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 24, 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.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! The IHMM Offices are closed Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th. Have a safe and happy holidsy.
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IHMM UPDATES
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 has launched 45 in 5, getting the other 45 states to recognize our credentials in 5 years. If we can find a volunteer like Mark in 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 ENDS November 30, 2020 – IF YOU HAVEN’T VOTED PLEASE DO NOW
IHMM Board of Directors Election ENDS November 30, 2020 – IF YOU HAVEN’T VOTED PLEASE DO NOWIn 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 until November 30th when the voting ends.
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 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.
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.
Team players
10 insights into OSHA’s Top 10
Working in the cold
Can You Develop Safety Leaders Remotely?
Psychological safety is part of a safe workplace
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring our certificants this important safety-related information.
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.
EPA Evaluates 54 Conditions of Use for TCE, Finding That 52 Present an Unreasonable Risk
EPA Evaluates 54 Conditions of Use for TCE, Finding That 52 Present an Unreasonable RiskThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the final risk evaluation for trichloroethylene (TCE) on November 23, 2020. 85 Fed. Reg. 75010 (Nov. 24, 2020). Of the 54 conditions of use that EPA reviewed, EPA found that 52 present an unreasonable risk to workers, occupational non-users (ONU), consumers, and bystanders. EPA determined that distribution in commerce and consumer use of TCE in pepper spray do not present an unreasonable risk. EPA also found no unreasonable risks to the environment.
Read more > https://www.lawbc.com/regulatory-developments/entry/epa-evaluates-54-conditions-of-use-for-tce-finding-that-52-present-an-unrea
Free Virtual Hazmat Audit With Hazmat Training Purchase!
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- DOT, IATA, IMDG, TDG, ADR Training
- Purchase Must Be $1995+ For Free Virtual Audit
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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 275 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 16,023 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 – Meritain Health Insurance
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.
Haven’t you had enough of the health insurance industry/government exchanges run-around where you have few if any, choices and ever-increasing costs?
HMS has worked with the best people in the health insurance industry to deliver a program exclusively for HMS members that solves this problem. The HMS Health Insurance Program empowers our small to medium-sized businesses with stronger coverage at a lower cost than is found in the ACA commercial marketplaces where you get insurance today.
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
EPA – Reclassification of Major Sources as Area Sources Under Section 112 of the Clean Air Act
IRS Review of Regulatory and Other Relief To Support Economic Recovery
EPA Releases Updated 2019 TRI Data
EPA Final Risk Evaluation For Carbon Tetrachloride Finds Unreasonable Risks To Workers And Occupational Non-Users
EPA Seeks Participants For Small Business Review Panel On HBCD Risk Management Rulemaking
Senate Committee Releases 12 FY 2021 Appropriations Bills – Dec 11 Deadline to Keep the Govt Open
ORM-D Exception Ends on December 31, 2020
EPA Submission Period Extension: Chemical Data Reporting Cycle Now Closes January 29, 2021
Canada out to improve safety in dangerous-goods transportation
CAL/OSHA Votes to Implement Strict COVID-19 Workplace Protections for California
Beltway Buzz Ogletree & Deakins
Former vice president Joseph Biden is now President-elect Joseph Biden. Democrats have managed to hold the U.S. House of Representatives, but they will be working with the slimmest House majority in years. Control of the U.S. Senate is still not known at this time, though Republicans enjoy a 50–48 majority as we await two runoff elections in Georgia scheduled for January 5, 2021. If Democrats win both of those races, they will seize control of the upper chamber, as the vice president (who under the Constitution of the United States also serves as president of the Senate) can provide a tie-breaking vote in the event of a 50–50 deadlock. Any other outcome in Georgia will tilt the Senate balance in favor of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and the Republicans.
While the results of the congressional elections may put a damper on a robust Democratic legislative reform agenda, the Biden presidency will still bring a dramatic shift to the federal labor and employment policy landscape. The 180-degree turn in regulatory employment policy priorities that will likely result will undoubtedly create uncertainty for employers, which are already dealing with a pandemic and an unstable economy. Set forth below are the major labor and employment policy changes to anticipate for 2021.
I. Executive Actions
The quickest and easiest way for newly sworn-in President Joe Biden to initiate policy changes will be by rescinding certain executive orders issued by then former president Donald Trump and issuing his own executive orders. Revoking myriad Trump executive actions relating to immigration will top the list, including those relating to refugees and asylees, certain COVID-19–related travel restrictions, and the ban on certain nonimmigrant visas (Presidential Proclamation 10052 of June 22, 2020). In turn, Biden is likely to reinstitute the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, as well as the temporary protected status of certain eligible nationals.
In the employment law space, Biden is expected to revoke President Trump’s Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping, which is opposed by civil rights groups and members of the business community. It is very possible Biden may follow this action with a proactive requirement on federal contractors to require diversity and inclusion or implicit bias training and programs. Additionally, Biden may also attempt to resuscitate a version of former President Barack Obama’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces executive order.
II. Congress: A More Modest Agenda
Leading up the election, there was much speculation regarding whether the Democrats would abandon the legislative filibuster in the event that they took control of the Senate. Such a move would allow senators to pass legislation with a simple majority vote (51 votes), rather than the 60-vote threshold that is currently required. Eliminating the filibuster would be a monumental and historic change to the way bills are drafted and passed in Congress. In this scenario, a Senate without the filibuster would enable Democrats to expand the number of seats on the Supreme Court of the United States and to pass legislation dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, voting rights, gun control, climate action, LGBTQ rights, and more.
The elections and political aftermath, however, have created a situation in which the filibuster will more than likely survive. At best, the Democrats would have 50 senators in 2021. A tiebreaking vote by a Vice President Kamala Harris would, therefore, appear to give the Democrats the necessary votes to scrap the filibuster, but Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has already stated that he will not vote to eliminate the filibuster, and others in the Senate Democratic Caucus have expressed similar concerns. Thus, with the filibuster likely remaining intact, Republicans will be better able to thwart the Democrats’ legislative efforts, even if the Democrats win both Senate races in Georgia. Similarly, if Republicans prevail in one or both of the Georgia races, Senate Democrats will be able to filibuster Republican bills. (The White House and House of Representatives would also obviously work as a check on the Senate.)
CHEMTREC’s Online Hazmat Training Meets U.S. DOT Training Requirements!
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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