CAO has released their newest version of the Technical Instructions.  As Air Training expires every 2 years it is important for companies to update their training as a number of changes have been made by the Air Industry relating to dangerous goods and their transportation.

It is of upmost importance that your business is storing and managing dangerous goods in a way that minimises the risks that they pose upon the people, property and environment of your organisation. A consultation can assist in providing controls, classifying your products, detailing training requirements and bring your organization up to compliance. Is there a specific area within your business that needs attention? GEMC offers custom solutions to suit every business and unique need.

A dangerous goods compliance audit provides a review of key compliance areas such as: Vendor SDS information as it relates to your dangerous goods inventory and shipping Internal measures to ensure proper shipping procedures are in place Dangerous goods quantity limitations, eg, LTD QTY shipments Packaging procedures Carrier restrictions

Although now more than 50 years old, the Li-Ion battery is still constantly improving: scientists are continuously pushing the limits and boundaries of current Li-Ion technology by experimenting with new ways to combine electrolytes, anodes, and cathodes to create a battery that is more energy-efficient, more cost-efficient, and much safer than its current form. From using relatively cheaper (yet safer) materials like Silicon and Vanadium oxides to creating ‘nanostructures’ within the cells to create more surface area, scientists are thinking of new ways to improve the current Li-Ion batteries energy capacity and safety measures.

Approximately 50% of lithium batteries can be recycled and most household batteries qualify for local recycling programs in North America. Many local hardware and electronic retailers offer free recycling programs like Call2Recycle, who offer bins at local outlets to make the recycling process easy.

If an SDS is not available and the manufacturer or distributor are no longer in business, you will need to determine whether the product is a dangerous good by the same means as the original manufacturer.

Separately in the U.S. on Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a report warning of serious adverse events, including death, associated with ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing methanol. From May 1 through June 30, 15 cases of methanol poisoning were reported in Arizona and New Mexico, associated with swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Four patients died, and three were discharged with visual impairment. Health Canada says frequent use of hand sanitizer containing methanol may cause dermatitis, eye irritation, upper respiratory system irritation and headaches.

The interim policy applies to the following types of products imported from the United States only: cleaning products used mainly to clean, bleach or scour surfaces (but not products used to polish, protect or improve the appearance of surfaces) laundry and dishwashing products used mainly to clean (but not fabric softeners or other such products) These products may be sold to Canadian work places with U.S. labelling and safety data sheets (SDS). Important information will still be present, but the product labelling and SDS may appear different.