49 CFR(http://www.myregs.com/dotrspa/) defines hazardous material as "a substance or material... capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and [that has been] designated as hazardous under section 5103 of federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5103)." Hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, and other materials defined as hazardous in 49 CFR 172.101 fall under the designation of hazardous material. The National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Education and Training Program (WETP) awardees include unions whose members load, transport, and unload hazardous materials every day, by rail, air, and highway.
As defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act(http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/laws-reg.htm#rcra), hazardous waste is a "solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible, illness; or pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed." Since 1987, the NIEHS WETP has funded non-profit organizations with a demonstrated track record of developing and delivering high quality training to workers who are involved in handling hazardous waste. For more information on related NIEHS WETP training activities, visit the NIEHS WETP Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program webpage.
NIOSH Document on Refractory Ceramic Fibers Provides Thorough Review of Data, Exposure Recommendations(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2967) (6.8 MB) "New 07-06" A comprehensive scientific document on occupational exposures to refractory ceramic fibers is now available from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The document provides a thorough critical review of scientific information concerning occupational exposures to refractory ceramic fibers, recommends an exposure limit to address potential work-related health effects, and outlines a recommended strategy to minimize exposures in the workplace.
2002 ICCA Responsible Care Status Report(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=506) (1.2 MB) 2002. 34 pages. The fourth status report on the International Council on Chemistry Association (ICCA) global chemical industry's voluntary initiative, Responsible Care. Responsible Care is an initiative of the global chemical industry in which companies, through their national associations, commit to work together to continuously improve the health, safety and environmental performance of their products and processes, and so contribute to the sustainable development of local communities and of society as a whole.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=1042) (261 KB) 2004. 3 pages. This paper describes the Nature of Hazardous Materials workers. The significant points outlined in this article are 1) Working conditions can be hazardous, and the use of protective clothing often is required.
2) Formal education beyond high school is not required but a training program leading to a Federal license is mandatory. 3) Good job opportunities are expected.
Reaffirming the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Commitment to Environmental Justice(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2293) (857 KB) November 2005. 2 pages. On November 4, 2005, U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen L. Johnson issued a memorandum reaffirming the Agency's commitment to environmental justice. This document provides the details of that memo.
Health and Safety Plan for the 130 Liberty Street Building Phase I Deconstruction Project(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=1447) (704 KB) December 2004. 62 pages. This Health and Safety Plan (HASP) presents the practices and procedures that the Contractor shall follow during the demolition of the building located at 130 Liberty Street in New York City.
Hazardous Materials Safety Information(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=1452) (86 KB) 2005. 2 pages. The American Society of
Safety Engineers (ASSE) produced this brochure that provides basic guidance on safety information for hazardous materials. ASSE has developed this guide to provide the public with key information on what constitutes hazardous materials, the hazmat laws, and who to contact should an emergency occur.
2004 Emergency Response Guidebook(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=1546) (2.8 MB) 2004. 374 pages. A guidebook for first responders
during the initial phase of a dangerous goods/
hazardous materials incident.
The Role of Hazardous Material Placards in Transportation Safety and Security. (http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=1558) (362 KB) January 2003. 46 pages. The Research and Special Programs Administration Office of Hazardous Materials Safety's review of the use of placards on shipments of hazardous materials from the perspective of both safety and security.
Hazardous Materials Response Special Teams Capabilities and Contact Handbook(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=1716) (3.1 MB) 2005. 196 pages. This Handbook is intended to be used as a reference job aid for United States Coast Guard (USCG) Federal On Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) and other Federal, State and local responders and planners. It is designed to provide quick access to the capabilities of various special teams specifically related to oil, hazardous material, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) response.
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Preliminary Observations on Contracting for Response and Recovery Efforts(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2291) (43 KB) November 2005. 1 page. In this report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to provide an overview of (1) its role in evaluating the contracting community with regard to disaster preparedness and response, (2) GAO's plans for reviewing the performance of the federal government and its contractors in preparing for and responding to the hurricanes, and (3) what GAO has learned so far about the performance of the federal government and its contractors in preparing for and responding to the hurricanes.
EPA Asbestos Project Plan(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2362) (95 KB) November 2005. 17 pages. The EPA has released its Asbestos Project Plan, which describes its current and planned actions to ensure a coordinated agency-wide approach to identify, evaluate and reduce the risks to people from asbestos exposure. The Asbestos Project Plan represents EPA's comprehensive effort to address asbestos concerns and protect public health.
EPA Nanotechnology Draft White Paper(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2372) (1.1 MB) December 2005. 134 pages. EPA has issued the Draft Nanotechnology White Paper, a road map that identifies critical questions that must be addressed in order for the United States to reap the potential environmental and economic benefits of nanotechnology.
MSHA's Programs for Ensuring the Safety and Health of Coal Miners Could Be Strengthened(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2486) (508 KB) January 2006. 16 pages. This document is a GAO statement highlighting findings from its 2003 report on how well the Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration oversees its process for reviewing and approving critical types of mine plans and the extent to which MSHA's inspections and accident investigations processes help ensure the safety and health of underground coal miners.
Contaminants in New Orleans Sediment: An analysis of EPA Data(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2527) (2.0 MB) February 2006. 22 pages. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has analyzed the EPA's sediment data, and the Greater New Orleans
Community Data Center has created maps to demonstrate patterns of contamination in
the sediment. Although the EPA tested for a variety of contaminants, this analysis
focuses on four toxic contaminants that are most widespread in the sediment samples:
arsenic, lead, diesel fuel and benzo(a)pyrene.
Criteria For A Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Refractory Ceramic Fibers(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=2772) (6.8 MB) A comprehensive scientific document on occupational exposures to refractory ceramic fibers is now available from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The document provides a thorough critical review of scientific information concerning occupational exposures to refractory ceramic fibers, recommends an exposure limit to address potential work-related health effects, and outlines a recommended strategy to minimize exposures in the workplace.
Preventing Asthma and Death from
MDI* Exposure During Spray-on Truck Bed Liner and Related Applications(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=3367) (1.2 MB) August 2006. 42 pages. This alert summarizes four case reports following exposure to MDI (methylenebis) by workers. Study concludes that exposures may increase the risk of serious respiratory disease, respiratory sensitization, and death. Includes preventative safety brochure.
Whole-body Lifetime Occupational Lead Exposure and Risk of Parkinson's Disease(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=3387) (403 KB) August 2006. 28 pages. Several epidemiological studies have suggested an association between
Parkinson's disease and exposure to heavy metals using subjective exposure measurement. This study investigated the association between objective chronic occupational lead (Pb)exposure and the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Findings suggest that lead exposure can increase risk of PD two fold for individuals in the highest quartile for lifetime lead exposure.
Hazardous Materials Response Special Teams Capabilities and Contact Handbook(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4167) (3.4 MB) This Handbook is intended to be used as a reference job aid for United States Coast Guard (USCG) Federal On Scene Coordinators (FOSCs) and other Federal, State and local responders and planners. It is designed to provide quick access to the capabilities of various special teams specifically related to oil, hazardous material, and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) response.
Minimum Criteria for Worker Health and Safety Training for Hazardous Waste Operations and(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4247) (1.7 MB) 1994. 112 pages. This report represents the efforts from a national workshop of training experts who created interpretive guidance for applying "minimum criteria" to hazardous waste worker training. The original criteria have been widely used by occupational safety and health professionals as the primary benchmark for providing quality HAZWOPER training. OSHA considered the criteria to be sufficiently important to include them in the HAZWOPER standard (1910.120) as Appendix E.
Human Health Risks from Low-Level Environmental Exposures: No Apparent Safety Thresholds(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4271) (106 KB) November 2005. 3 pages. The four major toxins reviewed in this document are widely dispersed in the environment and emerging evidence indicates that exposures must be virtually eliminated to protect human health.
US Army Corps of Engineers: Safety and Health Aspects of Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste Sites(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4272) (2.6 MB) August 2003. 286 pages. This manual identifies and analyzes generic safety and health hazards for 25 remediation technologies used in cleanup operations at Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) sites throughout the country.
Investigation Report: Chlorine Release(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4388) (1.0 MB) March 2007. 55 pages. Matching safegaurd to risk, operating procedures, reactive hazards and emergency response at DPC Enterprises, gas release of Nov. 2003
Not That Innocent(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4410) (1.5 MB) April 2007. 142 pages. A comparative analysis of Canadian, European Union and United States Policies on Industrial Chemicals
OSHA Carbon Monoxide QuickCard(http://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/hasl_g et_blob.cfm?ID=4687) (413 KB) The card contains a list of common sources, symptoms, and effects of carbon monoxide exposure; along with a list of preventive measures employees can take to protect themselves from carbon monoxide hazards.
defines hazardous material as "a substance or material... capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and [that has been] designated as hazardous under section 5103 of federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5103)." Hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, and other materials defined as hazardous in 49 CFR 172.101 fall under the designation of hazardous material. The National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Worker Education and Training Program (WETP) awardees include unions whose members load, transport, and unload hazardous materials every day, by rail, air, and highway.
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