Heat Illness Prevention Training

Summertime is here and OSHA recommends five key elements – water, rest, shade, training, and emergency preparations – as preventative steps to avoid a heat related illness. Working in hot and humid conditions can increase the potential for employees to become sick, and in some cases, die. OSHA reports that each year thousands of workers suffer from heat related illnesses, including fatalities that can be prevented.  Cal/OSHA is actively investigating two suspected heat illness fatalities that occurred in the construction and agriculture industries this year and has indicated that they will be vigilant in their enforcement efforts this year.

If you are in need of Heat Illness Prevention training please contact us, Citadel Environmental Services specialize in Heat Assessment online and in-class training, along with comprehensive Cal/OSHA needs assessment.

Source: Osha Training Center 

Cal/OSHA Launched a Statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative

Earlier this year, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) launched a statewide Confined Space Special Emphasis Initiative to focus attention on preventing worker deaths and injuries in confined spaces. The Initiative is the result of a dramatic increase in deaths, up to seven in 2011, in confined spaces.

A confined space is generally defined as one that (1) is large enough and configured so that an employee can bodily enter and perform work; (2) has limited openings for entry and exit; and (3) is not designed for continuous occupancy. A few examples of confined spaces include manholes, boilers, vaults and utility tunnels.

Employers are advised to evaluate their properties for confined spaces because they can be certain that any inspection by Cal/OSHA will include a check for confined spaces. To learn more about confined space, please review the Confined Space Hazard Alert, an online aid in identifying confined spaces and protect workers. If you need further assistance, please contact Citadel Environmental Services. We provide assistance with Cal/OSHA needs assessments, including online and in-class training in Confined Space as well as many other programs.

Source: Fox Rothschild LLP

Cal OSHA Performs Surprise Weekend Inspections for Heat Illness Prevention and Confined Space Compliance

Two weeks ago when the temperatures in the Central Valley soared past 90 degrees, Cal OSHA set a new precedent performing surprise inspections on Saturday and Sunday to inspect sites for compliance of heat illness and confined space programs. They passed out more than 100 violations for heat illness violations and confined space violations to local employers.

Cal OSHA plays a vital role in keeping California's manufacturing workplaces safe and their efforts serve to protect millions of workers, but if your company is subjected to a Cal/OSHA inspection - it is seldom cause for celebration. Cal/OSHA violations can be costly to not only your bottom line, but your company's reputation.

If you are unsure whether your company is in compliance, or if you have any training needs related to either topic, Citadel can help. We offer comprehensive Cal/OSHA needs assessment, and implementation programs, including online and in-class training in Heat Assessment and Confined Space, as well as many other programs. 

If interested in learning more about the trainings mentioned or any of our other training options available, please contact us today!

California Governor Orders State Buildings and Agencies to Reduce Energy Consumption and GHG Emissions

Effective immediately, California Governor Jerry Brown issued executive order B-18-12, which requires all state agencies to reduce entity-wide GHG emissions by at least 10% by 2015 and 20% by 2020, as measured against a 2010 baseline.  Also, by 2025, all newly constructed or renovated state buildings must be constructed as zero net energy facilities.  Additionally, the executive order requires a minimum of U.S. Green Building Council “Silver” LEED certification for all newly constructed or renovated state buildings of 10,000 square feet or more.  State agencies must also reduce overall water use at the facilities they operate by 10% by 2015 and by 20% by 2020, as measured against a 2010 baseline. To read more regarding this executive order, please click on the link executive order.

Citadel’s Sustainability Service line can help businesses take their companies to the next level with a re-investment in the environment. Corporate environmental responsibility has become a major tool for product/service differentiation. Consumers are increasingly choosing environmentally responsible providers of goods and services as the new Green movement takes hold worldwide. Our services help companies develop Green policies and procedures, characterize and reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and evaluate the environmental impact of their products, all of which all reduce their net carbon footprint. 

If you would like to learn more about going Green, please contact us. 

Specs+Spaces Article - Citadel Environmental Services: Greening the Workplace

An article was published from Dunn-Edwards Specs + Spaces, recognizing Citadel not only for its work in helping companies Go Green, but also for setting a great example as to how beneficial being Green can be!

Specs+Spaces Citadel Environmental Services: Greening the Workplace

Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response ON-LINE Training

Citadel was contracted by a major motion picture studio to provide computer-based Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training. Citadel created a unique E-Learning account for every employee, which allowed users to access the training course modules via the internet from any location at any time. All courses were self-paced with optional audio narration, and all users were granted access to an internal messaging system. The client’s account included access to the seven (7) part HAZWOPER training course that included; • Scope, Application, and Training Requirements of the HAZWOPER Standard • Toxicology, Monitoring, and Medical Surveillance • Hazard, Risk Assessment, and Identification • Respiratory Protection and Personal Protective Equipment • Confined Spaces, Handling Drums and Containers • Site Control and Decontamination • Emergency Response and Spill Prevention All E-Learning modules consisted of interactive flash media presentations, module specific exams with randomized questions, and printable completion certificates. The HAZWOPER course ended with a final exam in addition to individual exams for each of the seven (7) component modules. All courses complied with and met applicable Federal and State training requirements.

Review of California Certified Unified Program Agencies, Hazardous Materials Inventories and Emergency Response Program

Citadel Environmental Services, Inc. was contracted by a major retail company to review the requirements of the California Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs) in anticipation of updating the company's Hazardous Materials Business Plan for multiple retail store locations. The California Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) is a local agency that has been certified by the California Environmental Protection Agency to implement six state environmental programs within the local agency's jurisdiction. The Unified Program includes the Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Wastes Inventory and Business Emergency Response Plan.

Citadel conducted hazardous materials site surveys, as well as prepared Hazardous Materials Business Plans that included compiling Hazardous Material Inventory forms, Emergency Response Plans, Hazardous Waste Generator forms, and other agency-specific reporting forms for the local CUPAs within the jurisdiction of each retail store location.

The Hazardous Materials Inventory and Business Emergency Response Plan Program regulate the use and storage of hazardous materials by business and industry. Chemical Inventory Title 42, Section 11022 of the United States Code and Chapter 6.95 of the California Health and Safety code require the reporting of hazardous materials when used or stored in certain quantities (greater than 55 gallons of liquid, 500 pounds of solids, or 200 cubic feet of compressed gases). A Chemical Inventory was generated for all retail stores that disclosed all hazardous materials and wastes stored, used, or handled above the reporting threshold on site. This disclosure information assists emergency responders in planning for and handling emergencies which involve hazardous materials. The program objective is to safeguard lives and minimize property loss.

Nicolas Serieys, Senior Project Manager, Received CPP Certification

Citadel Environmental Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that Nicolas Serieys is one of only five applicants to pass the 2011 South Coast Air Quality Management District Certified Permitting Professional (CPP) Exam.   

  

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) established the Certified Permitting Professional (CPP) Program to assist business owners in the expedition of submittal/approval of permit applications.  CPP's have proven competency in areas as defined by the SCAQMD, and The California Health and Safety Code, Section 42300.2, which specifically address the requirements to certify private environmental professionals to prepare permit applications.

  

What does this mean to our clients?

As a Certified Permitting Professional, Mr. Serieys now has access to the AQMD database for New Source Review (NSR) and Automated Equipment Inventory Systems (AEIS), where information can be obtained about the facility in question, such as: status of permit applications, list of equipment located at a facility, and actual and maximum mass emission rates associated with the existing equipment at the facility (NSR Balance).   Expedited permit processing will also be given to Nic as a CPP, saving our clients time, and money in potential fees.

Mr. Serieys can be of assistance of with any of the following programs or types of permitting processes:

• PROGRAMS 
• RECLAIM
• Title V
• Conventional (Non-RELCAIM/Non-Title V)
• Acid Rain
• Registration/Certification and Streamline Standard Permits  

• PERMITTING 
• Permits to Construct - required for new or relocated equipment as well as alteration (both phsyical modification and change of operating conditions) of existing equipment.  These applications always recieve a high priority for processing;  
• Permits to Operate - required for equipment that is installed, and/or is operated with or without a prior P/C (a prior P/C or in cases where no prior P/C was issued, the application act as a temporary P/O until a final P/O is processed);   
• Change of Conditions;   
• Alteration/Modification;   
• Change of Operator;  
• Plans - required under some of AQMD rules and regulations (i.e. RECLAIM Rule 2009, Excavations Rule 1150, etc.) for compliance demonstrations and are subject to AQMD approval; 
• Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs) -  for issuance of ERCs generated due to equipment shut downs or over controls;
• Title V - required for initial issuance or subsequent revisions of Title V facility permits.
  
  To learn more about the CPP program, visit the AQMD website here: http://www.aqmd.gov/cpp/     

For more information, contact Nic and/or anyone at the Citadel Corporate Office at:  

Nic Serieys, MS, CPP

 818-246-2707 (Corporate Office)

nserieys@citadelenvironmental.com

Citadel E-Learning

Does your firm have a training system in place that effectively covers all aspects of Environmental, Health, and Safety, and Human Resources compliance? Does the system in place effectively educate the employee, and document completion of training? If your firm does not have a system like this in place, then look no further.

"CITADEL E-LEARNING" is an internet-based Learning and Management System featuring interactive, self-paced course modules and an integrated tracking and reporting infrastructure powered by PureSafety. Citadel E-Learning offers a cache of powerful tools to assist with implementation of your training programs that includes:

• Course Series options that help change behaviors, enhance workplace safety, culture initiatives, and prevent injuries; improve workforce performance; reduce your exposure to employment and labor law claims; and reduce exposure to regulatory citation and fines by providing a turn-key solution for implementation of compliance training programs. 
• More than 380 courses covering all aspects of Environmental, Health and Safety and Human Resources compliance, with the option for custom course modification and creation to best meet your needs.
• Effective and efficiently designed courses; the average course length is just 30-45 minutes, most are available in both English and Spanish for application in bilingual work environments.
• Continuous review and improvement; course content and images are updated routinely to maintain relevancy, regulatory compliance, and help meet your ever-changing training requirements.
• Turn-key compliance solutions that meet and exceed regulatory requirements for training; every course includes engaging learning activities designed to reinforce Employee knowledge of the subject matter, test that accurately measure retention, and completion documentation and certification.
• Citadel E-Learning, as a stand-alone solution, offers a level of flexibility that is unmatched in the world of traditional classroom and computer-based training. With simply computer and internet access, courses can be instantly added to a Library, assigned to an employee, and completion tracked and documented. As long as your employee has internet access, the training can be completed anywhere, anytime, and at their pace.
• In addition, the integration of Citadel E-Leaning into traditional Safety and Compliance programs greatly enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Engaging and relevant course modules easily supplement any existing training programs by invigoration employee interest. The comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS).

If you're interested in learning more about this program for your firm, please contact Kelley West at (818) 246-2707 or via email.