.Are you aware of the importance of Legionella water testing services?
As a daily routine, we head over to our kitchen faucet to turn on the tap water to drink, cook and wash dishes. In addition, we use the tap water in our bathroom sink to brush our teeth morning and night and to take showers.
Our tap water is generally filtered and disinfected, enforced by the town, city, or state to meet the safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). So, tap water tastes good and is safe to drink, right? No, not always, as water temperatures and plumbing pipes do play a significant role.
How do you know whether your water is safe to drink? Some signs showing it is unhealthy include cloudy and murky water, sediment or particles in the sink, foul odor, and green algae.
In addition, to knowing all of this, are you aware that our tap water has many good bacteria that are harmless and healthy for us?
Unfortunately, along with the good, there can be harmful bacteria lurking that you may not be aware of, including Legionella.
What is Legionella?
Legionella is found naturally in freshwater rivers, lakes and streams which is not a problem in the wild. However, it becomes a huge concern when Legionella bacteria grows and spreads to manufactured plumbing water systems such as water faucets, showerheads, hot tubs, water heaters and cooling towers.
Legionella bacteria can find their way into processed public water systems when a water disinfection system fails, the water stops flowing, the disinfection levels are inaccurate, or the plumbing becomes stagnant where the plumbing has a “dead leg.” Legionella bacteria can grow in water temperatures between 68-113°Fahrenheit (°F). Hence, dead legs containing stagnant water can amplify the legionella bacteria. When legionella bacteria grow in dead legs of a water pipe, they can propagate into the building’s water system.
There is an increased risk of Legionella exposure as it multiplies while thriving where water temperatures are between 68 and 113°F. It only takes a breath of tiny water droplets for a person to be exposed and contract Legionnaires disease. This disease is a severe form of pneumonia where the lungs become inflamed. Unfortunately, Legionnaires disease does not resolve independently and, if left untreated, can be fatal.
Legionella Water Testing
There are a few ways to test for Legionella. Each method of detection and sampling has different degrees of effectiveness. The primary Legionella water testing and detection methods are the Culture Method, the PCR Method, and the DFA Method.
Culture Method
The Culture Method involves the bacterial filtrate from the water source confined on an agar petri dish to identify the species and serogroups using biochemicals. The results will be either qualitatively reported as ‘Detected with Legionella’ or ‘Not Detected’ or quantitatively reported as concentrations of the various species and serogroups. The drawback of the culture method is that it takes ten days to complete, a time when more occupants could become exposed to the Legionella bacteria.
PCR Method
The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Method is excellent for screening drinking water samples and only takes a couple of hours to complete. However, this method is not best when sampling water in our environment exposed to dirt and debris, as these conditions can inhibit the laboratory’s method to detect the presence of Legionella.
DFA Method
The third Legionella water testing method is the DFA (direct fluorescent antibody) method, created by the CDC in 1978, which is considered the best for testing Legionella in drinking and environmental water samples.
Legionella Prevention
Several steps and methods can be implemented to minimize and prevent Legionella bacteria from entering your water supply.
Develop a water management program.
Ensure the water heater works optimally and the temperature is set correctly to prevent Legionella from surviving and multiplying.
Remove piping “dead legs” and maintain water movement throughout the plumbing system.
Regularly clean and maintain cooling towers.
Incorporate routine environmental testing for Legionella to catch any signs before it spreads.
Legionella Water Testing Services
PHASE Associates, LLC provides reliable, efficient, and accurate Legionella water testing services to New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
For Legionella water testing, we utilize sampling techniques with comprehensive laboratory testing to analyze water environments for Legionella pneumophilia, non-pneumophilia and Legionella species in the system. We have extensive experience performing environmental risk assessments, sampling, and testing for Legionella in facilities of all types and sizes.
Hazard communication and chemical safety are two critical concepts that are closely related to each other. Hazard communication refers to communicating information about the hazards associated with chemicals. In contrast, chemical safety involves implementing measures to prevent or minimize the risks associated with chemical exposure.
We explore the importance of hazard communication and chemical safety in the workplace, the legal framework governing these concepts, and best practices for implementing hazard communication and chemical safety programs.
Why is Hazard Communication Important?
Hazard communication is essential because it helps workers understand the risks associated with the chemicals they work with and the precautions they should take to minimize them.
When workers have this information, they can take steps to protect themselves and their coworkers from harm. For example, workers may wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous chemicals or may take additional safety precautions when working with dangerous chemicals.
Moreover, hazard communication is essential for employers’ compliance with regulatory requirements. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to implement a hazard communication program that includes labeling, safety data sheets, and employee training. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties and fines.
What is Chemical Safety?
Chemical safety refers to implementing measures to prevent or minimize the risks associated with chemical exposure. These measures may include engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Engineering controls involve designing the workplace or the process to eliminate or reduce chemical risks.
Administrative rules include implementing policies and procedures to reduce exposure to chemicals, such as limiting the duration of exposure or rotating workers to minimize exposure.
PPE involves using gloves, respirators, or protective clothing to protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Legal Framework for Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety
In the United States, OSHA regulates workplace hazard communication and chemical safety. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires employers to implement a hazard communication program that includes the following components:
Labels
Employers must ensure that all containers of hazardous chemicals are labeled with the product name, hazard warning, and the manufacturer’s or supplier’s name and address.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Employers must maintain a current SDS for each hazardous chemical used in the workplace. SDSs provide detailed information about the chemical, including its hazards, first aid measures, and safe handling instructions.
Employee Training
Employers must train employees on the hazards associated with the chemicals they work with, how to read labels and SDSs, and the precautions they should take to protect themselves from exposure.
Best Practices for Implementing Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety Programs
To effectively implement hazard communication and chemical safety programs, employers should follow best practices, including the following:
Conduct Hazard Assessments
Employers should assess the hazards associated with the chemicals used in the workplace and implement measures to minimize those risks.
Develop Written Policies and Procedures
Employers must develop written policies and procedures for hazard communication and chemical safety specific to their workplace.
Provide Training
Employers must train employees on the hazards associated with the chemicals they work with, how to read labels and SDSs, and the precautions they should take to protect themselves from exposure.
Use Appropriate PPE
Employers must provide appropriate PPE to employees with hazardous chemicals and ensure they use it correctly.
Regularly Review and Update Programs
Employers must regularly review and update their hazard communication and chemical safety programs to ensure that they remain effective and up-to-date.
Implement Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety Programs
Hazard communication and chemical safety are essential concepts that are critical for protecting workers from the risks associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. At Phase Associates, we assist you in implementing hazard communication and chemical safety programs that comply with OSHA’s HCS and follow best practices.
Our hazard communication and chemical safety programs are offered to NJ, PA, CT, NY, DE, GA, MD and VA.
Did you know that at least 20 states use their state plans approved by OSHA but that there are still high numbers of businesses that don’t have emergency plans or aren’t equipped to handle specific emergencies? Even half of the businesses that participated in the 2022 EHS Today survey admitted to not having an active sustainability program.
Business managers often wonder, “What is a facility audit checklist?” Unless you’re an EHS professional or a facility manager, chances are, you might not have had to use one in a real-world situation.
Auditing applies to all industries and businesses, regardless of their size. Keep reading to find out exactly what this checklist is, the difference it makes, and why it’s needed.
What is a Facility Audit Checklist?
So, what is a facility audit checklist? A facility audit checklist is essentially an improvement tool used to develop a baseline of the assets a company has. This isn’t limited to just physical and digital assets.
It also includes programs used to maintain those assets. This also includes their value, and all operations plans a company uses. A facility audit helps businesses identify what they have while addressing what they don’t.
It’s also a way to assess the compliance of a facility. This works by taking into account the standards specific to their industry.
This is essential considering some things facilities are required to have. This often depends on the type of building it is or the work that’s done on-site. A good example is medical facilities which are required by law to maintain up-to-date equipment surveys.
These requirements will often fall under the Department of Health Care Access and Information. Or formerly known as the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development or the Department of Health and Human Services.
The governing entity will depend on the type of company it is. FAs an example, this is the same for government buildings in this industry. They will often fall under the Department of Defense or specifically the Defense Health Agency.
Every type of facility will require an audit checklist. Not establishing that baseline of what you have could jeopardize a facility’s ability to respond in the case of an emergency or a general time of need.
Depending on the regulations of their specific industry, noncompliance with having and maintaining the quality and safety of certain equipment could result in fines, loss of reputation, imprisonment, or more than one of those repercussions.
Prevention Solutions Means Better Facility Management
An audit checklist can identify health and safety risks. It also helps to pinpoint potential hazards as well as areas in need of improvement. A well-designed checklist can help ensure that all aspects of a facility are audited consistently and thoroughly.
The issue is, there are less than 3% of companies have a crisis management professional or department on their payroll. This is often because many businesses have the mindset of a fix-it methodology. Instead, they should have a stronger focus on prevention.
The real problem is that many don’t until something happens. Companies are finding it more feasible to work with professional environmental health and safety consultants in this case.
Doing this allows them to bypass training phases and the worry of limited expertise. Overall, working with experienced and knowledgeable EHS consultants allows business and facility managers to be more hands-off. It also instills confidence in the prevention and implementation tactics their company will gain.
The Five Sections That Makeup an Audit Checklist
Every audit checklist consists of five specific sections. These sections help ensure optimal safety for the facility and all workers. They are;
Evidence collection
Audit testing
Analysis
Scope
Conclusion of all findings
For some facilities, this layout may vary. It will depend on the scope of the company’s work and the regulations specific to the company or industry.
Each section will allow for the development of a comprehensive report. That report will make it simpler to identify the procedures and policies a facility operates within and where they may need additional help.
Aside From the Requirement, There Are Additional Benefits Involved
The benefits of having a checklist to influence proper facility maintenance span beyond just compliance. Prevention tactics help to determine historical violations or operational problems concerning air emissions by using a facility audit checklist. By using this type of tool, organizations can:
Save time and money by identifying potential problems before they become costly incidents
Improve safety by identifying hazards and taking steps to mitigate them
Ensure compliance with regulations and standards
Avoid penalties or other negative consequences
Enhance the reputation of the organization
Demonstrate a commitment to safety and compliance
What Does It Cover?
This type of assessment goes by elements. This includes more than just equipment and the operations put in place to use them. Workplace safety checklists take into account all buildings to be covered and the entire grounds of those buildings.
The inventory that falls within those areas is the main point of focus. However, everything is included in any final report for a routine audit. Overall, one area where facilities may need the most help is the implementation and sustainability phases.
Once the facility audit checklist has been completed, it’s crucial to set up an internal review process. This ensures that all findings are addressed and done effectively.
This also helps to identify better waste management practices and hazardous disposal practices. It will also reveal any concerns about wastewater discharges. The internal review process should be documented and communicated to all relevant personnel.
This helps to prepare for assessing the results of all solutions that were put in place. Using an EHS consultant would make this process significantly simpler.
Preparing Before Preparation Is Needed
Site managers often want to know, “what is a facility audit checklist?” This tool helps to ensure safety and guarantee improvement with regulation compliance. An effective facility checklist leaves little room for error.
This may seem complex and out of reach to do correctly, but with the right help, it’s simple. PHASE Associates specializes in curating practical EHS solutions for businesses…without the hassle. With comprehensive auditing processes, businesses can form clearer solutions to operational success.
Get in touch with our team at Phase Associates today to better protect yours. We service New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland and Virginia.
What Are the 4 Major Components of Sara Title III?
Did you know that crisis management standards aren’t being met by at least a third of businesses in the U.S.? Emergency planning helps to mitigate potential losses. It also reduces the potential harm that often comes with unplanned incidents.
Sara Title III requires state and local governments to adopt emergency preparedness programs. It also helps ensure compliance with better community emergency response and prevention tactics. 30% of companies aren’t prepared to handle chemical spills or other chemically-related emergencies.
This makes this even more important and is only one aspect of strategic planning and response. Sara Title III is vital for environmental safety. It’s also important for the safety of workers and asset preservation.
It’s still, however, not fully understood what this title entails, what it is, and what it requires of different communities. Keep reading as we explain why this act is needed and what it involves.
What Is Sara Title III?
Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) is a federal law. It establishes requirements for emergency preparedness and response to chemical accidents. The law was actually enacted in 1986 in response to the 1984 Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, India.
This law requires facilities that use hazardous chemicals to develop emergency response plans. This will also include the need for the implementation of those plans. It also outlines requirements considering “Community Right-to-Know” reporting for hazardous and toxic chemicals.
This is better known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), Title III. This act came later in 1986, and its primary purpose is to help with planning associated with chemical emergencies.
There are different tiers of reporting. Each level is important for identification purposes.
This helps identify the need for emergency intervention and better response planning. It also includes hazardous chemical storage reporting and general chemical data reporting.
Sara Title III provides the requirement for industry participation in outreach efforts. This also includes government entities. It will also involve planning efforts for toxic chemical exposure and incidental preparation.
Additionally, this title spans to the local level, giving even smaller communities access to quality planning and emergency solutions.
What Are the Provisions of Sara Title III?
What are the provisions of Sara Title III? Sara Title III provides requirements for responding to chemical emergencies.
It also gives guidance on following hazardous chemical storage reporting regulations. These requirements apply to;
Federal government
State governments
Local governments
Indian tribes
Industry-specific projects
What this title provides is a regulated way of handling states of emergency. The four provisions of this act allow communities to form comprehensive safety solutions.
While it may seem simple, some complexity goes into proper reporting. Companies often struggle with complying with EPCRA (Title III) standards.
This is one reason that businesses work with EHS consultants and reporting professionals. Working with subject matter experts can save a company time and also help reduce the chance of reputational damage. It saves money as well, considering that mistakes often equal costly fines.
A site can expect to pay $27,500 per violation per day for noncompliance with EPCRA standards. This leads business owners and other professional organizations to seek professional guidance.
It’s often wondered, “what are the four major components of Sara Title III?” Knowing this can better ensure a higher rate of compliance.
Emergency Planning (Sections 301-303)
Emergency Planning (Sections 301-303) is as they sound. The emergency response planning sections of EPCRA consist of all planning aspects.
It contains information that community officials can use during chemical incidents. These three sections require facilities to have a readily available emergency response plan.
These plans will focus on at least 406 substances that are considered highly hazardous.
The Environmental Protection Agency will list each substance. However, facility managers must be aware that different sections cover different chemicals.
Overall, these sections provide a quantity threshold for hazardous substances. This will include facilities that don’t use but produce or store them in any way.
Emergency Release Notification (Section 304)
Emergency Release Notification (Section 304) will require the release of information. This is for hazardous spills or releasing hazardous substances into the environment.
It must get reported if the amount released is over a certain threshold. A follow-up report will also be required after the initial release of information. This section covers more than 1,000 substances.
This section will also include the weight of the substances. The same goes for the rate at which it’s released over a 24-hour time frame. The same concept applies to sections 301 through 303.
Hazardous Chemical Storage Reporting Requirements (Section 311-312)
Hazardous Chemical Storage Reporting Requirements (Section 311-312) also cover reporting. This will apply to the storage of all hazardous chemicals used. Section 311 applies to any facility with more than 500 pounds of hazardous chemicals.
This applies to any extremely hazardous substance being used at a site at any time. In this case, all reporting requirements as mentioned by OSHA, must be followed.
So, what is section 312 of Sara Title III? It requires facilities to comply with reporting to have safety data sheets prepared.
These data sheets will involve all hazardous chemicals used within the 10,000-pound limit. The data provided will reflect all hazardous chemicals present during the previous calendar year.
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (Section 313)
Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (Section 313) requires facilities to submit specific reports. These reports will need to describe any chemical release information. It will also need to include all waste management efforts, and this will be included in the emergency release notification.
Sara’s reporting requirements for this section will apply to all covered facilities. A covered facility is any site with at least ten employees or more. The classification will fall within a covered NAICS (North American Industry Classification System).
These facilities involve producing, storing, or using toxic chemicals above threshold levels. Keep in mind that NAICS codes update every five years. So, working with knowledgeable EHS consultants would make it easier to stay up-to-date.
The Need for Expert Assistance to Avoid Large Fines
Sara Title III or EPCRA helps to prepare communities for environmental emergency response. While mandatory for various organizations, it can be difficult to comply with all reporting tactics. PHASE Associates consists of a knowledgeable team that specializes in environmental response.
To better prepare for chemical incidents, it starts with Title III understanding. Let our team at Phase Associates develop and implement EHS training, safety plans, or even hazardous waste consulting. Work with us by getting in touch with our team today.
With many combinations that make up some of the most popular fragrances today, flavor and fragrance compound monitoring is even more of an essential step in the experimental and manufacturing processes. While flavor and fragrance analysis helps to create balanced and high-end products, it also helps to keep companies and the consumers that use their products safe.
While the fragrance industry dates back to 1370, it has since come a long way. Now, we can monitor different fragrances for potential contaminants. We can assess what goes into fragrances and what causes different reactions.
With technology in its current state, the importance and need for compound monitoring are still not fully understood. Continue reading as we talk about what it is, how it works, and why it’s vital to timely product release and success.
Identifying the Compounds That Makeup Fragrance Products
Perfume formulation analysis is vital to the outcome of a product. This applies to both the “safety for use” and aesthetic of that fragrance. In general, there are a variety of different fragrance compounds used in the F&F industry.
Eugenol
Cinnamaldehyde
Vanillin
Indole
Benzaldehyde
Citral
Ethyl maltol
Limonene
As mentioned, more than 3,000 chemicals are used to produce different fragrances. Like with anything, every ingredient presents different effects. They can also be reduced to different compounds. Citral, for example, can form aldehyde citronellal.
This can also be modified to produce isopulegol, an aromatic terpene in cannabis products. As another example, in high doses, indole can often induce higher chances of skin rashes. This is a good representation of a chemical that has multiple forms.
With indole, it’s something you’ll find that naturally occurs in human feces, yet, it’s put into perfumes. The smell is also very noticeable in its original state.
However, its scent profile changes when indole is present at a lower temperature. It will often give off a floral smell rather than a fecal scent. These are all reasons that compound monitoring is essential.
Flavor and Fragrance Compound Monitoring: Flavor Analysis
Different compounds can produce fluctuating flavor profiles. There are types of flavors that can’t be used in fragrances. The same goes for some fragrances that can’t be used in flavors.
When you are coordinating testing for fragrances, this is assessed. This might be a safeguard for manufacturers, but it’s also an excellent way to observe what goes into a product. In other cases, different flavoring agents are created with esters which form fruit-like scents.
Monitoring flavor compounds in perfumes allows you to perfect specific recipes. It’s not only a means of perfection, though.
Flavor analysis and compound monitoring are essential to combat problems like fragrance adulteration. This is basically when oils and perfumes get diluted with cheaper products. When synthetic products are used to cut costs, product quality is jeopardized.
One of the top goals of the perfume industry is to ensure no release of adulterated products. Working with experts in Diacetyl and all other compounds can help maintain this new standard. This is also an excellent way to prepare as the cosmetic industry moves to enforce regulations surrounding it.
Volatile perfume profiles are determined through different forms of analysis. As a good example, gas chromatography is a reliable way to assess compound identification. When you combine this with the use of mass spectrometry, you increase the reliability of this method.
GC is a way to separate and identify the contents of different fragrances. It’s also used to quantify what fragrances consist of.
MS works similarly and is mainly used as a form of quality control. It assists in isolating volatile components of fragrances and pairs well with GC applications.
Why Is Compound Monitoring Needed?
Flavor and fragrance compound monitoring provides more than just suitable perfume options. A form of art goes into structuring and stabilizing fragrance compositions. The compound monitoring process allows a company to identify the concentration levels of different products.
It helps monitor potency levels and match potential effects with the ingredients used in fragrant products. Perfume is a chemical compound made up of a mixture of different alcohols and oils. Other additives are used to form different fragrances along with a trace of water.
The truth is that with the variety of chemicals used to create an ideal fragrance, there is also a lot of thought that needs to go into the stability of that fragrance. Depending on the underlying makeup of a particular scent, the rate of alcohol evaporation could be faster or slower. Alcohol is used to help preserve the scent of perfume and cologne.
Additionally, alcohol, whether ethanol or isopropyl, is toxic. These two ingredients are the most toxic ingredients found in perfume and cologne options. With that, they are also the most essential.
It doesn’t only stabilize the scent and allows it to last longer. It also slows the process of oxidation.
This means that the different compounds that make up a fragrance can affect the shelf life of that product. Whether you are going for an alcohol-based or oil-based fragrance, the amount and type of ingredients you use will make a difference.
Overall, it allows you to know exactly how a fragrance is made. It’s a way to have transparency with consumers. It’s also a way to branch further properly with different fragrance recipes.
Optimizing Fragrance Products Before They Reach Consumers
Safe, stable, and quality products are the goal of fragrance companies. With the variety of compounds used to produce different fragrances, it’s not hard to make a wrong decision. Flavor and fragrance compound monitoring helps to ensure product safety, compound structure, and consumer satisfaction.
PHASE Associates specializes in comprehensive environmental health and safety. This extends to far more than the environment in which companies work and includes the products they create. To learn more, get in touch with our team today.
Our flavor and fragrance compounding services are offered to NJ, PA, DE, CT, NY, GA, VA and MD.
