March 05, 2010

What Inspectors Look for

Facilities nationwide must cope with many of the same federal requirements. However, state inspectors may have their own areas of concentration. Most state agencies will willingly share these concerns with you.

EPA areas of focus are water and air. Finding Clean Water Act violations tops the list for inspectors, particularly construction activity stormwater runoff.

State areas of focus include:

• Containers. Most violations are simple labeling mishaps and improper closing.
• Hazardous/solid waste. Illegal dumping, waste tires, and generator violations.
• Underground storage tanks (USTs). Leaking USTs are found across the country.
• Air quality/asbestos.
• Recordkeeping. The list is long, but failing to produce a manifest with the appropriate signatures, within the allotted time frame, is high on the list.

On the health and safety side, OSHA looks for:

• Written programs and other documentation. Hazard communication, permit-required confined space, personal protective equipment, bloodborne pathogens, and general safety and health program.
• Injury and illness logs. Be sure you’re using the most up-to-date version. Download a copy of the 2004 OSHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.

INFO: Contact BLR’s Ana Ellington at 800-727-5257, ext. 2169.