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.

IHMM launched its “Open to Work” online COLLABORATION community exclusively for IHMM certificants looking to connect, share resumes, and discover job opportunities together in a supportive environment.

You can find this community after logging into COLLABORATION here: https://community.ihmm.org/home

Sean Grady, CHMM – Environmental Transformation Podcast

Sponsored Content

IHMM Begins Review of PHMSA ANPR on Automated Transport Systems

B&C’s TSCA Tutor^® On-Demand Training Adds New Modules Covering Articles and SNURs

Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. (B&C^®) is pleased to announce the addition of two new modules, “Articles and the Articles Exemption” and “Understanding TSCA Significant New Use Rules (SNUR),” to the TSCA Tutor^® curriculum.

TSCA Tutor^® provides expert, efficient, and essential Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) training prepared and presented by B&C’s renowned TSCA practice group. Courses can be completed at the learner’s own pace, and enrollment is valid for one full year. Registrants receive detailed handout materials, including copies of all presentations and relevant materials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are theirs to keep.

To enroll, view free previews of courses, and see more details on each course, visit www.TSCAtutor.com

One-Hour Sessions:

• T101: An Overview of TSCA
• T103: Import Requirements, TSCA Section 13
• T104: Export Requirements, TSCA Section 12
• T105: Confidential Business Information (CBI)
• T106: Reporting and Retention of Information, TSCA Section 8
• T107: Articles and the Articles Exemption
• T100-series bundle (six modules)

Two-Hour Sessions:

• T201: Inspections and Audits
• T202: TSCA Section 5 (Part 1) Chemical Inventory, Exemptions
• T203: TSCA Section 5 (Part 2) New Chemicals/New Use
• T204: Chemical Data Reporting
• T205: Chemical Testing (Regulatory)/Animal Welfare
• T206: Prioritization and Risk Evaluation
• T207: Understanding TSCA Significant New Use Rules (SNUR)
• T200-series bundle (seven modules)

Complete TSCA Tutor course bundle (13 modules)

New Washington State Sales Tax on Live Presentations

Washington State has enacted a significant tax change affecting associations. ESSB 5814 (Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5814) call for the collection of sales tax on live educational events held in the State.

The Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) has confirmed that as of October 1, 2025, most live presentations will be treated as taxable retail sales. This includes in-person training sessions, workshops, and seminars, as well as live online programs where participants can interact in real time. View the interim guidance.

On January 12, 2026, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 5980, which would provide an exemption for nonprofits. SB 5980 has been referred to the Senate Ways & Means Committee and currently lacks bipartisan sponsorship, with all primary sponsors from the minority party. This creates uncertainty regarding the bill’s likelihood of advancing in the 2026 session.

Evaluating Health Hazards Where You Work

Workers and employers often wonder about potential health hazards on the job, asking questions like “Is it too noisy in here?” or “Are these chemicals harmful?” At NIOSH, we take these questions seriously. The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program is a long-standing resource for anyone who wants help identifying and addressing workplace health hazards.

Through the HHE Program, NIOSH has responded to more than 16,000 requests from employees, employers, and unions when they suspect a workplace hazard. Our team has experience with everything from heat and noise to mold, chemicals, infectious diseases, and work-related stress. HHEs are conducted at no cost to the requestor and offer practical recommendations to improve workplace safety and health. Read more here.

From Programs to Systems: Navigating the Path to Safety Excellence

Organizations don’t all start their safety and health journey from the same place. Some are just beginning to formalize their efforts, while others have established programs but are working to embed safety and health more fully into planning and operations. Others have implemented formal occupational environmental, health and safety (EHS) management systems aligned with consensus standards such as ANSI/ASSP Z10 or ISO 45001. What matters most is not where an organization starts, but whether it has a clear, actionable pathway for improvement.

Programs as a Starting Point

OSHA recently highlighted its voluntary Safety Champions initiative, which is designed to help employers strengthen core elements of a workplace safety and health program. For many organizations, particularly small employers or those with limited resources, it can provide an accessible foundation. The initiative helps employers:

• Establish leadership accountability for safety
• Strengthen worker participation
• Identify and control common hazards
• Build a basic structure around training and hazard prevention

These steps can help employers move from reactive compliance toward more proactive risk management. Over time, however, sustained progress often involves a system-based approach. Read more here.

OSHA’s FY 2026 Outreach Initiatives

February ICC Compliance Bulletin

• OSHA Pushes HCS Deadlines Back Four Months explains the agency’s extension of key Hazard Communication Standard compliance dates, giving manufacturers and distributors more time to meet revised requirements. The update outlines the new timeline and reinforces the importance of beginning SDS updates now to stay prepared and compliant.
• Stricter SoC Limits for Lithium-Ion Batteries outlines the fully enforced IATA and ICAO requirements as of 1 January 2026, making the 30% state of charge limit mandatory for most lithium-ion battery air shipments. The update explains the safety rationale behind the change and highlights when special approvals are required for higher-charge transport.
• Top PHMSA Resources for 2026 highlights the most valuable PHMSA tools, including interpretations, FAQs, special permits, and rulemaking updates, to help dangerous goods professionals stay informed. It highlights how these resources bridge the gap between regulatory text and real-world application, supporting stronger compliance and risk reduction in the year ahead.
• IMDG Code: What’s Required in 2026 clarifies that Amendment 42-24 is now the mandatory standard for sea transport of dangerous goods as of 1 January 2026. It explains the IMDG Code’s unique amendment cycle and what shippers can expect as future editions are introduced.
• PHMSA Restores a Longstanding Fuel Placarding Exemption explains the 2026 final rule that modernizes cargo tank inspection flexibility and reinstates a historic placarding exemption for certain fuel shipments. The update highlights major cost savings, reduced operational burden, and a return to long-established compliance practices without compromising safety.

Creating the Water Workforce of the Future Webinar Series

Workforce Solutions in Action: NRWA’s Apprenticeship Program Driving Skilled Talent in Rural Water

February 17, 2026

1:00 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. Eastern Time

Register Here

Attendees earn 1 IHMM CMP

Water sector utilities are essential to providing clean and safe water for every American. Within each utility, administrative professionals are critical to achieving compliance and to ensuring the technical, financial, and managerial capacity to address both current and future challenges, all while providing the reliable service, especially in small and rural communities.

Apprentice programs are an important approach to ensuring utilities have a fully trained and motivated workforce that can meet both current and future challenges and provide clean and safe water for all Americans.

This webinar will focus on the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) Apprenticeship Program. NRWA’s Apprenticeship Program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and provides guideline standards to State Rural Water Associations and offers training and tools for State Apprenticeship Coordinators to help build workforce capacity. Water utilities can participate in a little to no-cost, two-year training program through a State Association. This program combines classroom technical instruction and on-the-job training in an earn-while-you-learn model, resulting in a nationally recognized Water or Wastewater Operations Specialist credential, helping utilities develop skilled operators.

This webinar is part of an ongoing webinar series hosted by EPA, in partnership with leading water sector organizations around the country.

Attendance is free! Please register here: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Vc4T-vZIRwis0lW6x2OTEQ#/registration

Environmental News for This Week

Biennial Hazardous Waste Report – March 1

Federal regulations require large quantity generators to submit a report every two years regarding the nature, quantities and disposition of hazardous waste generated at their facility. EPA refers to this as the National Biennial RCRA Hazardous Waste Report or Biennial Report.

The Biennial Report form (EPA form 8700-13A/B) must be submitted to the authorized state agency or EPA regional office by March 1 of every even-numbered year (for example, a report due by March 1, 2026, would report activities from calendar year 2025). The form includes information such as:

• Facility’s EPA ID Number.
• Facility’s name and address.
• Quantity and nature of hazardous waste generated.
• Whether the hazardous waste was sent for recycling, treatment, storage, or disposal.

Read more here

Workplace Safety News This Week

IHMM is a Premier Partner of the Falls 2026 Campaign

May 4-8, 2026

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on “Fall Hazards” and reinforcing the importance of “Fall Prevention”. Employers of companies not exposed to fall hazards can also use this opportunity to have a conversation with employees about the other job hazards they face, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies and goals. It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about falls and other job hazards they see.

• The 2026 hardhat sticker ordering form is open.

In the coming weeks, IHMM will be making materials available for the Falls 2026 Campaign!   In addition, IHMM is looking for 2 volunteers, each from a different construction company, who can tell a great story about how they prevent falls in construction.

Global DG Transport Regulatory Update This Week

IHMM Global DG Transport Compliance Matrix (2025–2026)

IHMM Certificant Compliance Checklist

Week of February 3-February 10, 2026

Executive Overview

The period February 2–10, 2026, continues the post-implementation enforcement phase of the global DG regulatory cycle. With ADR 2025 entrenched, IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 mandatory worldwide, and ICAO Technical Instructions / IATA DGR 2026 fully operational, regulators are emphasizing inspection rigor, documentation accuracy, and international harmonization rather than issuing new treaty text.

Across regions, compliance risk during this period is driven by application and enforcement, particularly for battery technologies (lithium-ion and sodium-ion), hazardous waste/asbestos, pressure receptacles, and undeclared DG in parcel and e-commerce channels.

II. United States — PHMSA Enforcement Shapes the Operative Standard

A. Continued Targeted Inspections; No New Rule Text

No amendments to 49 C.F.R. Parts 171–180 were published during this week. Nevertheless, PHMSA continued applying its data-driven inspection and enforcement framework, with field activity focusing on:

• Lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, including battery-powered equipment and vehicles;

• Pressure receptacles, including cylinder manufacture, requalification, and testing;

• Undeclared or misdeclared hazardous materials, especially in parcel, courier, and e-commerce shipments; and

• Repeat violators, identified through historical inspection and incident data.

Legal Significance

PHMSA’s posture reinforces that enforcement functions as de facto regulation. While the HMR text is unchanged, regulated parties—particularly exporters—are expected to demonstrate functional equivalence with UN Model Regulations and ADR-aligned practices in classification, packaging, documentation, and training. Non-alignment heightens exposure to enforcement action, contractual disputes, and insurance coverage issues.

Read more here

Webinars on Student Privacy

Data Security Best Practices and Incident Response (2/18)

This webinar focuses on proactive data security practices and outlines key steps schools can take to prepare for, respond to, and recover from data security incidents.

Transparency and Vetting Educational Technology (2/25)

The final session examines transparency obligations and strategies for reviewing and selecting educational technology tools with student privacy and data protection in mind.

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External Opportunities

2/18/26 – Preventing Mass Attacks in Our Communities
Hosted by the U.S. Secret Service

3/18/26 – Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment
Hosted by the U.S. Secret Service

4/15/26 – Preventing Mass Attacks in Our Communities
Hosted by the U.S. Secret Service

5/20/26 – Enhancing School Safety Using Behavioral Threat Assessment
Hosted by the U.S. Secret Service

Recent News from the European Chemicals Agency

• Two hazardous chemicals added to the Candidate List
• Consultation on recommending four substances for REACH authorisation
• Testing proposals
• ECHA’s programming document 2026-2028 published
• Call for evidence and public consultation: Evaluation of Biocidal Products Regulation