IHMM Remotely Proctored Exams Available Now
IHMM is pleased to announce that 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 of this year.
About 60% 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, CHMP, or CDGP exams or Kaylene Cagle at [email protected] for the CSHM or CSMP exams.
Phone: 301-984-8969 | [email protected]
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
IHMM Today is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
Other than content specifically provided by IHMM, articles contained in IHMM Today are compiled from independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.
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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA RECOGNIZES CSHM, CHMM, CDGT
- Individuals must possess at least one current, bureau-recognized credential listed below AND have two years of acceptable safety experience as also defined below; or
- Be designated as an In Service provider. When filing their annual report of Accident and Illness Prevention Services/Program, a self-insured employer or insurer can request an In Service designation for a provider who does not yet hold a recognized credential but is working to earn one. An In Service provider has five y
ears to obtain a recognized credential and must be under the direction of a fully qualified provider while in service.
The CSHM, CHMM, and CDGT all are recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for these authorities.
This is just the beginning, as there are 5 states that formally recognize IHMM credentials
IHMM and AHMP have launched the 45 in 5 project to get the other 45 states to do the same.
IHMM & AHMP Launch 45 in 5 – National Credential Recognition
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 5 states.
In the two weeks since the launch, we have added Delaware, Florida, Texas, California, Washington, Georgia, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama, Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts as the next states for us to work on.
Now Mark at AHMP and Gene at IHMM have 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 45 other states 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.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Take a template letter we write and send it to the right people at the right agencies of state governments
- IHMM & AHMP will identify the agencies and the people to contact
- Follow up after sending the letter
- IHMM will engage all of our certificants and AHMP will engage all of its members in each state to communicate with the agencies in support of the recognition
Let’s get the rest of the country on board. Volunteer using this form > https://forms.gle/xVJ7UgwcfomWTpdR9
IHMM Board of Directors Election Began November 2, 2020
IHMM Board of Directors Election Began November 2, 2020In accordance with the IHMM Bylaws and Elections Guidelines, the 2020 elections for positions open on the IHMM Board of Directors began November 2, 2020, and runs through November 30, 2020.
For January 2021 we have two seats open, one for a CHMM and one for a non-credentialed Public Member, for which we solicited candidates every week from March through July.
The map at left shows RED states as states from which IHMM already has a Board member [2 from Maryland], and the BLUE states are the states from which we have candidates for next month’s election. One of the many things the IHMM Nominating Committee takes into account in selecting Nominees is geographic diversity. This year one candidate resides in Qatar.
Every IHMM certificant in good standing will receive a named and numbered ballot to ensure the security of the election and so each may only vote once. All IHMM certificants in good standing received ballots on November 2, 2020, by email, and will receive a reminder each week.
For the CHMM and Public Member Positions, We Have the Following Nominees.
Robert E. DeHart, CHMM
Boone, NC
Robert’s Bio
Why Robert Wants to Serve
William M. Diesslin, CHMM
Rick Huckfeldt, CHMM
Richland, WA
Rick’s Bio
Why Rick Wants to Serve
David Onchagwa, CHMM
Doha, Qatar
David’s Bio
W. Morgan Hyson, Public Member
Rockville, MD
Morgan’s Bio and Why Morgan Wants to Serve
Kermit Rader, Public Member
Philadelphia, PA
Kermit’s Bio
Why Kermit Wants to Serve
NIOSH’s Second Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirator FRN Webinar
Elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs) are reusable respirators that may be worn in a healthcare setting and supplement the supply of disposable respirators available to healthcare workers. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)—in coordination with the Strategic National Stockpile—posted a Federal Register Notice (FRN) titled “A National Elastomeric Half Mask Respirator (EHMR) Strategy for Use in Healthcare Settings During an Infectious Disease Outbreak/Pandemic”.
Through this FRN, NIOSH is seeking input regarding the national distribution plan of purchased EHMRs, as well as identifying potential organizations interested in receiving a portion of these EHMRs with the commitment to provide a report of user acceptability and feasibility of implementation.
NIOSH is seeking organizations including, but not limited to:
- Hospital systems, individual hospitals, and/or specific hospital units (i.e., emergency department, intensive care units)
- Outpatient care settings (i.e., offices, clinics, home care, urgent care, rehab centers)
- Long term care facilities
- Dental practices
- First responder organizations (i.e., police, fire, EMS)
To learn more about how your organization can participate in this effort, please join us for a second webinar on November 18 from 1:00-2:00pm (ET). NIOSH will provide an overview of EHMRs, a summary of the FRN, expectations of potential participants, the next steps, and answer any questions you may have.
REGISTER
NIOSH Approves First Elastomeric Half Mask Respirator Without an Exhalation Valve
Respirators are an important resource in reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. When workers wear respirators to protect themselves against workplace hazards, they also need to maintain source control to protect others in case they are themselves sick with COVID-19. Concerns were raised that respirators with exhalation valves may allow unfiltered exhaled air to escape into the environment, therefore not offering source control.
NIOSH is working to identify solutions to address exhalation valve concerns in both filtering facepiece respirators and elastomeric half mask respirators (EHMR). Several research studies are underway on this issue.
In parallel with the NIOSH research on exhalation valves, manufacturers have been conducting research and development to produce an elastomeric respirator that addresses the exhalation valve concerns.
To this end, NIOSH has approved the first EHMR without an exhalation valve. This respirator is approved for use with either P95 or P100 particulate filters (NIOSH approval numbers: TC-84A-9260, TC-84A-9261, TC-84A-9256, TC-84A-9257). This EHMR can be used for both personal protection and source control. Exhalation is accomplished through the particulate filters meeting all NIOSH requirements, thereby allowing it to also serve as a means of source control since it will maintain the high level of filtration upon exhalation. This EHMR can be cleaned and disinfected as part of a respiratory protection program’s standard procedures. The particulate filters are available with an integrated splash guard to improve the ease of completing a user seal check, to help protect from liquids, and to aid in wiping down the filter housing with disinfectant.
More information on NIOSH-approved respirators, including the first EHMR without an exhalation value, is available on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List.
Proactive Approach to Weld Fume Management: How to Assess, Plan and be Prepared Amid the New Environment
Proactive Approach to Weld Fume Management: How to Assess, Plan and be Prepared Amid the New EnvironmentRegister for Noon Central on Thursday, November 19
In an ever-changing environment, stay up to date with the latest information regarding weld fume controls and how to keep your environment clean and compliant.
In this webinar, our experts will navigate OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls, walking you through key steps and recommendations to implement weld fume solutions in relation to each tier of the hierarchy. They will discuss best practices for weld fume management to help you identify and determine an effective approach plan best suited for your workplace, helping to improve productivity, efficiency and air quality.
Key topics that will be discussed:
- Common base metals and airborne particulates associated with welding
- Factors that can impact operator exposure
- How to identify and assess welding fume particulate in your work environment
- How to mitigate risk following OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls, considering the most feasible and effective solution options
Short- and long-term benefits of controlling welding fume particulate in your work environment.
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to share this information with all IHMM certificants.
Beyond COVID Observations to a Culture of Safety
Safety observations are a widely known tool throughout the environmental, health and safety fields. However, this known process is not always implemented in a way that encourages employee engagement. When done in the right way, safety observation processes bolster employee engagement and provide a great repository for leading indicator analysis.
Amid setting up a COVID-19 response plan, your organization may have employed an informal observation program to gather insights from employees to bolster your response.
Many of us were, and are still, in the uncharted territory of handling a viral pandemic and mitigating the risks to employees in the workplace. To ensure the controls are practical and meaningful for the different locations and departments of your business, you required input from the people who best understood how work is performed in their area.
The informal observation program that was used to assist in your COVID-19 response can help fuel the path to a more formalized program post-COVID-19; one in which there is a standardized method for gathering observations (such as software applications), and a defined process for reviewing and acting on the data. Safety observations can be a powerful tool. However, when organizations move to implement a formalized program, there are seven crucial mistakes that can lead to disengagement and disintegration of
your safety culture. Click on the graphic to download this report.
Southeastern Louisiana University is having its semi-annual ASP award ceremony for their graduating seniors.
These graduates have earned a Bachelors’s degree in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment. While this is normally a formal event COVID has driven Southeastern Louisiana to perform this celebration virtually. IHMM is pleased to be presenting our ASHM program during this ceremony as graduates are eligible for the credential upon graduating and will also receive a discount for the application fee.
The ceremony will be on December 4th, 2020 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Central time. We would like to thank Southeastern Louisiana University for this opportunity and Mr. Jan Rosenberg as the presenter for the ASHM program.
IHMM/HMS Coronavirus Resources
IHMM/HMS Coronavirus ResourcesIn February of 2020, the World Health Organization’s director-general has declared a public health emergency of international concern over the ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. On March 13, 2020 President Trump declared a national emergency for the United States. IHMM and HMS’ first concern is with the safety and health of all of us; our staff and families, colleagues, certificants and members. We will update this page regularly as credible, authoritative information is available.
INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS, PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, AND LABORATORIES.
HMS Launches Jobs Board
We invite our participating companies to post their available employment opportunities here. There is no charge for this service. HMS staff reviews each proposed posting for clarity and completeness before posting to the public view and may remove a posting without notice.
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
81% 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.
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.
Don’t Miss out on the next FREE CESB Webinar
Don’t forget to sign up for CESB’s next FREE webinar that will focus on the Legal Considerations of the COVID-19 Pandemic. This session will cover critical legal considerations specific to credentialing organizations and provide action items to use in the overall strategy to respond to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the credentialing operations during and after the pandemic. This webinar is scheduled for this Thursday, November 19th at 12:00 pm Eastern. This webinar will feature CESB Public Member, Mark Franco, Esq, with Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Law Firm.
Registration will end at noon Eastern on Wednesday, November 18th.
Register for Webinar Today
Free Virtual Hazmat Audit With Hazmat Training Purchase!
- Make Sure Your Hazmat Operations Are Fine Proof
- Take Advantage Of TCA’s Expertise
- DOT, IATA, IMDG, TDG, ADR Training
- Purchase Must Be $1995+ For Free Virtual Audit
- Mention This Ad For Your Free Virtual Audit
- This Special Is Good For November And December Trainings
Global leadership in DG compliance
Hazmat Safety Consulting provides dangerous goods services to assist clients navigate the complexities of the dangerous goods regulations for all modes of transport. Our staff all previously worked for the US DOT, and have international regulatory experience and knowledge to address the most challenging dangerous goods issues. For clients, a partnership with HSC means having access to knowledgeable consultants that will give you peace of mind that your DG shipping program is operating in a safe and efficient manner.
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A Collaborative Culture
There are 264 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. 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.
In November HMS added the following new communities:
IHMM Microcredential Community
IHMM-AHMP 45 In 5 Community
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here> https://community.ihmm.org/home
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 Jim Drosdak at [email protected] and he’ll be happy to help you.
HMS Education and Training
Hazardous Materials Society now has 15,905 education and training programs on its website https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/ with more coming every week. Certificants will note that most of these programs carry a CMP value, making it easier to know in advance what to expect. The HMS Education and Training platform also provides a wide variety of courses for professional development across all of IHMM’s credentials – and more are being developed by the HMS Education and Training Committee.
This is the center of education and training for IHMM certificants and prospective certificants. Among these more than 15.000 programs are webinars delivered online and virtually all carry IHMM CMPs values with them for your annual / 5-year CMP planning. SEE: https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
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.
HMS Affinity Programs – Verizon
With more than 27,000 people – here is where HMS leverages our numbers for member’s benefit. There is strength and value in numbers and that translates into lower costs for you.
Receive up to 22% OFF monthly access fees* and up to 35% OFF smartphones, tablets and accessories. Enroll with NPP to start saving with the nation’s largest, most reliable 4G LTE network. (After clicking this link you end up on the HMS/NPP page where you click on START SAVING where you sign up to get your savings.)
*All Verizon Wireless offers are for a limited time only and are subject to equipment availability. Verizon Wireless reserves the right to change or modify all offers at any time without notice. All terms and conditions are subject to and governed by Verizon Wireless’ Agreement with Customer, including, but not limited to, Customer eligibility requirements. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the Verizon Wireless offers, however, Verizon Wireless is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Restrictions may apply. Visit mynpp.com for details
Product Showcase
Free Virtual Hazmat Audit With Hazmat Training Purchase!
- Make Sure Your Hazmat Operations Are Fine Proof
- Take Advantage Of TCA’s Expertise
- DOT, IATA, IMDG, TDG, ADR Training
- Purchase Must Be $1995+ For Free Virtual Audit
- Mention This Ad For Your Free Virtual Audit
- This Special Is Good For November And December Trainings
CONTACT US TODAY!
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins
Biden Agency Review Teams Announced. President-elect Joe Biden has announced his “agency review teams” to begin evaluating agency operations in anticipation of the shift in executive power in January 2021. The labor review team (overseeing the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the National Labor Relations Board, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), among other agencies) looks like a yearbook photo from the final year of President Barack Obama’s administration. Individuals such as Jenny Yang (former EEOC chair), Seth Harris (former DOL deputy secretary and acting secretary), and Patricia Smith (former DOL solicitor) will join others from organized labor, academia, and progressive think tanks in beginning the initial overhaul of the DOL.
EEOC Update. Three important updates regarding policies coming out of the EEOC are as follows:
- Conciliation Comments. November 9, 2020, was the deadline for stakeholders to submit comments on the Commission’s proposed rule to provide “greater clarity to the conciliation process [by] enhanc[ing] the effectiveness of the process and ensur[ing] that the Commission meets its statutory obligations.”
- Religious Guidelines. This week, the Commission voted to send an updated draft of its Compliance Manual Section on Religious Discrimination to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review prior to public comment. According to a press release, the changes reflect the changing landscape of federal jurisprudence on this matter and “include important updates to the discussion of protections for employees from religious discrimination in the context of reasonable accommodations and harassment[,]” as well as an expanded “discussion of defenses that may be available to religious employers.”
- Wellness. This week, the EEOC also sent proposed rules addressing employer sponsored wellness plans under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act to OIRA.
OFCCP Final Rule on Discrimination Procedures. On November 10, 2020, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) published a final rule entitled, “Nondiscrimination Obligations of Federal Contractors and Subcontractors: Procedures to Resolve Potential Employment Discrimination.” The rule codifies changes made in previous OFCCP directives and is intended to increase the “transparency of OFCCP’s operations so that contractors and OFCCP can resolve potential violations through a clear, mutual understanding of the issues.” In part, the rule sets forth the different types of evidence that OFCCP uses to support the issuance of a Predetermination Notice (PDN) or Notice of Violation (NOV). The rule becomes effective December 10, 2020.
NLRB Rules on Mail Ballots. This week the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a decision establishing the standards for mail and manual elections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Board policy traditionally favors in-person elections, but since March, it has conducted 90 percent of elections via mail due to the safety concerns raised by the pandemic. The Board’s decision establishes six situations, each one of which is normally sufficient to favor mail ballots in lieu of in-person voting. The situations are:
- “The Agency office tasked with conducting the election is operating under ‘mandatory telework’ status.”
- “Either the 14-day trend in the number of new confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the county where the facility is located is increasing, or the 14-day testing positivity rate in the county where the facility is located is 5 percent or higher.”
- “The proposed manual election site cannot be established in a way that avoids violating mandatory state or local health orders relating to maximum gathering size.”
- “The employer fails or refuses to commit to abide by GC Memo 20-10 [Suggested Manual Election Protocols] protocols.”
- “There is a current Covid-19 outbreak at the facility or the employer refuses to disclose and certify its current status.”
- “Other similarly compelling considerations.”
DOL Appeals Joint-Employer Ruling. Late last week, the DOL filed its appeal of a decision by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in State of New York v. Scalia that struck down the DOL’s joint-employer rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Because the wheels of justice turn slowly, it is very likely that this appeal will be inherited by the next administration, which will likely not be interested in defending the rule. Accordingly, the next administration will probably seek to pause the litigation while it reviews the rule and promulgates its own joint-employer rule and then will ask the court to dismiss the case as moot. However, business groups have been permitted to intervene in the case, and they will undoubtedly have a say in how it proceeds.
Department of Labor Proposes Rule To Clarify Independent Contractor Conundrum
Major Roadblocks Remain on COVID Stimulus Deal
Senate Republicans Release FY21 Appropriations Bills
Judicial Review of US Lead Hazard Rule Suggests Debate Will Continue
Deadline Approaching: TSCA CDR Reports Due November 30, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Guidance Alerting Employers to Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections
Environment – 2020 Post-Election Analysis: Issue by Issue
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Publications
Partners Aim to Help Shipowners Meet Hazardous Materials Regulations
Streamline Your Chemical Management with SaaS
OSHA implements temporary COVID-19 rules for Oregon businesses
Canada out to improve safety in dangerous-goods transportation
Sustainable Marketplace: Greener Products and Services
Moderna Announces Coronavirus Vaccine With 95.5% Success Rate
OSHA Issues Guidance For Workplace Ventilation
CHEMTREC’s Online Hazmat Training Meets U.S. DOT Training Requirements!
CHEMTREC, the world’s leader in hazmat emergency response, can help keep your company safe and compliant with its self-paced online hazmat training courses. Available training includes 49 CFR, Hazmat General, Safety and Security Awareness, IATA, and Lithium Battery Shipping. Sign up today!
IHMM EVENTS CALENDAR
IHMM NOW HAS A COMPANION ORGANIZATION FOR WHICH EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS ARE PRESENTED AND DELIVERED. THE CALENDAR IN THIS SPACE FROM THE IHMM WEBSITE IS BEING REPLACED BY THE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOCIETY WEBSITE AND THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING SECTION FOUND HERE: https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470, Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 Fax:301-984-1516