EPA Announces Updates to Chemicals Program

EPA Announces Updates to Chemicals Program

Rules must meet the criteria of the Toxic Substances Control Act.

The EPA announced March 29th that it is conducting an evaluation of its current policies, regulations, guidance and templates under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) new chemicals program. The evaluation is meant to make sure the agency is meeting all requirements, executive orders and other directives. EPA identified instances where a new approach for management associated with new chemicals can more closely align with the requirements of TSCA meant to protect human health and the environment.

EPA says it is committed to meeting its deadlines on new chemical submissions and communicate any changes to stakeholders and the public.

Use of Significant New Use Rule (SNUR)

- Stop issuing determinations of “not likely to present an unreasonable risk” based on the existence of proposed SNURs

- Intend to continue issuing SNURs following TSCA Section 5(e) and 5(f) orders for new chemicals to ensure the requirements imposed on the submitter via an order apply to any person who manufacturers or processes the chemical in the future

- Ensure necessary protections for workers identified in its review of new chemicals through regulatory means

Worker Exposure

- Ensure necessary protection for workers in its review of new chemicals

- EPA will no longer assume workers are adequately protected under OSHA’s worker protection standards

- EPA will identify the absence of worker safeguards as “reasonably foreseen” conditions of use and mandate necessary protections through a TSCA Section 5(e) order.

About the Author

Shereen Hashem is the Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety magazine.

Product Showcase

  • Safety Knives

    Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company LLC has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal-detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. machines and is X-ray visible. 3

  • ID Cards and Badges

    ID Cards and Badges

    Does your facility need forklift licenses, safety certification badges, name tags or safety reference cards? Now you can create your own durable safety ID cards or badges onsite using a standard desktop laser printer. Simply use free Avery software and templates to customize your cards or badges, and then print directly on the durable 11 mil plastic material on one or both sides. These cards and badges are waterproof, tearproof and resistant to chemicals, UV fading and abrasion – no lamination needed. For more information, see Avery® at the ASSP Safety 2023 Show booth #1662 or visit www.avery.com/industrial. 3

  •  Super Duty Glove line

    Super Duty Glove line

    The Super Duty Glove line from Lift Safety offers 360-degree protection and optimal fit with a cut-resistant composite knit fabric liner. Back-of-hand impact protection extends to the fingertips and between the thumb and index finger, while anatomically designed palm padding boasts high-density EVA foam against vibration without loss of dexterity. Certified ANSI/ISEA 105 A5 Cut Level and CE EN388 requirements. 3

Featured