Understanding Tennessee’s New Industrial Stormwater Permit Requirements
As environmental regulations evolve, staying ahead of compliance requirements is critical for industrial operators. On July 1, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) implemented a new version of its Multi-Sector General Permit (TMSP), which governs stormwater discharges from industrial activities. This update brings changes that will affect existing and new facilities alike, and now is the time to prepare.
Tennessee Launches New Stormwater Permit for Industrial Facilities
Effective July 1, 2025, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) has issued the updated Tennessee Multi-Sector General Permit (TMSP), which governs stormwater discharges from industrial activities across the state. The permit will remain in effect through June 30, 2030.
Under federal regulations, stormwater discharges from certain industrial sectors must be covered by a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit. The TMSP fulfills this requirement by mandating that facilities implement stormwater control measures (SCMs) and develop site-specific Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs). Facilities are urged to review the permit requirements carefully and ensure timely compliance.
Key Deadlines:
Existing facilities must submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) permit application by September 30, 2025.
New facilities must file an NOI at least 30 days before discharging stormwater.
TDEC encourages facilities to submit their SWPPP alongside the NOI. The SWPPP must outline how the facility will minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff through the design and implementation of SCMs.
Monitoring & Compliance Requirements:
Quarterly visual inspections of all outfalls
Annual comprehensive facility inspections
Annual stormwater sampling and analysis, if required by industry sector
Annual submission of Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMRs), if required by industry sector
What This Means for Your Facility
With the September deadline approaching, industrial facilities across Tennessee should take proactive steps to assess their compliance needs. Reviewing your current SWPPP, updating stormwater controls, and preparing the necessary documentation will not only ensure regulatory compliance but also help reduce environmental risks.
If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to help you interpret the new permit language and guide your next steps.
Stay Cool: Top Tips for Managing Heat Stress from Proposed OSHA Rule
With record-breaking temps hitting the country from coast to coast, OSHA has proposed a new rule designed to keep workers safe from excessive heat, which caused an average of 40 deaths and 3,389 illnesses and injuries per year from 2011-2022. OSHA held informal public hearings from June 16, 2025, through July 2, 2025.
The proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule would apply to all employers in both indoor and outdoor settings, including general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture sectors covered by OSHA. (Short-duration heat exposure, sedentary jobs, indoor worksites kept under 80°F, remote work, emergency response teams, and government employers are exempt.)
While it’s unsure when or if this rule will be finalized in the future, it’s clear that the actions it outlines provide several benefits for employers. Not only will it help protect your workforce, but it has the potential to improve productivity and decrease turnover.
How hot is too hot?
The rule activates when the heat index is 80°F for more than 15 minutes during any 60-minute period. Even more stringent requirements go into effect when temps reach 90°F. Industries that use heat-generating processes, machinery, and equipment can also cause heat hazards without appropriate cooling measures.
Here are the recommended actions included in the proposed rule:
Analysis, Strategy, and Training
Assess heat risk: Identify the high-risk areas and tasks where workers are likely to be exposed to high heat at your workplace.
Monitor temperatures: Install systems to continually monitor the temperature and humidity levels throughout your work site. OSHA recommends using wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) devices to track workplace heat.
Create a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP): Include site-specific information to evaluate and control heat hazards in your workplace, available to each employee in a language that they understand. The plan should specify what the employer's responsibilities are when an employee experiences a heat-related illness or emergency.
Develop a heat illness and emergency response plan: Train supervisors and workers to provide the appropriate first aid and contact emergency services when needed. A list of emergency phone numbers should be available at each site, and workers should know how to contact a supervisor and emergency medical services when needed even if they do not have access to a phone.
Conduct heat safety training: Before starting work in high heat conditions, both supervisors and employees should be trained on heat-related hazards, how to identify signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and what the employer's heat-related policies and procedures are.
Record data: Maintain accurate and complete written or electronic records of indoor monitoring data, along with all heat-related incidents.
Employee Protection Measures
When temperatures rise to 80°F for more than 15 minutes, the proposed rule requires employers to:
Provide drinking water: Give workers unlimited access to water and encourage regular hydration – OSHA recommends 4 to 6 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes. If water fountains or taps are not nearby, water coolers, food grade jugs, or bottled water can be used.
Schedule rest breaks: Plan regular breaks in areas with shade, air conditioning, or fans so workers can escape the heat, remove PPE to cool off, and hydrate. These should be close enough to the worksite that people can access them easily to cool down when needed, and large enough to accommodate all workers who need them. As temperatures rise, longer or more frequent breaks may be needed (see below).
Implement acclimatization programs: Evidence shows that new and returning workers are at higher risk for heat-related incidents. The rule requires employers to acclimatize workers over one to two weeks, using methods like limiting work time or heat exposure.
Implement a two-way communication plan: Employers and employees should check in with each other every two hours to monitor or report heat-related illnesses on the job.
Provide cooling PPE: Evaporative headbands, hard hat liners, and vests are some examples of cooling technology.
When temperatures reach 90°F for more than 15 minutes, employers should also:
Provide additional paid rest breaks. In high heat, the minimum rest time is 15 minutes in shade every two hours.
Monitor employees: On high heat days, assign someone at each worksite to watch workers for symptoms of heat stress and respond as needed.
Share a heat hazard alert. This should inform workers about heat hazards, preventive measures, and emergency procedures, along with information on hydration, rest breaks, and emergency responses.
The actions listed above apply only to the proposed OSHA rule for Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. Note that several states and municipalities have their own heat safety standards, so be sure to review those to ensure full compliance.
How We Can Help
We know that staying on top of changing regulations can be a challenge. If you want help interpreting the regulations and navigating the changes, reach out. Our team will help you make sense of the new rules, support you implementing the right measures to protect your workers, and navigate the growing complexities of regulatory compliance.
Introducing Foundation: A Smarter Suite of Sustainability Software for Manufacturers
We’re excited to announce the official launch of Foundation — our newly integrated suite of EHS, energy, and sustainability software applications built specifically for manufacturers. Developed from the combined expertise of Foresight and Cornerstone, Foundation brings together a robust set of tools, expert support, and seamless data integration to make compliance simpler, sustainability reporting easier, and savings more attainable.
In today’s fast-moving regulatory and sustainability landscape, manufacturers need more than just software — they need solutions. Foundation delivers both. Each module is backed by a team of U.S.-based experts who manage data entry, accuracy, quality, and completeness, so clients can spend less time on data headaches and more time driving results.
Three Powerful Applications. One Suite.
Foundation | Energy
Never chase down another utility invoice. Foundation Energy automates invoice collection across your entire portfolio and organizes your data into a centralized dashboard. Our team ensures every line of data is accurate and complete — helping you unlock cost-saving opportunities, strategize energy procurement, and identify efficiency measures. Built-in analysis tools and custom reporting help drive real financial impact.
Foundation | GHG
Simplify greenhouse gas reporting with audit-ready data aligned to the GHG Protocol. With over 168,000 ISO:1406-compliant coefficients in our system, Foundation GHG provides structure and reliability you can trust. From Scope 1 to Scope 3, we work alongside your team to uncover emissions reduction opportunities and simplify reporting to frameworks like CDP, TCFD, and Net Zero Cloud.
Foundation | SDS
Managing safety data sheets doesn’t have to be a chore. Foundation SDS eliminates the hassle of manual tracking, paper binders, and regulatory submissions. Our team personally inputs every chemical in your SDS library and keeps it up to date. Plus, with built-in Tier II and OSHA Hazard Communication reporting, you stay compliant without lifting a finger.
What Sets Foundation Apart?
Foundation isn’t just another software suite. What makes it truly unique is the expert support that comes with it. Every application is supported by professionals who understand your industry and work with you to ensure data integrity, improve reporting outcomes, and identify opportunities that impact your bottom line.
This approach is already delivering results:
95%+ of Foundation clients save more money than they spend
2,000+ facilities served globally
99% customer retention
Whether you’re currently using one of our tools or just beginning your digital transformation, Foundation gives you the flexibility to grow into the full suite — on your timeline, for your needs.
Case Studies
Energy & GHG Management
Learn how we helped a manufacturer in the transportation industry collect and report their GHG data — and uncover substantial cost-saving opportunities.
SDS Management
Learn how we helped a die casting manufacturer streamline and improve regulatory reporting and deadlines with Foundation SDS Management software.
Ready to See More?
Book a demo today to explore the full Foundation suite and discover how our software can help you gain more control, clarity, and confidence in your energy, EHS, and sustainability performance.
Accelerate Sustainability with Environmental Management Systems
In today’s rapidly evolving world, businesses and organizations are increasingly recognizing the need to align their operations with sustainable practices. Companies are facing a barrage of requests to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reduce waste generation, water consumption, and monitor and measure the environmental impact of their supply chain.
These actions are then disclosed through platforms such as CDP, EcoVadis, Supplier Assurance, and M2030 to build trust with stakeholders and verify progress towards goals. The volume and complexity of these disclosures can be a nightmare to manage, requiring more and more resources each year. In a world where sustainability can feel nebulous, complex, and overwhelming, an Environmental Management System (EMS) can be leveraged to facilitate progress toward an organization’s sustainability goals. It’s here -- at the intersection of sustainability and EMS -- where structured environmental governance meets long-term ecological and economic viability.
Understanding Environmental Management Systems
An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured framework that enables an organization to identify, monitor, manage, and continuously improve its environmental performance. It provides a systematic approach to compliance with regulations, pollution prevention, resource conservation, and stakeholder engagement. Standards such as ISO 14001 offer globally recognized guidelines for implementing an effective EMS, helping organizations minimize their environmental footprint while optimizing operational efficiency.
How Sustainability Enhances EMS Implementation
Sustainability principles broaden the scope of EMS beyond regulatory compliance and pollution control. By integrating sustainability into EMS, organizations can:
Adopt a Proactive Approach: Sustainability-driven EMS frameworks encourage organizations to anticipate environmental risks and opportunities rather than merely react to regulatory requirements.
Improve Resources Efficiency: A sustainability-focused EMS promotes energy conservation, waste reduction, and circular economy initiatives, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Enhance Stakeholder Engagement: Businesses that prioritize sustainability within their EMS gain credibility among consumers, investors, and communities, fostering trust and long-term partnerships.
Support Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Goals: By aligning EMS with sustainability, organizations ensure a positive contribution to social and environmental well-being, reinforcing their CSR initiatives.
Drive Innovation: A sustainability-oriented EMS fosters continuous improvement and encourages innovation in product design, supply chain management, and operational processes.
Best Practices for Integrating Sustainability into an Existing EMS
Conduct a Sustainability Assessment: Evaluate current environmental performance and identify opportunities for integrating sustainability goals into the EMS.
Establish Clear Sustainability Objectives: Align EMS objectives with sustainability goals, such as carbon neutrality, zero waste, or water conservation.
Enhance Employee Engagement and Training: Educate employees on sustainability principles and encourage participation in environmental initiatives.
Strengthen Supply Chain Sustainability: Work with suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and reduce environmental impacts across the value chain.
Leverage Technology and Data: Utilize digital tools and analytics to track environmental performance, identify inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions.
Implement Life Cycle Thinking: Assess environmental impacts across the entire product or service life cycle, from raw material sourcing to disposal.
Continuous Monitoring and Reporting: Regularly review EMS performance, set new sustainability targets, and communicate progress through sustainability reports or disclosures.
Encourage Cross-Department Collaboration: Foster cooperation between departments to integrate sustainability into all business functions.
Engage External Stakeholders: Partner with government agencies, non-profits, and communities to advance broader sustainability goals.
Stay Updated with Emerging Trends and Regulations: Keep up with evolving environmental policies and industry best practices to maintain compliance and competitive advantage.
The Future of Sustainability and EMS
As sustainability becomes an integral part of business strategies, the evolution of EMS will continue to reflect this shift. Future trends may include greater integration of artificial intelligence for environmental monitoring, the rise of nature-based solutions, and an increased emphasis on social equity alongside environmental responsibility. Organizations that proactively incorporate sustainability within their EMS will be better positioned to navigate regulatory changes, consumer expectations, and global sustainability challenges.
The intersection of sustainability and Environmental Management Systems represents a powerful synergy that can drive meaningful environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and social well-being. By embedding sustainability into EMS, businesses not only comply with environmental regulations but also contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
If you’d like support building an Environmental Management System for the first time or aligning your existing EMS with sustainability best practices, we’d love to help!
Foresight + Cornerstone Merger Tell-All
How did the merger of Cornerstone and Foresight begin? Watch Mark Miller tell all!
The Cornerstone Environmental Origin Story
Brian and Mark welcome Cindy Madrick to the MicroVlogCast to tell the origin story of Cornerstone Environmental! Hear the full story of how the business began several decades ago and how they've grown to serve hundreds of clients around the world.
Mark & Cindy Shared Their Superpowers!
It's MicroVlogCast tradition to have first time guests share their superpowers! Hear from Mark and Cindy about theirs.
Who Does Cornerstone Serve?
Cassie and Cindy share the types of companies Cornerstone serves. With over 40 years working in EHS, Cornerstone has worked with a huge portion of the marketplace across a variety of industries. Check it out!
What Services Does Cornerstone Offer?
Cassie shares her personal superpower and Jacob dishes about Cornerstone's super services! In his words, "If it's an acronym and an environmental rule, it's something we can help you with." Add in IT services, SDS software, training, audits, ISO, and more... With Cornerstone, your EHS services are covered from top to bottom.
What Makes Cornerstone Special?
This week on the MicroVlogCast, we get Jacob's superpower! Lucky for them, Jacob's clients get his superpower each and every day, and it's one of the things that makes Cornerstone special. Their customer service and dedication to hustling down the right answer for their clients is unmatched in the business. They don't just sell a widget or a software; the real value is their customer service and expert team.
A Shift in Environmental Compliance
On the MicroVlogCast this week, Cindy and Wendy talk about an exciting shift in environmental compliance they've witnessed over the last decade: Is your company following suit?
Bonus points if you can guess Wendy's original profession before stepping into sustainability!
The History of EHS & Sustainability Synergy
EHS and sustainability are becoming more intertwined every year. On the MicroVlogCast this week, Wendy and Cindy share the history of how the two disciplines came together and what they're seeing in the marketplace today.
Case Study: Supporting a PE Firm with Portfolio Companies
Curious how our collective work impacts our customers? Cindy and Wendy chat about our partnership with a private equity firm to address environmental and sustainability issues across their portfolio of companies. Hear about how we're handling everything from regulatory compliance assessments to greenhouse gas management to utility optimization, saving them costs, mitigating risks, and streamlining reporting. From the corporate level to the facility level, we've got all the EHS and sustainability support they need, all in one place.
All the EHS & Sustainability Support, All in One Place
Another great story on the MicroVlogCast! Cassie shares about an EHS client who came to her overwhelmed with the pressures to deliver on sustainability. Cassie pulls in Wendy and the Foresight team to support them with a sustainability roadmap, Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions, and disclosure platforms such as supplier assurance and EcoVadis.
One person at a company often wears all-the-hats when it comes to EHS and sustainability work. We're here to fill in the expertise and bandwidth gaps as they arise. That's the beauty of all the EHS and sustainability support you could need, all in one place.
A Paradigm Shift in EHS & Sustainability
Companies used to believe that giving back was a product of success - now they're realizing it's a catalyst for it. We're seeing this paradigm shift across the EHS and sustainability landscape. On the final MicroVlogCast of this season, Mark shares how this makes him more excited than ever.
Final Comment Period for Indiana Stormwater Permit
In September 2024, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) issued a draft Industrial Stormwater General Permit (ISGP), which is open for public comment until November 19, 2024. Upon completion of the public notice period the new permit is expected to go into effect in 2025. The new permit requirements will be more stringent in terms of sampling frequency, pollutant benchmarks, inspections, and corrective actions.
For a new facility, within 30 days prior to the occurrence of any discharge a new permit application Notice of Intent (NOI) must be submitted. For facilities that have existing permit coverage, within 180 days following the effective date of the new permit the facility will need to take one of the following actions:
Submit a new NOI
Request to terminate permit coverage;
Notify IDEM of eligibility for an exclusion from permit coverage;
Submit an application for an individual permit.
All permitted facilities are required to continue to meet the conditions of the current Indiana Permit (as defined in 327 IAC 15-6) including sampling and inspection requirements until the new ISGP permit is issued sometime in 2025. If your current permit coverage is set to expire before the new ISGP permit is issued you still need to submit a renewal NOI to maintain that permit coverage.
We understand the new upcoming changes to the Indiana stormwater permit may feel daunting.
If you’d like to be informed of the finalization of these regulation and tips for compliance, please drop your email below, and we will be in touch. Feel free to contact us if you’d like
Upcoming Changes to Indiana Stormwater Permits
In alignment with other states and Federal permit guidelines, Indiana is making some big changes to its Stormwater General Permit. This draft permit is currently in public notice review until November 19, 2024. Upon completion of the public notice period, IDEM will be working to finalize the new permit early in 2025. A key change to the permit is the addition of “subsectors” based on industry SIC codes, creating variable requirements for facilities in differing industries.
We understand these changes may feel daunting. If you have any questions or would like assistance with stormwater reporting management, we’re here to help. Our turnkey services ensure you’re up to date with the latest regulations, submission details, and reporting deadlines.
If you’d like to be informed of the finalization of these regulation and tips for compliance, please drop your email below, and we will be in touch.
Here’s a look at high level changes you’ll see in the draft:
Changes to Inspection Requirements
Quarterly Routine Facility Inspections are still required, but now required to have at least once per year done during a period where stormwater discharge is occurring (i.e. when it’s raining)
Added Quarterly Visual Assessments for each outfall even if they are substantially similar.
Changes to Annual Report
First annual report due within 365 days of effective date of permit coverage. The annual report for years 2 through 5 is due within 365 days of the last report submitted.
Annual reports must now include summary of facility inspections, visual assessments, confirmation SWPPP is updated, confirmation of impaired waterbody review, sampling information and any correction actions.
Additional Changes
Non-stormwater discharges allowed under the permit,
Minor changes to Facility Layout requirements
Additions items to include in SWPPP
Changes to Notice of Intent
Annual fee structure has changed.
Lots of additional information is now needed as part of the NOI and they must be submitted electronically through the IDEM Regulatory Services Portal (RSP).
Within 180 days of the effective date of the new permit facilities must submit a new NOI, request a termination of permit coverage, request no exposure exclusion, or apply for individual permit. Subsequent renewals 5 years later are still due 90 days before general permit expires.
Changes to Stormwater Monitoring Requirements
All facilities must conduct stormwater monitoring for three “indicator benchmark parameters” (i.e. pH, Total Suspended Solids, Chemical Oxygen Demand)
Additional monitoring requirements is broken down by subsector and/or waterbody
pH measurement must still be taken at the time the grab sample is taken using a pH meter. Calibration records of the pH meter must be kept with the SWPPP (cannot rely on a lab to provide/maintain these records).
Changes to Stormwater Monitoring Reports
Discharge Monitoring Reports must be submitted online in NetDMR system
To stay up-to-date on these changes, drop your email address in the form above!
“What If?” : How to Ace Unexpected Inspections
“Hello, my name is Bill Hess, and I represent Cornerstone Environmental, Health and Safety. Who is your EHS representative here on site?”
There are a surprising number of places that I “cold call” in person where the front desk employee has no clue who the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) person is or the responsibilities that position holds. If I were an OSHA or Environmental Regulatory Inspector, that person and the company would be off to a very bad start to their day.
In my role with Cornerstone as Manager of Business Development for our Northern Midwest Region for the past 25 years, I have probably visited and prospected over a thousand sites in person. These visits are often unannounced, and I fit them in between other scheduled meetings that I have. Given the turnover rates that many companies experience these days, it’s really no surprise that the front desk person does not know the key people in their organization. However, the front desk person (if there is one) or whoever answers the lobby phone should be well informed of who the facility EHS Manager is and know how to reach them.
In the case of regulatory inspections, it is critical to get off to a good start. First impressions can set the tone of the entire day. Facility management has a responsibility to coach gatekeepers with how to handle an unannounced inspection, and how to manage the inspector until the appropriate EHS person can arrive to meet them. Understanding the importance of this initial interaction is crucial. A respectful and knowledgeable greeting shows the inspector that your organization takes compliance seriously.
Your EHS Manager should also be instructed as to how to manage the inspection. Some simple guidelines include:
Be Cooperative. Throughout the inspection process, your attitude should be one of cooperation. If corrective actions can be taken care of during the inspection, then get it done by you or someone else who is capable.
Just answer the question. Do not elaborate, tell stories, or reveal anything but what is asked or needed. “Loose Lips Sink Ships” is still true in 2024.
Stay on the path. Many inspectors are curious about your operations, but you need to keep them on the path to where they want to go or for what they want to see. This does not need to be a full-day tour unless they state that it is a wall-to-wall inspection.
Monitor pictures. If the inspector takes photos, they may need your permission if it involves proprietary technology or materials. Be sure to take the same pictures they have taken for your own defense.
Take good notes. You may be paying attention to everything during the inspection, but the written report you get from the inspector may take weeks for them to complete. Your notes should match their notes, so don’t rely on your memory for details.
Closing Conference. Be sure to address any questions that you have or that the inspector has during the closing conference. If additional information is needed, establish a date for when it can be delivered to the inspector.
In summary, be prepared and organized. Getting off to a good start could make your day.
Mastering Health and Safety Risk Assessments in Industrial Environments
Ensuring health and safety in an industrial setting is paramount for the well-being of employees and the overall success of the business. This requires more than just a familiarity with compliance regulations; there must be an understanding of the risk associated with exposure to workplace hazards. I have visited many workplaces and observed many industrial processes and their associated hazards. I have had opportunities to conduct both compliance assessments and risk assessments. Through my experiences, I’ve noticed a gap in many safety professionals’ understanding of risk assessments and how to conduct them. This article will explain a simple approach to mastering health and safety risk assessments in industrial environments.
Understanding the Importance of Health and Safety Risk Assessments:
Risk assessment involves calculating the severity of potential outcomes from hazard exposure and the probability of their occurrence. Developing a risk matrix based on these factors helps visualize the level of risk, emphasizing the importance of not overlooking high risks. Regular risk assessments are key to preventing accidents, reducing liabilities, and boosting productivity. Here is an example of a risk matrix:
Key Components of a Health and Safety Risk Assessment:
The key components of a health and safety risk assessment involve hazard identification, risk evaluation, and risk control. When identifying hazards, various factors such as machinery, materials, processes, and human factors must be considered. When assessing risk, it is crucial to determine the type of injury or illness resulting from exposure to the hazard and evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls in mitigating the risk.
To illustrate, let's perform a hypothetical risk assessment on a table saw with an unguarded saw blade. The unguarded blade is identified as the hazard, with the severity of potential injury being finger amputation (i.e., Catastrophic [4]). The probability of contacting the blade is high due to its unguarded nature and frequent use (i.e., Probable [3]). Calculating the risk as 4 x 3 = 12 places it in the red portion of the risk matrix, indicating an unacceptable level of risk.
To address this, we must implement risk controls. Following the NIOSH hierarchy of controls, we prioritize engineering controls over elimination and substitution controls, as they are not feasible for our workplace. Implementing an engineering control such as a self-adjusting guard reduces the probability of injury. Upon reassessing the risk with the guard installed, the severity remains unchanged, but the probability is reduced (i.e., Improbable [1]). The calculated risk is 4 x 1 = 4, placing it in the tan portion of the risk matrix, signifying an acceptable level of risk.
Steps to Conducting Effective Risk Assessments
Preparation: Gather necessary information and resources.
Hazard Identification: Identify potential hazards in the workplace.
Risk Assessment: Evaluate the likelihood and severity of identified hazards.
Risk Control: Implement measures to eliminate or mitigate identified risks.
Review and Monitoring: Regularly review and update risk assessments to ensure ongoing effectiveness.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Implementing workplace changes can face obstacles such as limited resources, expertise gaps, and resistance. Overcoming these challenges involves leaning on the NIOSH Hierarchy of Controls, emphasizing employee training, and nurturing a safety culture. Sharing success stories from real-world risk assessments can illustrate the approach's effectiveness and encourage its adoption.
Summary
Mastering health and safety risk assessments in industrial environments is vital for protecting workers and ensuring the sustainability of the company. Companies that are proactive in terms of risk management ensure workplace safety and compliance. I encourage you to prioritize regular risk assessments as an integral part of your health and safety management practices.
References
Department of Labor, Occupational Health and Safety Administration “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs” https://www.osha.gov/safety-management/hazard-Identification
ANSI B11.0 / ANSI B11.19 / B11.TR3 Risk Assessment and Safeguarding of Machinery Package
From Report to Response: The Role of Tier II Data in Community Safety
Every year, businesses like manufacturers, warehouses, and other facilities that handle hazardous chemicals submit Tier II Reports. These reports provide vital information about chemical storage to state and local emergency response authorities, helping them prepare for potential incidents. As a consultant who assists in preparing and submitting these reports, I often find myself wondering: How is this information actually used by emergency personnel? Does the Tier II Report play a role in making our community safer?
To answer these questions, I reached out to the West Lafayette Fire Department and an Emergency Response Team (ERT) Chief at a large manufacturing facility. Through these conversations, I hoped to gain a better understanding of how local responders use Tier II data to protect our community.
Interview with the West Lafayette Fire Department
Q: Do you receive Tier II reports electronically or by mail?
A: Most of the Tier II reports are provided to us electronically, but we still see some come through in the (ground) mail. We also can access all the reports through the State (Department of Homeland Security website).
Q: What do you find most helpful in the Tier II reports?
A: We typically already have awareness about quantities of hazardous materials, water supply, and alarm information because of Pre-fire Plans. We visit every building in town every four years and collect a lot of information. We have new reporting software that we are still figuring out.
Q: Is the Tier II information on the new reporting software?
A: No, we access that (Tier II) information on the DHS website, but we plan to start adding the Tier II reports as attachments on our Pre-fire Plans.
Q: Do you think the facility layouts will be helpful?
A: Yes, our Pre-fire Plans have aerial views and information we collect on visits, but any additional information will be helpful.
Q: How does the technology work (on your new software)?
A: Every engine has a computer. The Battalion Chief acts in command when there is an emergency and runs the computer. The software provides them with a lot of information for decision-making.
Q: A lot of our clients report sulfuric acid found in forklift battery-operated equipment. How do you deal with this information in an emergency?
A: Forklift battery equipment is tricky because they are mobile and can be anywhere. We typically know where the charging areas are and then are prepared for acid spills afterward.
Q: Not exactly Tier II related (for this geographic area), but have you dealt with lithium batteries and fires associated with those?
A: Yes, we just had an electric scooter catch on fire this past month. We have a lot of concern about lithium batteries because you cannot put the fire out with water. Lithium batteries are becoming more prevalent and are in a lot of consumer items. We are being proactive and purchasing equipment to handle this type of fire.
I appreciate the insights shared by the West Lafayette Fire Department, highlighting the importance of Tier II data in emergency planning and response.
Interview with an ERT Commander
I also spoke with an ERT Commander, who explained how his team uses Tier II information and chemical inventories during their annual training exercises. The training, facilitated by the Fire Department, includes real on-site chemical scenarios to “test the system as much as possible.”
“In the spill training, we rely heavily on the SDS (safety data sheets) to figure out what the product is and how we should respond. So we simulate releases of known chemicals at the facility as part of our training,” he said.
It was encouraging to hear how emergency responders actively use the Tier II data to prepare for potential hazards at their facilities.
Conclusion
The insights gathered from these interviews underscore the importance of Tier II Reports in the hands of local emergency responders. While technology and accessibility continue to improve, ongoing collaboration and accurate reporting between businesses and emergency response teams remain crucial. By equipping emergency personnel with detailed, up-to-date chemical information, we can help ensure that our community is prepared to respond effectively in times of crisis.