OSHA is again playing catch-up with emerging industries and niche markets. With the recreational cannabis movement gaining legislative momentum, federal regulators are now rolling out rudimentary metrics for new safety standards. Although OSHA intervention is limited, cannabis and CBD extraction facilities can expect intensified federal efforts to regulate this growing industry. Marijuana and cannabis operations can be inherently toxic and dangerous to employees. Becoming well-versed in state and federal cannabis statutes ensures lasting federal compliance. U.S. Hazmat Rentals’ experienced and knowledgeable building advisors can help you stay abreast of changing OSHA cannabis cultivation regulations while providing unique chemical storage solutions.
OSHA Launches Local Emphasis Program for Cannabis Compliance
Who knew a niche market targeting a laid-back clientele would include so many rules? Cannabis cultivation and CBD extraction present several health risks to the safety of workers. Cannabis workers are routinely exposed to flammable liquids and dangerously sharp sheering and pruning equipment. Other potential hazards include electrical risks, toxicity inhalation, and unguarded machinery. The routine handling of hexane, heptane, ethanol, and butane by workers during the extraction of concentration CBD liquids poses significant fire and explosion hazards for workers. While federal cannabis regulations remain in the R&D phase, additional legislation to protect workers is likely. Looking to nip potential safety issues in the bud, OSHA is pioneering a Local Emphasis Program to reduce possible injuries and death in the tiny cannabis extraction industry.
Compliant Chemical Storage for Multifaceted Manufacturing
Going Green can be a buzz kill. Legitimate marijuana cultivation differs substantially from black market practices. Failure to abide by emerging legislation can result in serious injuries and debilitating fines. Although cannabis is inherently therapeutic, its complex cultivation can be anything but organic. Intense thermal dynamic process necessary to render a safe, consumable product in Bohemian packaging involves several dangerous chemical classifications. Even manual sheering and sorting can be hazardous to your worker’s health. In 2022, a cannabis worker in Massachusetts suffered a fatal asthma attack after accidentally an “airborne marijuana particulate.” Other routine operations like stripping, package sorting, and dying processes will expose workers to pesticides, molds, dust, flammable solvents, and dangerous equipment.
Avoiding Fines While Protecting Employees and the Bottom Line
OSHA’s Denver branch is already making its presence known with routine inspections. Prospective cannabis manufacturers will be put on notice the moment they open up shop in newly legalized jurisdictions. Marijuana usage, let alone cultivation, still carries a societal stigma that won’t soon relent. While federal regulators have a sworn duty to enforce cannabis storage regulations apolitically, certain inspectors will undoubtedly act biased toward the previously illicit industry. Envious prospective growers looking to get in on the action but unwilling to broadcast their radar signature could file false reports to ensure your legal operation goes up in smoke before customers can light up. With such public scrutiny, cannabis extractors and marijuana cultivators will be disproportionately monitored and fined compared to longstanding industries. Investing in compliant flammable chemical protection will negate the possibility of unfair sanctions and public admonishment.
OSHA’s Denver field operations have already conducted 44 safety referrals and complaints at cannabis extraction facilities. Three of those investigations came as a result of workplace fatalities. Other inquiries resulted from fires and explosions due to improper flammable chemical handling and storage. Most of these federal inspections also led to fines and multiple citations. With such egregious incidents eliciting closer industry oversight and probing, manufacturers nationwide should curtail potential random inspections with compliant chemical storage for every stage of cultivation and extraction. Our fire-rated chemical storage lockers can safely accommodate various-sized stockpiles of flammable chemicals unique to the marijuana and cannabis industries. Optional climate control and ventilation can also protect humidity and temperature-sensitive crops. Organized chemical storage also prevents accidental product activation and cross-contamination. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!
