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, October 27, 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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IHMM UPDATES
IHMM Board of Directors Election Begins November 2, 2020
IHMM Board of Directors Election Begins November 2, 2020In accordance with the IHMM Bylaws and Elections Guidelines, the 2020 elections for positions open on the IHMM Board of Directors begin 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. Look for your ballot on November 2, 2020, by email.
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
7 Pandemic Safety Mistakes to Avoid
7 Pandemic Safety Mistakes to Avoid With safety being a key component to most post-pandemic business continuity plans, there has been a refocus on the culture of safety. As we look ahead, we can use the refocus as a launching point for sustained safety cultural change in our organizations.
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. Successfully avoiding these mistakes will help you to achieve better employee engagement, more effective improvements and, in the long run, attain a culture of safety.
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to distribute this report to IHMM certificants here.
New COVID-19 Resources!
| OSHA has published several new guidance documents on reducing the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19 for workers and employers in different industries. Workers Wearing Face Coverings in Hot and Humid Conditions OSHA published guidance on the use of cloth face coverings while working both indoors and outdoors in hot and humid conditions or while performing strenuous activities. Employers should follow this guidance to protect against the spread of COVID-19 and the risk of heat-related illness. Cleaning Staff OSHA’s new poster outlines ways to keep janitorial and cleaning workers safe from the coronavirus. Restaurant Employees Learn how to protect workers safe from exposure to coronavirus when restaurants resume dine-in service. Workers Making In-Home Repairs Review guidance for workers making in-home repairs, including plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians to help reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Compliance Safety and Health Officers Read this memorandum that provides temporary enforcement guidance to Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) on Tight-Fitting Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) used during the COVID-19 Pandemic. |
IHMM Professional Standards Committee Disciplinary Action
In May the IHMM Professional Standards Committee of IHMM, Chaired by Dan Blankfeld, CSHM [https://ihmm.org/professional-standards-committee/] received a complaint alleging that an IHMM certificant had engaged in 9 specific instances of plagiarism in an article submitted for publication that constituted a violation of the IHMM Code of Ethics.
The matter was investigated by the committee and the investigation included an appearance by the author of the article in question, where the evidence that had been previously gathered and shared with the author was discussed with the author, and giving the author an opportunity to address the evidence and the questions of the committee.
The IHMM Professional Standards Committee voted to recommend to the IHMM Board that the CHMM credential of Dr. Abdul Khalid be permanently revoked. The IHMM Board heard the presentation of this recommendation and associated evidence on September 11, 2020, and the IHMM Board upheld the recommendation of the IHMM Professional Standards Committee.
On September 15, 2020, Dr. Abdul Khalid received written notice of the decision of the Board to revoke his CHMM credential, providing him with 30 days within which to file an appeal. That 30 days have now passed, and in accordance with Section 1.8.9 [a] of the Complaints and Discipline Program of IHMM, now this notice is published in the IHMM newsletter.
Earning CMPs at IHMM to Recertify your Credential
IHMM took a survey through the weekly IHMM Today and want to know if you recognize these two comments about things you would like IHMM to do in the area of recertification:
- “I don’t know what the IHMM CMP standards are, so I can’t compare”
- “Wide variety of options to include in the recert process. Ability to certify both internal or external conferences or training opportunities to receive CMP’s.”
IHMM standards for earning CMPs are found in the RECERTIFICATION section of the IHMM website at https://ihmm.org/credentials/#recertification
Please see >> https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/ from the site above. There are many many different ways you may earn CMPs, all presented in the document linked here.
As we pointed out earlier this week, you keep track of your CMPs by logging into your account at MYIHMM, found in the upper right-hand corner of the IHMM website. IHMM is also working out a transition plan for all CSHMs and CSMPs for their 5-year CMP requirements – so that the 30 or 20 points you were used to earning at ISHM will translate to the 200 you need with IHMM – so not to worry.
If you have any questions about recertification and using the MYIHMM system please contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected] or James Drosdak at [email protected]
Federation of Environmental Technologists Environment 2020 Virtual Conference
October 20 & 27, October 22 & 29, 2020
Federation of Environmental Technologists Environment 2020 Virtual ConferenceWhile this year’s event will be different, once again our focus will be on educating EHS professionals. The virtual event will allow for interactions with our presenters and offer continuing education credits as in the past. With 24 sessions being offered over four afternoons, you’re sure to find important information that meets your needs.
For conference schedule information, check out the Environment 2020 Brochure.
We are also pleased to have a variety of Exhibitors showcasing their goods and services through sponsorships at various levels of support. We encourage you to visit our exhibitors here – Exhibitors and Sponsors.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact FET at 262-437-1700. We thank you for joining the Virtual Conference this year!
College & University Hazardous Materials Management Conference | October 6-30, 2020
College & University Hazardous Materials Management Conference | October 6-30, 2020The College and University Hazardous Materials Management Conference is the premier conference for College and University hazardous materials professionals. It provides an opportunity to network and share best practices on topics such as hazardous waste management, laboratory safety, emergency response, hazardous materials shipping, training techniques, and environmental management. The conference is held in a different location every year and is hosted by a member College or University. The annual conference includes pre and post-conference professional development courses, facility tours, technical sessions, pre-conference recreational activities, and conference networking events.
IHMM is a part of CUHMMC and its more than 175 colleges and universities around the nation that have a strong focus on hazardous materials curricula. The partnership between IHMM and CUHMMC will be important when IHMM’s Student CHMM pilot program is reviewed for expansion in March of 2021.
Creating Micro-Credentials at IHMM
Creating Micro-Credentials at IHMMThe IHMM Board of Directors has established a Micro-Credential Task Force. This Task Force will explore opportunities to create and execute micro-credentials or endorsements to our fully accredited credentials. These endorsements or micro-credentials may be in specific areas such as environmental law or pandemics. That is for the Task Force to develop and recommend. 60% of IHMM credential holders are interested in this area, so now we begin to build a Task Force to make the idea real. You may volunteer here by providing your name, email, phone, and credential type.
IHMM credential holders are eligible to serve and IHMM will consider applications made here in the order in which they are received.
Best Practices for Leading Health Metrics
Safety News You Need: Incident Investigation
Safety News You Need: Job Hazard Analysis
5 Tips for Planning a Successful OHSMS Audit
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to share this information with all IHMM certificants.
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.
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.
FREE Webinar – Healthy Buildings Amid COVID-19
7 CMPs
On Demand Webinar – Join us on to gain a better understanding of how to create a Healthy Building in the context of COVID-19. This webinar will help you navigate this challenging time as you prepare for building readiness and building re-occupancy.
Stay Ahead of the Game
Tune in to learn strategic tips for encompassing indoor air quality, water quality and surface cleaning and disinfection to protect your employees as they begin reentering the workplace in a healthy and safe manner.
FREE Webinar –CE 1106- Coronavirus Facts: Understanding the Coronavirus
7 CMPs
This course covers basic information on coronavirus-related hazards and how proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures at home or in the workplace may protect against COVID-19. This course will cover facts about COVID-19 and risks related to the virus. The material will guide users through proper cleaning and disinfecting techniques that prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within the home and workplace.
$99 Webinar – Online DOT Bulk Tank Truck Training
1 CMP
Department of Transportation (USDOT or DOT) is a government department that regulates the transportation of hazardous materials within the United States. This course will focus on the DOT regulations relative to shipping hazardous materials primarily by tank truck.
This online program lasts 1 hour.
$45 Webinar – OSHA Asbestos Awareness Training
2 CMPs
Do you work in or around areas that may contain asbestos? If so, you may need asbestos awareness training to work safely and maintain compliance with U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. At Hazmat School, we offer a 2-hour online asbestos awareness course designed to meet the needs of maintenance and custodial personnel and other workers who may come into contact with asbestos-containing materials.
Our online asbestos awareness course satisfies the training requirements outlined by OSHA in 29 CFR 1926.1101. This regulation requires employers to provide training to every employee likely to be exposed to asbestos in excess of permissible exposure limits (PEL) and who performs Class IV asbestos operations. According to the regulation, training must occur annually and at no cost to the employee. The training program must also ensure employees receive information about a number of specific asbestos-related topics.
A Collaborative Culture
There are 245 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 October HMS added the following new communities:
- HMS Academia Community
- HMS Consultants Community
- HMS Government Employees Community
- HMS International Members Community
- HMS Senior Members Community
- HMS Student Members Community
- HMS Women Member Community
- HMS Youth Member Community
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here> https://community.ihmm.org/home
Product Showcase
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.
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 14,775 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 14.000 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 – Staples
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.
NPP provides discount pricing on more than 30,000 supplies and services with free next-day delivery on standard orders over $30. After clicking on the next link and when on the next page, click on START SAVING. Enroll with NPP and start saving today.
Product Showcase
ONLINE TRAINING – TCA’s hazMAX Portal
Training Available:
- Hazardous Materials and Dangerous Goods Transportation Training
- DOT Bulk & Non Bulk, Tank Car, Cargo Tank, IATA, IMDG, TDG, ADR, Lithium Battery, Infectious Substances, Dry Ice
- OSHA Training
- Driver Safety Training
Our hazMAX portal provides one location for your Transportation and Safety Training needs. hazMAX will keep you informed of when your training is due and keep your records organized! LEARN MORE
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
The Senate Goes Home
After confirming Amy Coney Barrett as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, and another US District Court judge for Northern Ohio, the Senate adjourned until November 9, 2020. Hence, there will be no COVID-19 stimulus legislation enacted into law prior to the election on November 3rd.
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree & Deakins
Sweet Asteroid of Death. There are 8 days until Election Day, November 3, 2020. For voters who are unhappy with the available options, there may be some good news: an asteroid may crash into Earth on November 2, 2020, perhaps canceling the remainder of 2020 and obviating the need to cast a ballot on Election Day.
SCOTUS Update. On October 22, 2020, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary approved the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court of the United States by a vote of 12–0. None of the 10 Democratic members of the committee attended the hearing and vote. As the Buzz noted last week, Judge Barrett’s nomination is expected to go to the Senate floor on October 23, 2020, and her confirmation vote is expected to be held on October 26, 2020.
OSHA Clarifies N95 Respirator Effectiveness. This week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration updated its COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to clarify that N95 respirator masks are “effective in protecting workers from the virus that causes COVID-19.” According to a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) news release, OSHA’s updated guidance is intended to address “incorrect claims stating that N95 respirators[’] filter does not capture particles as small as the virus that causes the coronavirus.”
Business Groups Challenge Immigration Regulations. As expected, multiple legal challenges have been filed against the DOL’s prevailing wage regulation and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s H-1B reform regulation. One of the challenges was filed earlier this week by several business groups and universities. Regarding the economic impact of the regulations, the complaint states:
If left unchecked, [the rules] would sever the employment relationship of hundreds of thousands of existing employees in the United States, and they would virtually foreclose the hiring of new individuals via the H-1B program. They would also gut EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visas, which provide for employment-based permanent residence in the United States.
The complaint argues that the rules should be set aside because they conflict with underlying statutory requirements and were promulgated in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act’s notice-and-comment requirements.
B in Lieu of H. Despite the lawsuits, as well as recent court rulings enjoining the visa ban of June 22, 2020, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services fee increases, the administration continues its efforts to restrict temporary high-skilled immigration into the United States. On October 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a notice of proposed rulemaking eliminating the “B-1 in lieu of H” policy for business travel. The proposal asserts that the change “would increase clarity and transparency by removing confusing and outdated language about the scope of activity in the United States that is permissible on a B–1 visa.” Written comments on the proposed rule are due on or before December 21, 2020.
OFCCP Seeks Diversity and Inclusion Materials. On October 22, 2020, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) published a request for information (RFI) seeking “comments, information, and materials from the public relating to workplace trainings that involve race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating.” The RFI is in response to the “Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping” in which President Donald Trump directed OFCCP to collect from federal contractors and subcontractors “copies of any training, workshop, or similar programing having to do with diversity and inclusion as well as information about the duration, frequency, and expense of such activities.” Of course, participation in the RFI is voluntary, and the RFI states that OFCCP will not take enforcement action against a federal contractor or subcontractor that submits materials that are not in compliance “with Executive Orders 13950 or 11246, provided that such contractor or subcontractor promptly comes into compliance with the Executive Orders as directed by OFCCP.” The RFI also includes a hotline number and email address through which employees and members of the public may “report potentially unlawful training materials.”
Earthquake Warning California General Public Toolkit
EPA Provides Expedited Pathway for Companies to Claim “Long-Lasting” Efficacy for Antiviral Products
Final Rule HM-219C Miscellaneous Petitions to Reduce Regulatory Burdens
COVID Stimulus Talks Remain Deadlocked
SBA/Treasury: Business Loan Program Temporary Changes; Paycheck Protection Program-Additional Revisions to Loan Forgiveness and Loan Review Procedures Interim Final Rules
Final Rule Intended to Promote Transparency in Developing EPA Regulatory Guidance Documents Will Take Effect in November
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Frequently Asked Question and Answer Confirming N95 Respirators Protect Against the Coronavirus
MA to Provide Small Business Grants to COVID-19 Distressed Businesses
MIOSHA offering one-on-one COVID-19 consultation to businesses
SABS urges for the use of certified containers in the collection and disposal of hazardous waste
CDC Refines “Close Contact” Guidelines
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