Chemscape Blog

Dec 17, 2019

Developing a Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment

HazCom Resources Understanding Respiratory Code of Practice A Respiratory Code of Practice (CoP) outlines the selection, maintenance, and use of respirators. It includes training requirements, addressing airborne hazards, and proper respirator use. Employers must provide training, ensure medical clearance, and make the CoP accessible to all workers. Chemscape offers solutions to implement effective respiratory practices.

Dec 13, 2019

Cleaning Products Can Be Dangerous When Mixed

Health & Safety Meeting Content: Mixing cleaning products can be deadly. Follow these 10 safety tips: label products and have SDSs, know the hazards, read labels, ventilate the area, don't mix products, use bleach alone, wear gloves, store properly, dispose properly, and look for less toxic alternatives.

Sep 10, 2019

What Chemicals Can Harm Your Skin at Work?

Skin exposure to hazardous substances can cause occupational diseases. sdsBinders can help identify skin hazards through reports on skin absorption, skin sensitizers, and photosensitizers. GHS Pictograms and hazard statements also identify skin health hazards. Proper identification is crucial for illness prevention.

Aug 29, 2019

What is Control Banding?

Control banding (CB) assesses and manages workplace hazards by categorizing them into control measures. It's practical for small businesses, providing a simplified risk management method, especially where exposure limits are unknown. CB is versatile, cost-effective, and complements traditional risk assessments.

Aug 12, 2019

Do I need a Safety Data Sheet for that washer fluid at work?

Consumer products like washer fluid may be used more frequently or in greater quantities at work. Assess the risk by considering quantity, frequency, and application. Despite exemptions, an SDS may be needed for workplace safety and preparedness. Chemscape can help source and maintain consumer product SDSs.

Jul 26, 2019

The Limitations of PPE as a Hazard Control Method

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes protective gear like clothing, helmets, and respirators. While essential, PPE is the last line of defense and has limitations. A PPE management program should include proper selection, use, and maintenance. Chemscape’s CHAMP helps manage these limitations effectively.

Jul 9, 2019

Products Excluded from WHMIS: What You Need to Know

WHMIS exempt products, such as pesticides and consumer products, are not required to have a WHMIS label or SDS but can still be hazardous. Employers must provide training on safe handling, health effects, and storage. Chemscape helps source and maintain SDSs for these products to ensure workplace safety.

Jun 17, 2019

Similar Exposure Groups can simplify Chemical Exposure Monitoring

Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) simplify chemical exposure monitoring by grouping workers with similar exposure profiles. This method saves resources, enhances safety, and allows for better control measures. SEGs are established through observation and sampling data, providing valuable insights for risk assessments and health trend analysis.

Jun 10, 2019

Complexities of Today’s Oil and Gas Worksites with SimOp/Concurrent Operations

Simultaneous/Concurrent operations increase worksite complexity and chemical hazards. Key actions include accurate chemical inventory, thorough hazard assessments, and protective measures in your Exposure Control Plan (ECP). Chemscape provides SDS and chemical management solutions for the oil & gas industry to ensure safety and compliance.

May 21, 2019

Differences between U.S. OSHA and Canadian HPR WHMIS Regulations

Hazardous products in Canada are regulated by WHMIS and HPR, while in the US, OSHA and HazCom 2012 are responsible. Both countries follow GHS for classification and labeling. Key differences include bilingual labels in Canada. It's possible to meet both countries' requirements with a single SDS and label.

Apr 29, 2019

SDS Language Regulations for Employers Across Canada

Federally regulated Canadian workplaces must have SDSs in both English and French. Quebec requires SDSs in French. Other provinces do not have specific bilingual requirements but may choose to provide SDSs in both languages. Chemscape helps source SDSs to ensure workplace safety and compliance.

Feb 27, 2019

The use of prescribed concentration ranges on an SDS

WHMIS amendments allow prescribed concentration ranges for trade secrets on SDSs. Suppliers must state that the actual concentration is withheld and ensure hazard classifications reflect the most hazardous concentration. Consumers should know that these ranges ensure accurate hazard information without compromising trade secrets.

Feb 7, 2019

How to Select Chemical Substitutes

Chemical substitution involves replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. Start by understanding current chemical hazards and usage, then identify and test alternatives. Use tools like CHAMP for hazard assessments. Implement substitutes with proper training and monitoring to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Jan 29, 2019

Have you considered substitution in your chemical management strategy?

Chemical substitution reduces workplace health and safety risks by replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. This method cuts down on control measures like PPE and engineering controls, saving costs and improving safety. Chemscape’s CHAMP offers tools to find and implement effective chemical substitutes.

Dec 19, 2018

WorkSafeBC 2019 Initiatives for Oil and Gas

In 2019, WorkSafeBC expanded their focus in Oil & Gas to include Pipeline Construction. Key concerns are exposure control plans, hazard assessments, and proper training. Initiatives also address risks from hydrocarbon-based drilling fluids, welding fumes, and silica exposure. New safety teams and advanced training programs are being implemented to ensure compliance and worker safety.

Nov 13, 2018

Clearing up confusion on SDSs and the 3-year expiration rule

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) expire when changes to a product are made, replacing the previous 3-year rule. Suppliers must update SDSs within 90 days of new information. Employers must ensure SDS availability and review hazards regularly. Chemscape offers SDS management to keep workplaces compliant and safe.

Sep 25, 2018

What is an Exposure Control Plan?

An Exposure Control Plan (ECP) provides guidelines to prevent worker exposures to hazardous substances. Required by certain regulatory bodies, ECPs address specific hazards and protective measures. Chemscape's CHAMP software helps identify exposure risks and create customized ECPs to ensure workplace safety and compliance.

Jun 27, 2018

WHMIS Training & Education: What’s the Difference?

WHMIS distinguishes between education and training. Education covers general WHMIS knowledge, hazard understanding, and SDS information. Training focuses on site-specific procedures, safe handling, and emergency protocols. Both are essential for workplace safety. Chemscape helps develop comprehensive WHMIS programs.

Jun 26, 2018

How Long is WHMIS Training Good For?

WHMIS training should be updated when significant information changes and provided to new hires. Regularly review your chemical inventory and consider changes in workplace conditions, hazards, and SDS information. Annual reviews are recommended, with re-training cycles varying by company. Chemscape offers a WHMIS 2015 checklist to help design your training program.

Jun 21, 2018

Who needs WHMIS training?

Employees needing WHMIS training include those at risk of exposure to hazardous products, those who use or handle these products, supervisors of such employees, and emergency responders. Even office workers may need basic WHMIS awareness. Chemscape provides a WHMIS 2015 checklist to help design effective training programs.

Jun 20, 2018

How to identify chemicals or ingredients for elimination

Eliminating hazardous chemicals in the workplace reduces health risks. Banned chemicals are not allowed on-site, prohibited chemicals have strict controls, and restricted chemicals have usage limits. Identify, search, and act on chemicals of concern with tools like sdsBinders. Chemscape’s CHAMP technology aids in safer substitutions.

Jun 6, 2018

Signs of Poorly Written Safety Data Sheets

Be cautious of low-cost SDS providers. Common red flags include inexperienced authors, non-compliant structures, inaccurate classifications, omitted precautionary statements, missing signal words, lack of contact info, and simply retitled old SDSs. Prioritize quality to ensure compliance and safety. Chemscape offers reliable SDS authoring services.

May 28, 2018

How Safety Data Sheets differ significantly between countries

Although GHS introduces standardized communication for SDSs, they still vary significantly by country due to differing local regulations and GHS revisions. Regular updates and an experienced SDS author are essential to navigate these differences. Chemscape offers expert SDS authoring services to ensure compliance and safety.

Apr 17, 2018

Simultaneous Operations Safety

Simultaneous or Concurrent Operations (SimOps) involve multiple tasks occurring at the same time and location, increasing workplace hazards. Key steps for managing chemical hazards include thorough hazard assessments, clear communication, and effective controls. Commitment and collaboration from all parties are essential for safety during SimOps.

Aug 23, 2017

How to Define 'Fit for Duty' for Event and Incident Investigations

Understanding why occupational injuries and illnesses occur requires focusing on root causes rather than immediate factors. "Fit for Duty" assesses a worker's physical, mental, and emotional state to ensure safety. Addressing gaps in management systems and considering all contributing factors can enhance workplace safety. Chemscape provides tools and training to support this approach.

May 23, 2017

How to Use Less Hazardous Chemicals

Reducing Chemical Hazards with Substitution Minimize workplace hazards by replacing harmful chemicals with safer alternatives. Benefits include improved worker health, cost savings, and reduced environmental impact. Follow these steps: identify alternatives, compare risks, and make informed decisions. Chemscape’s CHAMP technology can help streamline the process for effective chemical management.

Apr 5, 2017

Removing Bias in your Risk Assessment for a Healthier Chemical Footprint

Risk Assessment for Health and Safety Professionals: Key steps include identifying hazards, evaluating risks, determining impact, implementing corrective actions, and prioritizing measures. Stay objective and consult experts for accurate evaluations.

Feb 2, 2017

Canadian 2018 GHS/ WHMIS Deadlines

Important Update: Health Canada announced a new deadline for suppliers. Canadian suppliers had until June 1, 2018, to update their SDSs. It's crucial for suppliers to stay updated with changing regulations to ensure compliance and safety.

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What Are IDLH Values? A Practical Guide for Employers and EHS Professionals

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