When it comes to workplace safety, many employers believe that providing employee training is enough. While training is important, it’s not the only factor that leads to a safe work environment. To create and maintain a safe workspace, it’s necessary to have an expert environmental consulting and construction firm Omaha by your side.
Environmental consultants in Omaha can help identify and mitigate potential hazards in the workplace, which can help keep employees safe. This blog post discusses the SPCC Regulation 40 CFR 112 and its EPA interpretations.
What Is SPCC Regulation 40 CFR 112?
The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation (40 CFR 112) is a federal law that requires facilities that store oil to develop and implement plans to prevent Oil Spills. The regulation applies to facilities that store oil above ground or in underground tanks. The SPCC regulation requires these facilities to take measures to prevent oil spills from happening in the first place and to contain and clean up any spills that do occur.
To comply with the SPCC regulation, facilities must have an SPCC plan that outlines the measures they will take to prevent and respond to oil spills. Hiring environmental consultants in Omaha can ensure full compliance with the SPCC regulation enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
EPA Interpretations of the SPCC Regulation 40 CFR 112
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation found at 40 CFR 112. This regulation sets forth requirements for developing and implementing plans to prevent oil spills from reaching navigable waters of the United States, as well as adjoining shorelines.
The regulation applies to facilities that store, process, or use oil products and includes specific provisions for offshore oil exploration, production, refining, and pipeline transportation facilities. The EPA has issued a number of guidance documents to help covered facilities comply with the SPCC regulation. In addition, the EPA provides regulatory flexibility in certain circumstances, such as when a covered facility can demonstrate that it has implemented alternative disease prevention measures that provide an equivalent level of environmental protection.
Why Is EPA’s Interpretation of SPCC Regulations Important?
Many businesses choose to buy fuel and lubricants and store those products in tanks owned by the suppliers rather than buying and maintaining their tanks, even if the tanks are to stay at their business for several years. The main reason is that it saves the business money and time in the long run. However, some may wonder if the business is still responsible for compliance with the EPA’s spill prevention, controls, and countermeasures (SPCC) regulations 40 CFR 112.
The answer is yes; the business is still responsible for compliance with these regulations, even if they do not own the tank. This is because the business is responsible for the product in the tank, and they need to ensure that it is stored properly to prevent any accidents or spills from occurring. So, even though the business may not own the tank, they are still responsible for complying with all necessary regulations.
How Businesses Can Ensure Compliance with SPCC Regulation 40 CFR 112?
Maintaining compliance with the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can seem daunting for businesses. However, businesses can take a few simple steps to ensure compliance. First, businesses should develop and implement an SPCC Plan. This Plan should outline the procedures for preventing, controlling, and responding to oil spills.
The Plan should also identify the responsible person and provide contact information. Next, businesses should conduct regular training sessions for all employees. These sessions should cover the procedures outlined in the SPCC Plan and emphasize the importance of reporting potential spills. Finally, businesses should perform regular inspections of their facilities and equipment.
Any potential problems should be promptly addressed to prevent them from becoming a hazard. By following these simple steps, businesses can help to ensure compliance with the SPCC regulations.
Businesses can also hire environmental consulting and construction firm Omaha to analyze the risks and for safety consultation. In addition to safety consultation, environmental consultants can also provide safety training for employees. This comprehensive approach to safety can help ensure that your workers are as safe as possible while on the job.