Legal & Regulatory Compliance Safety Episodes

Host Atanu Das interviews Ken Sumner of KWS Training, a dangerous goods transportation trainer with 30+ years’ experience, about where OSHA HazCom and DOT transport requirements intersect and frequently conflict. Sumner describes common SDS problems—missing or wrong classifications, mismatch between product form and SDS (powder vs aerosol, solids on ethanol), outdated or un-updated Section 14 entries after reformulation, and confusing or mode-specific exception claims (limited quantity, accepted...

We interview Adele Abrams, an attorney and safety professional at Littler Mendelson, about legal and practical risks facing OSHA/MSHA regulation and HazCom. Abrams explains the Allstates Refractory nondelegation argument—revived by Justices Thomas and Gorsuch—and a new Fifth Circuit case that could invalidate many OSHA rules issued under general rulemaking authority, potentially shrinking the CFR and affecting MSHA similarly, amid a broader Trump-era deregulatory review. She warns that weakening...

In this episode, we discuss the scientific and regulatory definitions of flammability and combustibility. Dr. Dastidar details different categories of flammable and combustible liquids based on their flashpoints and boiling points, and explains the classification systems of OSHA, GHS, and NFPA. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding the flashpoint and combustibility of materials in various work environments, the implications of aerosolization, and the potential for spontaneous co...

In this engaging episode of Hack Your Hazcom, we welcome Melissa Owen, founder of AMBIENTELEGAL and a top expert in regulatory compliance and sustainability throughout Latin America. Melissa shares her extensive knowledge in navigating the complexities of environmental regulations in the region. Discussing everything from the absence of centralized regulatory bodies like the EU to the rising role of OECD in promoting chemical compliance, Melissa provides insight into the complicated landscape of...

In this episode, recorded live at the AHMP Hazmat Summit, Atanu interviews Becky Neal, a Senior Strategic Manager of Compliance at Envita Solutions. Becky provides insights into the complexities of regulatory support for hazardous waste disposal and recycling. She discusses the challenges of using Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for waste profiling, addressing the disconnect between the information provided and the real-world requirements of disposal facilities. The conversation touches on the limitati...

In this episode, our guests, Michelle Baker and Beth Dederick, discuss the intricacies of product stewardship. Michelle, with over 25 years of experience in product stewardship and regulatory compliance, and Beth, with more than 20 years in environmental consulting, share their expertise on the importance of product stewardship. They explain the concept, the roles of various stakeholders, and the global implications of regulatory compliance. The discussion explores challenges such as delivering ...

In this episode, we sit down with John Newquist, a nationally recognized expert in occupational safety and health, to discuss the effectiveness of safety training programs, particularly for hazard communication (HazCom). John shares insights from his four decades of experience, focusing on challenges faced by workers with low literacy or limited English proficiency. He emphasizes the importance of bilingual trainers, visual aids, hands-on demonstrations, and the proactive involvement of supervis...

Atanu Das is joined by Gene Sanders, a veteran expert with over 25 years of experience in handling dangerous goods, hazardous materials, and pharmaceutical safety. The episode delves deep into the intricate world of compliance with GHS and various international and national transportation regulations. Gene explains the differences in hazard classifications between OSHA and DOT in the U.S., as well as the complexities of adhering to international standards set by bodies like ICAO and IATA. The di...

In this episode, Sonia Razzaque, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in product stewardship (PS) discusses the challenges and nuances in Safety Data Sheets (SDS) management. The conversation tackles the '50 Shades of Gray' in regulatory compliance, covering topics such as the weight of evidence, ascertaining data, supplier cooperation, and global regulatory differences. The episode also delves into the critical aspects of hazard communication training, mergers and acquisitio...

This episode of Hack Your Hazcom dives into practical strategies and insights for hazard communication with Sarah Henderson, founder of Henderson Solutions, a woman-owned firm specializing in hazardous materials management and regulatory compliance. Sarah, a nationally recognized leader in OSHA and hazard communication, shares her vision for the future of chemical safety, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, proactive chemical management, and the integration of new technologies. Th...

In this episode, we welcome Bruce Donato, a principal with K&A First Aid and Safety. With over 40 years of experience in chemical engineering and industrial safety, Bruce shares his insights on Safety Data Sheets (SDS), compliance training, and emergency preparedness. We delve into common questions about SDS requirements, the role of regulatory bodies like OSHA and the EPA, and the practicalities of compliance in various industries. This conversation also covers complex topics such as the classi...