OSHA Sees Potential for Green

In discussions with Department of Labor representatives it appears that OSHA is putting efforts toward updating the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits, which OSHA admits are significantly out of date. During this discussion it was also pointed out that a new approach is being sought by OSHA on how to deal with chemical risk management with the acceptance of green and sustainable options. Traditionally OSHA has addressed chemical risk exposure by a hierarchy of engineering controls, administrative controls, and lastly by the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Under the new approach, OSHA could also recognize and work with companies on chemical substitution which will include the use of more green or sustainability chemicals and applications. OSHA is looking to work with other interested organizations and groups to further investigate the potential of this effort. SGIA will of course stay on top of this activity and will announce any developments.