The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released interim guidance that would provide greater transparency in the agency’s chemical safety inspection process. Under the interim guidance, EPA inspectors will offer employees and employee representatives the opportunity to participate in Risk Management Program (RMP) chemical safety inspections.
Through this interim guidance, the EPA seeks to better protect employees and reduce chemical risk to surrounding communities that could arise from the improper storage and use of listed hazardous chemicals. Facilities that are regulated under the RMP regulation must develop a Risk Management Program that includes procedures to prevent and respond to chemical incidents. With the input from employees and employee representatives, EPA is anticipating that these programs and procedures will be developed with the best interest of employees and the surrounding community in mind. EPA expects to issue final guidance later in the year.
The EPA will also request that the state and local environmental agencies adopt similar procedures under the RMP.
Total Environmental & Safety, LLC has the experience and knowledge to audit and evaluate a facilities RMP compliance posture, coordinate and manage employee and community involvement, develop and implement Risk Management Programs and procedures, and train employees.