you want to make a difference in the recognition of your credentials and build on the successful record we have achieved thus far – we need you to volunteer. Learn more by visiting our Government Affairs Committee page, and get involved with government affairs. You can volunteer for one, two, three or all four of the segments of the committee’s work. That’s up to you!
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
IHMM Proposes Changes in Government Recognition of Credentials
State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to update Chapter 851, Standards for Generators of Hazardous Waste. In the current regulation work is required by a professional engineer. IHMM is proposing to include an environmental professional as defined by 40 CFR §312.10.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a number of courses in occupational safety and health within which OSHA credits “A degree in occupational safety and health, a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation.” IHMM will propose including the CHMM, CSHM, and CSMP.
Beltway Buzz, Ogletree Deakins
House Advances Bipartisan Tax Package. On January 31, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R. 7024) by a vote of 357–70. The bill combines an expansion of the child tax credit with business-friendly tax provisions, and would pay for this, in part, by terminating the CARES Act Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program. While the overwhelming vote in the House might portend easy passage in the U.S. Senate, this might not necessarily be the case. In addition to the usual political negotiations, the Senate is preoccupied with legislation relating to the southern border and foreign aid, federal government funding, and a potential impeachment trial of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The Buzz will be monitoring the bill’s progress in the Senate as these debates unfold.
Fed Contractors: Salary History Ban, Pay Posting Requirement Proposed. On January 30, 2024, the administration published a notice of proposed rulemaking on “Pay Equity and Transparency in Federal Contracting.” The proposed rule would:
“(1) prohibit contractors and subcontractors from seeking and considering information about job applicants’ compensation history when making employment decisions about personnel working on or in connection with a government contract; and
(2) require contractors and subcontractors to disclose, in all advertisements for job openings involving work on or in connection with a government contract placed by or on behalf of the contractor or subcontractor, the compensation to be offered to the hired applicant, for any position to perform work on or in connection with the contract.”
The proposed changes would be “applicable to acquisitions at or below the SAT [simplified acquisition threshold] and to acquisitions for commercial products and commercial services, including COTS [commercially available off-the-shelf] items.” The proposal would instruct potentially aggrieved applicants to file complaints with the “central collection point of the agency that issued the solicitation or awarded the contract or order” and would provide that following investigation of such a complaint, the contracting agency may “take action as appropriate.” Comments are due on or before April 1, 2024. Leigh M. Nason and Cameron W. Ellis have the details.
USCIS Issues Final Rule on Increased Fees. On January 31, 2024, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a final rule that increases the fees it charges for processing certain immigration and naturalization benefit requests. As just one example, the rule increases registration fees for H-1B visas from $10 to $215. USCIS has also created a frequently asked questions (FAQ) guidance page on the fee increase rule. USCIS last amended its fee schedule in 2016. The rule becomes effective on April 1, 2024. Jennifer M. Cofer has the details.
USCIS Issues Final Rule on H-1B Modernization. On February 2, 2024, USCIS issued a final rule entitled “Improving the H-1B Registration Selection Process and Program Integrity.” According to a press release accompanying the rule, it is intended “to strengthen the integrity of and reduce the potential for fraud in the H-1B registration process.” Accordingly, the rule only implements certain proposals from the agency’s notice of proposed rulemaking, “Modernizing H-1B Requirements, Providing Flexibility in the F-1 Program, and Program Improvements Affecting Other Nonimmigrant Workers.” Those remaining provisions are being reviewed and can be expected to be finalized in the future.
The final rule focuses on the beneficiary-centric selection procedure for H-1B visa holders, which will work as follows:
“Each unique beneficiary who has a registration submitted on their behalf will be entered into the selection process once, regardless of how many registrations are submitted on their behalf. If a beneficiary is selected, each registrant that submitted a registration on that beneficiary’s behalf will be notified of the beneficiary’s selection and will be eligible to file a petition on that beneficiary’s behalf during the applicable petition filing period.”
The final rule also provides USCIS with new tools to combat fraud in the H-1B program, such as clarifying the agency’s ability to deny or revoke the H-1B petition if statements contained in the underlying paperwork “were inaccurate, fraudulent, or misrepresented a material fact.” The new system will be in effect for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap season, and registration will be open from March 6, 2024, to 12:00 p.m. on March 22, 2024. Geeta M. Shah has the details.
EEOC to Increase Outreach to Vulnerable Workers. On January 29, 2024, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) launched its REACH initiative, which “is focused on enhancing the agency’s outreach to vulnerable workers and underserved communities.” The REACH Initiative builds on the EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement Plan for Fiscal Years 2024–2028 (SEP), which prioritizes “protecting vulnerable workers and persons from underserved communities from employment discrimination.” According to the SEP, “the Commission views the category of vulnerable workers as including: immigrant and migrant workers and workers on temporary visas; people with developmental or intellectual disabilities; workers with mental health related disabilities; individuals with arrest or conviction records; LGBTQI+ individuals; temporary workers; older workers; individuals employed in low wage jobs, including teenage workers employed in such jobs; survivors of gender-based violence; Native Americans/Alaska Natives; and persons with limited literacy or English proficiency.” The REACH initiative is being led by Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal, who will be a keynote speaker at Ogletree Deakins’ 2024 National Workplace Strategies Seminar in Washington, D.C., from May 1–4, 2024.
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Paid Leave Bill. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced legislation to encourage more employers to offer paid family and medical leave to their employees. Currently, pursuant to a provision in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, employers may take a tax credit when they provide employees with up to twelve weeks of paid family and medical leave. This provision is set to expire in 2025. The new bill, called the Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act, would make this existing business tax credit for employers permanent. The bill is separate from the “four pillar” framework concept the Buzz discussed recently.
NPDES BASIC PERMIT WRITERS’ COURSE
Virtual Guided Learning
February 15, 2024 – March 21, 2024
The U.S. EPA is pleased to announce the opening of registration for the the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Basic Permit Writers’ Virtual Guided Learning Course starting on February 15th with a morning and afternoon session running for five weeks.
The objective of this course is to provide the basic regulatory framework and technical considerations that support the development of wastewater discharge permits required under the NPDES program. The course was designed for permit writers with about six months to one year of experience in the NPDES program, but experienced permit writers wanting a refresher course and other water program staff or interested parties wanting to learn more about the NPDES program also are welcome.
We are offering a morning and afternoon session for this course offering. Please see the registration pages for the agendas with dates and times and only register for one session.
There is no cost for the course. Registration is limited and available at:
NPDES Basic Permit Writers’ Course – Virtual Guided Learning February 2024 (AM)
NPDES Basic Permit Writers’ Course – Virtual Guided Learning February 2024 (PM)
Following registration, a series of emails confirming registration and with further instructions will be sent each week until the course begins. For any questions related to this announcement, please contact Sean Ramach at [email protected] or (202) 564-2865
EPA Proposes to Modify the Definition of Hazardous Waste and Add Multiple PFAS as Hazardous Constituents
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on February 1, 2024, two proposed rules that will add to its comprehensive approach to tackling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution and the commercial bottom line for hundreds of businesses facing costs for cleanup. The first proposed rule would modify the definition of hazardous waste as it applies to cleanups at permitted hazardous waste facilities. EPA states that this modification “would assure that EPA’s regulations clearly reflect EPA’s and authorized states’ authority to require cleanup of the full range of substances that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) intended, including emerging chemicals of concern, such as PFAS, that may present substantial hazards, at permitted facilities.”
The second proposed rule would amend the RCRA regulations to add multiple PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents. According to EPA, these PFAS “would be added to the list of substances identified for consideration in facility assessments and, where necessary, further investigation and cleanup through the corrective action process at hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities [TSDF].” EPA will publish the proposed rules “in the next few weeks.” As reported in our October 29, 2021, blog item, then New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) petitioned EPA in 2021 to address PFAS under RCRA. In its response to the petition, EPA outlined plans to initiate the rulemaking process for two rulemakings. These proposed rules constitute initiation of those rulemakings. For more information, please read the full memorandum.
EPA Releases Draft Updates to Its Scientific Integrity Policy for Public Comment
On January 24, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began a 30-day public comment period on the draft updates to its Scientific Integrity Policy (Policy). 89 Fed. Reg. 4606. EPA states that in accordance with the requirements of the 2021 Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-based Policymaking, it is revising its Policy. The updated Policy will adopt a new federal definition of scientific integrity and “meaningfully strengthen several policy elements that will help ensure a culture of scientific integrity at the Agency.”
EPA notes that it will incorporate the model scientific integrity policy from the National Science and Technology Council’s A Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice (2023), lessons learned over the years, and the results of previous surveys of EPA staff on scientific integrity. Comments are due February 23, 2024. Given the central importance of scientific integrity in all that EPA does, we encourage interested parties to provide comments on EPA’s draft Policy. For more information, please read the full memorandum.
EPA – Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a regulation to implement the requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) as specified in the Methane Emissions Reduction Program of the Inflation Reduction Act. This program requires the EPA to impose and collect an annual charge on methane emissions that exceed specified waste emissions thresholds from an owner or operator of an applicable facility that reports more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases emitted per year pursuant to the petroleum and natural gas systems source category requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule. The proposal would implement calculation procedures, flexibilities, and exemptions related to the waste emissions charge and proposes to establish confidentiality determinations for data elements included in waste emissions charge filings.
DATES:
Comments. Comments must be received on or before March 11, 2024. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), comments on the information collection provisions are best assured of consideration if the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) receives a copy of your comments on or before February 26, 2024.
Public hearing. The EPA will conduct a virtual public hearing on February 12, 2024. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for information on registering for a public hearing.
EPA – Standards of Performance for New Stationary Sources and Emission Guidelines for Existing Sources: Large Municipal Waste Combustors Voluntary Remand Response and 5-Year Review
The EPA is proposing amendments to the new source performance standards (NSPS) and emission guidelines (EG) for large municipal waste combustion (MWC) units. These proposed amendments reflect the results from a reevaluation of the maximum achievable control technology (MACT) floor levels, a 5-year review, and the removal of startup, shutdown and malfunction exclusions and exceptions. These proposed amendments also streamline regulatory language, revise recordkeeping and electronic notification and reporting requirements, re-establish new and existing source applicability dates, clarify requirements for certain air curtain incinerators, close a 2007 proposed reconsideration action, correct certain typographical errors, make certain technical corrections, and clarify certain provisions in the NSPS and EG. These proposed amendments would revise all emission limits in the EG, except for carbon monoxide (CO) limits for two subcategories of combustors, and all nine emission limits in the NSPS. The EPA is reevaluating the MACT floors in response to the EPA’s voluntary remand of the large MWC rules following a petitioner’s request that the EPA review the MACT floors for large MWC units in consideration of a D.C. Circuit Court decision on MACT floor issues. The 5-year review is required by the Clean Air Act (CAA). The proposed amendments would result in an estimated 14,000 tons per year reduction in regulated pollutants.
DATES:
Comments must be received on or before March 25, 2024. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), comments on the information collection provisions are best assured of consideration if the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) receives a copy of your comments on or before February 22, 2024.
Public hearing: If anyone contacts us requesting a public hearing on or before January 29, 2024, we will hold a virtual public hearing. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for information on requesting and registering for a public hearing.
Request for Nominations of OSHA’s Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH)
As you may be aware, OSHA is requesting nominations for membership on its Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH). Nominations for FACOSH must be submitted by February 23, 2024.
Individuals may submit nominations and supporting materials, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2023-0012, electronically at https://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. For more information, see the Federal Register Notice.
OSHA – Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) Meeting Notice
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) will meet in person and virtually on February 22, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., ET. ACCSH Workgroups will meet on February 21, 2024.
Individuals may submit comments and requests to speak, identified by Docket No. OSHA- OSHA-2024-0002, electronically at https://www.regulations.gov/, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, by February 15, 2024.
For more information, including tentative agenda items and registration information for the in-person meeting, see the Federal Register Notice, Press Release, and ACCSH website. Virtual meeting attendance information will be posted in the Docket (Docket No. OSHA-2024-0002) and on the ACCSH website prior to the meeting
Using Data to Prioritize School-Based CVI Efforts – STOP Specialized TTA Webinar
Join LISC on 2/16 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM for an insightful webinar on Community Violence Intervention (CVI) strategies. Discover effective ways to address the challenge of deploying resources in schools and communities to intervene, prevent violence, and foster safer learning environments for students. This webinar will highlight how schools can utilize the vast data they collect to help prioritize who and where to deploy CVI resources.
Register Now
Preparation and Response Strategies: Lessons Learned From a Mass Shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, TN Webinar
Join the Institute for Intergovernmental Research’s (IIR) Knowledge College session on “Preparation and Response Strategies: Lessons Learned From a Mass Shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee” on 2/29, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM ET. Captain Steven Bowers, the former commanding officer of MNPD’s School Safety Division, will provide insights into the 2023 mass shooting incident, sharing valuable lessons on prevention, response, and recovery strategies.
Limited to sworn law enforcement personnel, this session aims to help participants identify specific opportunities for preventing and responding to school violence, enhance local critical response planning, and build collaboration for improved emergency preparedness.
Register Now
IATA Lithium Battery Guidance Document Edition 65
To assist shippers in understanding the complete requirements related to the transport of lithium batteries, including packing instructions, IATA has prepared the updated Lithium Battery Guidance Document (pdf). This 2024 guidance document includes updated and additional FAQs for shippers to learn how to comply with the 65th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) on definitions, classifications, exceptions, and prohibitions.
EPA Issues Final SNUR to Prevent Inactive PFAS from Reentering Commerce
On January 11, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final significant new use rule (SNUR) to prevent companies from starting or resuming the manufacture (including import) or processing of 329 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are designated as inactive on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory. 89 Fed. Reg. 1822. The final rule notes that persons subject to the final SNUR are required to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing any manufacture (including import) or processing of the chemical substance for a significant new use. Once EPA receives a significant new use notification (SNUN), EPA must review and make an affirmative determination on the SNUN and take such action as is required by any such determination before the manufacture (including import) or processing for the significant new use can commence. EPA states that such a review “will assess whether the new use may present unreasonable risk to health or the environment and ensure that EPA takes appropriate action as required to protect health or the environment.” The SNUR will take effect March 11, 2024. For more information, please read the full memorandum.
NPRM: Streamlining Requirements for the Approval of Certain Energetic Materials
On November 30, PHMSA published the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) “HM-257A: Streamlining Requirements for the Approval of Certain Energetic Materials” to the Federal Register. This NPRM proposes to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to:
• Streamline the classification and approval process for low-hazard ground device fireworks
• Codify existing guidance for UN3178 novelty devices
• Revise classification criteria for small arms cartridges to include tracer ammunition
• Include the PHMSA Portal as the method to submit applications for all explosives approvals
• Allow for voluntary termination of an explosive approval by the approval holder.
If you’re involved in the pyrotechnics supply chain, PHMSA wants your input! The public comment period for this NPRM ends on February 28, 2024.
Interested in being the first to know when PHMSA posts notices and rulemakings to the Federal Register? Receive email notifications from the Federal Register whenever PHMSA posts by visiting the Federal Register site and clicking ‘Subscribe’ at https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/pipeline-and-hazardous-materials-safety-administration.
An Immersive Inventory of Impulse Noise
Impulse noise may be as quiet as the pop of a can opening. The phenomenon ranges through the snap of a pencil, the beat of a snare drum, the crack of a bullwhip, and the blast of a rifle. What these events share is rapid change in sound pressure within a very short period, often less than a hundred milliseconds. The high peaks and very brief sampling windows make impulse noise difficult to measure with current dosimeters and sound level meters. Since impulse noise is more likely than normal noise to cause noise-induced hearing loss, this difficulty is cause for concern among occupational and environmental health and safety professionals.
Professional Certification Coalition
IHMM is a member of the PCC. The PCC monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting professional certification on an ongoing basis. The PCC has compiled several “Watchlists” identifying and analyzing provisions in pending legislation at both the state and federal level that, under applicable rules, may still be enacted in the current legislative session. Depending on the carry-over rules in the relevant legislature, the charts listing current legislation may include bills introduced in a prior year. In addition, the PCC compiles each year a chart of enacted legislation that affects certification. The charts include hyperlinks to every bill or executive order. Note that the Watchlist and the Enacted Legislation document do not include profession-specific legislation and do not include regulatory initiatives. The charts will be updated as needed based on new developments.
State legislation tracked this week…
IHMM Credential Recognition
The highest priority of IHMM’s Government Affairs Committee is the recognition of IHMM’s credentials by government. We have made substantial progress in the two years we have undertaken this endeavor, as outlined in detail here > https://ihmm.org/credential-recognition/
In this project we have 45-in-5, increasing the number of states that recognize IHMM credentials.
- 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 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
Regulatory Updates
- Department of Labor Issues its Fall 2023 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
- Environmental Protection Agency Issues its Fall 2023 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
- Department of Transportation Issues Fall 2023 Regulatory Agenda – Read more here
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.
IHMM – 26 Fellows Are Mentors
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to engage both 26 IHMM Fellows as Mentors and anyone who seeks some assistance as Mentees.
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. This article from ASAE magazine outlines how a mentoring program can become more successful – engagement!
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.
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 Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected] and he’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
OSHA publishes ‘comprehensive’ proposed rule on emergency response
Save the date: National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents
FMCSA seeking more input on how it decides if motor carriers are safe
OSH policies a ‘direct entry point’ for addressing workplace violence, ILO says
OSHA updates enforcement policy on process safety management
Heavily used turnout gear may expose firefighters to cancer-causing chemicals
NSC Webinars
Feb 15 – OSHA Workplace Safety Inspections: What You Need to Know!
Feb 22 – Have You Gone Mobile? Elevating Safety Programs and Boosting Productivity
Feb 29 – Leading and Lagging Indicators: Keys to Success
Mar 7 – Mitigating Gas Risks Through Safety, Education & Training
Mar 14 – Forklift Operator Training: Prevent violations and injuries by knowing OSHA’s training requirements
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.
ASSP News
Feb 12 – Managing Risk, Not Safety
Feb 12 – 14 – Advanced Safety Management Methods
Feb 12-14 – Live Virtual Classroom: Communicating for Action: Is Anyone Even Listening?
Feb 12-14 – Live Virtual Classroom: Beyond Compliance: A Healthier Workplace Is a Safer Workplace
Feb 12-14 –Safety Management I
Feb 12 – Live Virtual Classroom: Confined Space Assessment, Entry and Rescue
Feb 12-14 – Live Virtual Classroom: Corporate Safety Management
ASSP Standards News
- Approval of ISO 45004 FDIS [measurement] – December 2023 – Closed on January 10th and the results were sent to the TAG membership
- Approval of ISO 45001 Interpretation of Dec 2023
- The ISO 45006 ballot [pandemics] is currently out to adopt the document as an ANSI Registered Technical Report. The ballot for ISO 45006 will end on February 23rd
- Approval of NWIP [New Work Item Proposal] For Proposed ISO 45008 [remote workers]
The U.S. TAG to ANSI for ISO TC283 approved ISO 45002 and ISO 45006 as ANSI registered technical reports.
- ISO/ASSP TR 45002-2023: Occupational health and safety management systems – General guidelines for the implementation of ISO 45001:2018
- ISO/ASSP TR 45006-2023: Occupational health and safety management – Guidelines for organizations on preventing and managing infectious diseases
At this point, the adoption process is complete. We will conclude limited public review and then move forward with publication of ISO 45002 and ISO 45006 as an ANSI Registered Technical Report[s].
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.
2024 PHMSA HMIT Grant 24 Hour DOT HAZMAT Training Schedule
These courses are 24 hours in length, are approved for 24 IHMM CMPs, and are FREE to attend. Available only as in-person training.
For Registration contact Mr. Raymond Davis, CHMM, IHMM Fellow, NPETE US DOT PHMSA HMIT Grant Project Coordinator/Instructor at [email protected]
Lion Tech, HMS Training Partner, Adds Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification [DOT] Training
This week Lion Tech has added its Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification [DOT] Training to the HMS Daily Training schedule. This two-day workshop provides comprehensive training to offer hazardous materials for transportation in compliance with the US DOT/PHMSA Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). The two-day workshop is approved for 12.50 CM Points toward IHMM re-certification.
| Daily | Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) Training | Online |
| Feb 29 – Mar 1, 2024 | Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) Training | Dallas, TX |
| Mar 18 – Mar 21, 2024 | Houston, TX |
CHEMTREC, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
This week CHEMTREC has added its HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training to the HMS Daily Training schedule. This HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training is designed for individuals who need to refresh their existing 24-hour or 40-hour HAZWOPER certification. This course meets the requirements outlined in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 for 8 (eight) hours of annual refresher training for workers involved in the transport, storage, or handling of hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
See the CHEMTREC HAZWOPER 8-hour Refresher Training here!
CHEMTREC, an HMS training partner, has had 7 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee. Thank you CHEMTREC, and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
| Daily | Ground Transportation for Carriers | Online |
| Daily | OSHA Hazard Communications Standard | Online |
| Daily | Shipping Lithium Batteries and Cells Training | Online |
| Daily | Hazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness Online Training Course | Online |
| Daily | IATA Dangerous Goods Online Training for Operations | Online |
| Daily | 49 CFR Training | Online |
| Daily | IATA Dangerous Goods Online Training for Operations Personnel | Online |
AIHA, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA] an HMS training partner, has added its first of many courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs in support of IHMM certificants holding the CHMM, CHMP, CSHM, and CSMP credentials. Thank you, AIHA.
Bowen EHS, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
Bowen EHS, an HMS training partner, has had 4 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you Bowen EHS and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
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.
| Daily | EPCRA Tier II Reporting | Online |
| Daily | CHMM Online Review | Online |
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Online |
| Daily | Acute Toluene Exposure Webinar | Online |
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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.
Easily Find Courses to Help You Pass IHMM Credential Exams
A core mission of HMS is education and training. Part of that mission includes assembling the best and most effective courses to assist IHMM applicants in passing their 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
CSHM™ Prep Courses
CSMP™ Prep Courses
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 399 CHMM applicants IHMM had on January 9, 2024, all 399 applicants looking for CHMM prep courses could see and choose their favored CHMM exam prep course. If your course is not on the HMS platform, none of the 399 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/
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.
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 2024
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2024, virtually as well as in-person as resources allow. In 2023 IHMM participated in the Bay Area ASSP conference, Ohio Safety conference, COSTHA Annual Meeting, AIHA Conference & Trade Show, ASSP Annual Conference, CUHMMC, AHMP, National Safety Conference and FET
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that are not named here? If so, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]
ASSP 2024 Bay Area Safety Symposium
February 29, 2024 – 8 am to 5 pm
The San Ramon Marriott located at 2600 Bishop Dr in San Ramon, California. Thank you to Bart Miller for making these arrangements for IHMM and staffing the booth!
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