Save money and time. Protect the environment. Identify issues first. Promote employee safety. This is what we aim for as manufacturers. However, achieving these initiatives is can be a challenge.
But did you know the PMA Regulatory Compliance Self-Certification Program can help?
We have a process that helps manufacturers meet and demonstrate compliance with all applicable health, safety, environmental and transportation regulations.
Our program is divided into four tiers to help you best fit your company’s requirements. At the most basic level, PMA members can state their commitment to meeting the minimum existing regulations already in effect. Best of all, there is no fee or recordkeeping necessary to become certified for two years.
The second level requires compliance standards to be met across the company focusing in specific sections including: management commitment, OSHA compliance, MbOCA and Isocisoyanates monitoring, compliance with environmental regulations, community relations and compliance with community right-to-know requirements. Once again, it’s free.
For the leadership certification, member companies must gain a series of points from Health and Safety and Environmental activities. A minimum of 20 points must be gained in each category. Points can be obtained through attending Health and Safety and Environmental programs. For ideas, visit the Certification Program section on the Web site. An additional 10 points must be earned either from a mix of the above programs or from extensive experience.
The final certification level expects PMA members to meet and exceed the Leadership Level requirements. Members must also participate in one or more ways as a company representative to the PMA Regulatory Affairs programming.
This is a great opportunity to bring your membership to a new level. Certification shows your commitment to your employees, your environment and your industry.
Interested? Check out the Certification Program here.
Are you compliant?
PMA’s MbOCA Study Reveals Member Companies’ Practices Yield Similar or Better Protection
The PMA MbOCA study is finally out!
Proudly, PMA members are leading best practices in the industry to reduce MbOCA exposure in the workplace. The study showed that voluntary measures by PMA member companies yielded a similar or better level of protection in their MbOCA handling practices than the regulatory approach defined by the British Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The primary goal of the study was to see if PMA’s voluntary member guidelines were sufficient in reducing the exposure to 4, 4’-methylene-bis (2-chloroaniline) [MbOCA], a chemical curing agent. In recent years, MbOCA has been debatably linked to human carcinogenicity (see our previous post on MbOCA).
Secondly, we looked at the success behind new corporate technology that has dramatically reduced an employees’ risk and exposure to the chemical curing agent. According to historical urinalysis data, member companies who are regularly performing tests have kept their exposure levels below both the British and California recommendations in recent years.
To continue to stay on top of evolving MbOCA handling practices, researchers have recommended the following actions:
· Processors should be educated on the importance of proper spill response and periodic wipe sampling of potentially contaminated surfaces.
· Periodic urinalysis must be done by all processors using MbOCA.
· The PMA Guidance should be updated to reflect the findings of this study and to address changes in technology that have the potential to reduce MbOCA exposure.
· Members should participate in this process to identify industry best practices.
· Additional urinalysis should be done to detect potential MbOCA dermal exposures from handling partially cured polyurethane articles.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the MbOCA study! We appreciate your help in developing best practices to create a safer work environment.