New Jersey has 114 sites with hazardous waste on the EPA National Priorities List. However, the total number of hazardous waste cleanup sites is much higher.
If you plan to buy commercial property, you could unknowingly purchase a contaminated site. But not if you get a Phase 1 ESA report first.
What is a Phase 1 ESA report? Find out here and learn how it can help you make a more informed real estate purchase.
What Is a Phase 1 ESA Report?
A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) report summarizes the findings of a Phase 1 ESA. The ESA investigates a property’s current and former uses. In addition, it looks for recognized environmental conditions that could affect the property’s value.
Recognized environmental conditions include the presence of substances including:
Petroleum products
Hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds
A Phase 1 ESA will tell you whether a site has current or historical problems with hazardous materials.
What Triggers a Phase 1 ESA?
A commercial real estate transaction can trigger the need for a Phase 1 ESA. In addition, lenders usually require an ESA as part of due diligence.
The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) requires due diligence before certain commercial real estate transactions. The property owner must complete All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI). Otherwise, the landowner would be financially and legally responsible for any environmental problems on the property.
You may need a Phase 1 ESA before acquiring, developing, or refinancing commercial property. The ESA helps avoid potential environmental risks and liabilities.
Without an ESA, you might purchase a property and discover contamination later. In addition, you could be responsible for high cleanup costs.
Various real estate transactions can trigger a Phase 1 ESA report, including:
The property where industrial or commercial operators used regulated hazardous materials
Property near current industrial or commercial operations
Property used for oil or gas drilling
Property with known environmental liens
Phase 1 ESA reports help to ensure buyers and sellers have the information they need before completing the transaction.
What Happens During a Phase 1 ESA?
A Phase 1 ESA must follow ASTM standard E1527-13 or E1527-21. In addition, the professionals conducting the assessment must qualify as Environmental Professionals under the ASTM standard. The process gathers information from several sources.
Records and Historical Sources
The first step in a Phase 1 ESA is looking at records and historical sources. These sources can include:
Historical aerial photographs
Historical city directories
Historical topographic maps
Historical Sanborn (fire insurance) maps
Building department records
Property tax records
Zoning records
The environmental professional must consult these documents for the subject property and all adjoining properties.
Site Walkthrough
The next step is visiting the site. The environmental professional will visually examine the entire property and investigate any areas of concern.
They will take photographs for the ESA report.
Interviews
Ideally, a Phase I ESA includes interviews with current and former owners and operators of the site. In addition, discussions with state and local regulators can also provide important information.
Written Report
Finally, the environmental professional compiles all the information into the Phase I ESA report. The report will recommend any next steps. For example, if the Phase 1 assessment found environmental concerns, Phase 2 site assessment reports may be necessary.
Where to Find Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment Services
What is a Phase 1 ESA report? Now you know what it is and its importance. You also understand why ESA reports are essential and what they include.
The next step is to find the correct Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment services.
PHASE Associates offers assessment services that comply with the most recent ASTM Phase 1 ESA standards. Our investigations also follow the AAI rule. We will customize your report to meet your and your lender’s needs.
Contact us today to discuss your site assessment requirements.
We provide ESA reports to NJ, PA, NY, DE, CT, GA, VA and MD.
The supply chain is an essential system within most businesses. It determines how a company uses its resources to get products and services to its customers.
The effects of the pandemic as well as other factors amplified its importance. Disruptions in supply chains globally led to manufacturing delays, and high demand. This resulted in congestion at many ports and limited storage at most warehouses.
It highlighted the need for an increase in effective supply chain management. Many companies also began evaluating their current system. So what is supply chain evaluation? And how can it help businesses?
Does it start with more effective operations and supply chain management courses?
This article answers all these and more including What is supply chain training? and What kind of training does a supply chain manager need?
What is Supply Chain Management?
This is the management of the flow of production. It begins with the storage and movement of raw materials. This then becomes work-in-progress inventory until transformed into finished goods. The final component is the delivery of the finished product to the end customer.
What is Supply Chain Evaluation?
This should be a continuous process throughout the flow of production. It can help avoid some of the disruptions experienced by many businesses over the last two years.
Evaluation allows you to look at the positioning of your inventory. You can then plan out the most effective footprint for your distribution facility.
It also takes into consideration the transportation of goods. This is usually from your facility to suppliers and customers.
Each element should be thoroughly reviewed. This can ensure an optimal outcome for your business.
What is Supply Chain Training?
Evaluation can also help to determine the training required for employees. There are many interesting facets of supply chain management. This translates into many supply chain jobs.
All provide an opportunity for lucrative supply chain careers. Roles may include:
Production Manager
Inventory Manager
Logistics Manager
Planner
Buyer
Warehouse staff
You’ll first need the relevant training to successfully fill any of these.
What Kind of Training Does a Supply Chain Manager Need?
Supply chain managers oversee the activities within the production flow. He/She must have skills such as:
Coordination
Organization
Acquisition
Production
Distribution
They must also have the ability to foresee any issues or bottlenecks. Their analytical skills should allow them to provide viable solutions.
Operations and Supply Chain Management Courses
Introductory supply chain management courses start with the fundamentals and focus on logistics, management, and warehousing.
Next concepts such as financial management and business strategy will be introduced. There will also be a heavy focus on inventory and production planning. Also highlighted would be procurement and transportation.
Human resource management will also be an element for those seeking management roles.
The Ins and Outs of Supply Chain Management Training
Proper training is a vital asset for companies. This article gives you a headstart with answers to What is supply chain training? and What is supply chain evaluation? You also now know more about operations and supply chain management courses.
What kind of training does a supply chain manager need? It’s all in this article. However, it’s crucial to get training from highly qualified specialists.
Phase Associates are the specialists you can trust! Contact Phase Associates to learn more about our supply chain training and evaluation options.
The Complete Guide to Warehouse Distribution Assessments and Training
Late last year, US warehouse vacancy reached a record low of 3.6%, or basically zero. There was no space for new shipments coming in.
It was a direct result of the supply chain crisis that saw a backlog of shipping containers at many ports. A problem exacerbated by already inefficient warehouse and distribution operations.
US warehouses can avoid these issues by conducting an assessment of current operations. Warehouse managers need to know why and how to conduct a warehouse operations assessment.
Knowing this can help them use relevant tools. This includes a warehouse assessment checklist. It can help to ensure all workers have proper OSHA warehouse certification.
But this is only the start. This article will provide answers to many pertinent questions. These include – How can you improve performance in distributing and warehousing? and How do you assess a warehouse? Read on to learn the answers.
How Can You Improve Performance in Distribution and Warehousing?
You’ll first need to know what your shortfalls are. The best way to determine this is by doing an assessment. Doing this will help you to identify the areas that need improvement.
How Do You Assess a Warehouse?
The warehouse assessment process should evaluate four key areas. These key areas include:
Labor
This is usually the area you’ll spend the most on. Evaluating labor entails looking at its cost as well as overall productivity levels. Your turnover rate will affect both, as well as your investment in training.
This should also include warehouse safety training. This helps to reduce injuries and worker downtime. It’s also good to assess the current labor market.
Facilities
Is your space adequate for your needs? Evaluating your facilities will help determine this.
Your cost to occupy the building, and how effectively you use the space will also play a factor. Use is also affected based on seasonality.
Systems
An effective warehouse management system can provide optimal flexibility and functionality for your facility. This can help you to better manage your inventory. This includes packing, tracking, and replenishment.
Procedures and Workflows
Improvements in these areas are usually easier to make. It measures the number of steps during product handling. The aim is to lessen these where possible.
Why and How to Conduct a Warehouse Operations Assessment
There are many benefits of warehouse assessments. Increased productivity is a major one. It will also help you use your space more effectively. It means getting products to customers faster.
An operations assessment will involve:
Observing operations
Gathering information
Interviewing key members of staff
Analyzing current service and productivity levels
Using external benchmarks to determine potential areas of improvement
You must use companies close to your own for realistic benchmark comparisons.
Warehouse Assessment Checklist
One of the tools you can use to do this is an assessment checklist. It should cover specific areas to ensure your company adheres to OSHA regulations and standards. This includes up-to-date safety training for workers.
Proper Training for OSHA Warehouse Certification
How can you improve performance in distribution and warehousing? Now you know the answer.
An inefficiently run warehouse can cost you a lot of money. If left unattended it could even lead to you losing your business.
You can avoid this with a warehouse assessment. This article provides you with the answer to How do you assess a warehouse?
It even delves further into why and how to conduct a warehouse operations assessment. There are many tools you can use, including a warehouse assessment checklist. This will also help to ensure up-to-date training of staff for OSHA warehouse certification.
You can meet these requirements with training by experienced personnel from Phase Associates. We help all types of companies in various industries. We can help your company too! Contact us to learn more.
In 2020, forklift accidents resulted in over 7,000 injuries. Seventy-eight of these were fatal. Most were due to operator error.
OSHA estimates that about 70% of all forklift accidents are preventable. It starts with the implementation of standard safety measures. Training and continuous evaluation can help to reinforce these measures.
When it comes to forklift operator performance evaluation, how often it’s done usually depends on the organization. However, OSHA has specific guidelines.
There’s also an OSHA forklift operator evaluation form that companies should use. This can also will help to ensure your forklift training meets OSHA standards.
If you’re new to evaluating operator proficiency read on. You’ll also learn what the forklift operator evaluation checklist entails.
OSHA Forklift Operator Evaluation Form
Wondering how to evaluate a forklift operator? Most companies use a forklift operator evaluation form. It outlines the type of equipment operated. It also details the activities involved in operating it.
The evaluator uses it to rate the operator on how to use a forklift. The main areas evaluated include:
Pre-use checks
Picking up a load
Traveling with the load
Putting down the load
Parking
Battery Recharging and fueling
The evaluator determines if the operator successfully completes the evaluation. If they have, he/she will sign the form indicating this.
Companies may send operators who don’t demonstrate the competence required for further training. During this time they may need to operate the forklift under direct supervision.
This means they must always be in the supervisor’s line of sight and hearing. Another evaluation can then take place upon completion of the refresher training.
Forklift Operator Performance Evaluation – How Often It Should Be Done
OSHA’s guidelines indicate the frequency of operator evaluation should be once every three years. However, most companies will conduct routine forklift operator evaluations.
Often they base this on the need to ensure higher safety standards. This helps to reduce the number of forklift accidents.
It can also determine the training needs of the operators. There are also many other benefits to having regular refresher training courses.
The Importance of Forklift Training
The benefits of forklift training may be obvious. But they’re often overlooked. Here’s a reminder of its importance:
It reduces the chances of accidents occurring
It increases the forklift’s lifespan
There’s less property damage
More proficient workers
Cleaner facilities
Less downtime
Increased productivity
Although training is a financial investment it provides long-term benefits. This includes fewer accidents. Operators also handle the forklifts better leading to timely completion of deliverables.
Making Your Forklift Operator Evaluation Checklist Work for You
When considering forklift operator performance evaluation, how often depends on the company. Most companies conduct more evaluations than the guidelines set by OSHA.
However, they use the OSHA forklift operator evaluation form. This ensures they meet the safety standard requirements.
It guides evaluators on the forklift activities they should rate operators on. They can then determine if the operator has the competence to operate a forklift or not.
These measures help to reduce accidents and increase safety awareness. Regular training can also reinforce them. There are companies you can hire to assist with your training needs.
Phase Associates forklift training can keep your operators proficient and safe. We can also help you with your forklift operator evaluation checklist. Contact us to learn more!
The CDC estimates that 5 million workers in the U.S. must wear respirators for their jobs. Respirators are a critical piece of protective equipment for working in hazardous conditions. Since 1990, they have been part of the federal HAZWOPER standard.
Complying with HAZWOPER is important for workers and employers. It keeps employees safe and helps employers avoid costly penalties. HAZWOPER respiratory protection training is one part of becoming compliant.
Learn more here about HAZWOPER respiratory protection training. You’ll see how you can start protecting your employees and your business.
What Is HAZWOPER?
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) contains guidelines for worker safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers these regulations. The HAZWOPER standard protects workers who could be exposed to hazardous substances.
HAZWOPER Training
HAZWOPER training is available in a 40-hour, 24-hour, or 8-hour course. Someone working with hazardous materials for the first time needs the 40-hour course. The 8-hour course is enough for experienced workers who need their yearly refresher.
All three courses include respirator training.
Who Needs HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training?
The HAZWOPER standard covers several groups of employers and their employees. It includes workers who handle, store, or transport hazardous materials. It also covers workers responsible for cleaning up or disposing of hazardous substances.
OSHA Definition of Hazardous Substances
OSHA defines a hazardous substance as one that could negatively affect workers. The definition includes materials that pose a health or safety hazard. Some examples are:
Substances that cause cancer
Corrosives
Chemicals that are combustible, flammable, or explosive
Materials that damage the lungs, skin, or eyes
Liquids, solids, gases, and other forms of material can all be hazardous.
Training Based on Worker Exposure Levels
HAZWOPER regulations have three levels of training. The levels are based on an employee’s potential level of exposure. The three training levels are:
Emergency response
General site cleanup
Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment, storage, and disposal facilities
Workers who earn their HAZWOPER certification must complete a yearly refresher course. The refresher keeps the certification valid.
HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training
Workers must wear respirators to protect against environments with insufficient oxygen. Respirators also protect against harmful substances.
HAZWOPER respiratory protection training teaches workers how to use respirators properly. Correct use of the right respirator is essential for getting full protection.
HAZWOPER respiratory protection training covers topics such as:
Hazardous substances in the workplace
Classes of respirators
Choosing the right respirator
How to use the respirator
OSHA regulations for HAZWOPER respirator protection
Workers and supervisors in many industries will benefit from respiratory protection training. This training is important even if employees use respirators voluntarily.
PHASE Associates HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training
PHASE Associates offers the quality HAZWOPER respiratory protection training you need. We understand OSHA regulations for respiratory protection and HAZWOPER.
Our expert professionals will evaluate your current practices. We’ll develop a protection program and a program to test how well your respirators fit.
PHASE Associates provides customized hands-on instructor-led training. Our expert instructors offer supervisory, 40-hour, 24-hour, and 8-hour courses. These OSHA-based courses comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
Protect Your Workers with HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training
You can rely on PHASE Associates HAZWOPER respiratory protection training. Your workplace will be safer. We’ll help ensure you comply with OSHA regulations.
Contact us today to learn more about our training options. Start giving your workers the protection they need.