OSHA Compliance: Cannabis Emissions and Air Exposure Monitoring
Last year Americans spent almost $25 billion on cannabis products—naturally, this prompted demand for greater production.
It resulted in the industry adding more than 100,000 jobs. As a result, close to 500,000 Americans are now working in this unique sector.
Are you one of the few cannabis cultivation facilities in New Jersey? If so, OSHA compliance should be a top priority. You must follow the guidelines to limit your employees’ exposure to cannabis emissions.
One way to ensure this is through air exposure monitoring. Read on to learn more about what this entails.
What Are Cannabis Emissions?
Studies estimate that every kilogram of cannabis produced emits over 2,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide during cultivation. High concentrations, when inhaled, can cause asphyxiation. This can also lead to burns for those working closely with the plants.
Unfortunately, carbon dioxide is not the only toxic substance of concern in cannabis cultivation. Others include:
- Carbon monoxide
- Butane
- Pesticides
- Dangerous organic compounds
- Corrosive materials and some nutrients
Cleaning products used during the cultivation process can also be harmful. These can contain chemicals that irritate the skin and eyes. They may also cause respiratory issues.
All these can have severe effects on workers who handle or inhale them. As an employer, you can safeguard against this with regular safety audits. This should include air exposure monitoring. This can also ensure you follow the guidelines from OSHA for the cannabis industry.
Air Exposure Monitoring for Cannabis Cultivation Facilities
Air exposure monitoring involves taking air samples within your facility. The samples are assessed to determine levels of exposure to harmful substances.
Air quality management is essential at cannabis cultivation facilities. It can help to reduce employee injuries and illnesses. It will also ensure you comply with cannabis OSHA regulations.
Regular safety audits using a company with certified specialists is the best way to do this. Phase Associates can help keep your facility safe for employees.
We provide indoor quality testing to ensure you’re OSHA compliant. This involves thorough inspections, testing and assessments, and monitoring with the latest technology. In addition, we’ll provide you with recommendations allowing you to take corrective action if needed.
The Importance of OSHA Compliance in the Cannabis Industry
The cannabis industry is fairly new when compared to other industries. But this has not affected the levels of oversight to ensure marijuana workplace compliance. There’s increased scrutiny as more states legalize its growth.
Failure to comply can result in millions of dollars in fines. It may also result in disruptions in sales. Both can be easily avoided by providing a safe work environment.
Winning at Business and Employee Safety
There are a lot of safety requirements for cannabis cultivators and processors. So it’s no surprise with the emergence of more cannabis cultivation facilities across the state. OSHA compliance can help to ensure your business continues to be successful.
You can protect your employees from cannabis emissions with regular air exposure monitoring. Use a company with experience in this area to help you adhere to OSHA safety standards.
Phase Associates can. We’ve been providing health and safety services for over 25 years. We do this for the cannabis industry as well. Contact Phase Associates today to learn more!