Regulatory
REGULATORY NEWS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 20, 2024
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard. A broad coalition of partners from across Europe have joined forces and launched the second year of the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the deep links between plant health and our everyday lives, stimulating citizen action to protect plant health. The campaign is led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Commission (EC), and 22 European countries. FDALO offers impartial and confidential dispute resolution services to help address stakeholders’ complaints, concerns or enquiries about Health Canada’s administration of the Food and Drugs Act. Our aim is to help improve your service experience and enhance the openness and transparency of decision-making. The Order requires that petrochemical production facilities in Sarnia with fenceline concentrations of benzene above 29 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3) measured in any of the two-week sampling periods beginning on March 1, 2023, and ending on February 29, 2024, at any sampling location established in accordance with Ontario regulations implement vapour-control measures, including fully closed vent systems with vapour control on certain storage tanks that store benzene. The Order will be in effect for 14 days, pending Governor in Council approval, which would extend the Order for up to two years. The Order is complementary to the Government of Ontario’s efforts to reduce benzene pollution in Sarnia. The Aamjiwnaang First Nation community, which is bordered by Sarnia’s refinery and petrochemical district, will directly benefit from this Order, which will reduce benzene emissions and their accompanying health impacts. This bulletin explains the labelling and placarding requirements. It does not change, create, amend or suggest deviations to the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations). For specific details, consult Part 4 of the TDG Regulations. The Health Canada Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) is responsible for pesticide regulation in Canada. The public registry is where you can learn more about all pest control products registered for use in Canada.
WorkSafe Saskatchewan recognized safety leaders from around the province at its 2024 Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards. WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, presented these awards in Regina as part of the WCB’s Compensation Institute. The Ontario government is introducing legislation that, if passed, would provide new tools to prevent and respond to cyber security threats and safeguard critical public services, such as health care and education. By enhancing cyber resilience, the government is ensuring these essential sectors remain secure and operational, protecting the safety and privacy of all Ontarians while providing them with more connected and convenient services across government. WorkSafeNB is pleased that the Government of New Brunswick has introduced new legislation aimed at supporting injured workers and their families across New Brunswick. These historic benefit improvements, which include an increase in loss of earnings benefits and adjustments to maximum annual earnings, mark a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the well-being of our province’s workforce. A bill to phase out production of nonessential uses of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, to prohibit releases of all perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, and for other purposes. Last week, OSHA unveiled a new mission statement that more fully reflects the agency’s purpose and the work we do to serve that purpose. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding companies that the 2024 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) cycle submission period begins on June 1, 2024, and runs through September 30, 2024. For this reporting period, EPA has created a new resource portal. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing a final rule to update the list of chemicals subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting to include seven additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for Reporting Year 2024.iction proposal to cover at least 12 chromium (VI) substances. Given the wider scope, the Agency will submit the restriction proposal by 11 April 2025, instead of the originally planned date of 4 October 2024. On 2-3 May, during the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting, Ministers adopted a Declaration on Supporting the Achievement of the Strategic Objectives and Targets of the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste. ECHA has launched six new consultations on testing proposals. Have your say until 28 June 2024. The European Commission has tasked us to make scientific evaluations, within the scope of the Carcinogens, Mutagens or Reprotoxic Substances Directive, on the toxicological profiles of the following substances in relation to their adverse health effects on workers: These evaluations are to be finalised by April 2026 and will, where appropriate, include proposals for occupational exposure limit values, biological limit and guidance values as well as notations. Safety Share Do you employ outdoor workers? If you do, then sun safety should be part of your health and safety program. Start by reviewing how you currently manage sun exposure in your workplace. Perform a risk assessment by inspecting work areas to identify situations where there is a potential for hazardous sun exposure, evaluate the level of risk to your workers, and determine possible measures to lower the risk and keep workers safe. It’s also good practice to review health and safety records to pinpoint issues that need to be addressed. Have an event you would like to share? Please send details to [email protected]. Concerned about the new regulations for the cosmetics and/or the pharmaceutical industries? Worried about the new mandatory MoCRA requirements? Want to learn best practices for clinical development programs? Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale Mississauga, Canada 9:00am -5:00pm ET. Join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. EDT for a webinar on the final methylene chloride risk management rule recently issued under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This webinar will provide an overview of EPA’s final regulatory action and implementation timeframes, as well as answer key questions submitted in advance by registered webinar attendees. Collaborate and network with thousands of your colleagues, experts from several industries, and NFPA staff on life, fire, and electrical safety innovation at the 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo. ChemEdge is a conference and trade show tailored for the chemical distribution channel. It provides training and education on issues important to chemical distributors, manufacturers, warehouses and service support companies.Advocacy
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