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Arsenic is a potentially lethal poison that, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is five times more toxic than lead. Inorganic arsenic can be found in air, water, and soil. It is present in high levels in the groundwater in numerous countries, including the United States. Arsenic is a naturally occurring inorganic element that has been used in combination with other elements across numerous industries, such as construction, agriculture, and electronics.
This online training course details potential sources of arsenic, the risks and symptoms of exposure, and applicable arsenic regulations. Arsenic is highly toxic in its inorganic form, which threatens public health through contaminated drinking water used for drinking, food preparation, or irrigation, as well as in numerous industrial processes. The topics detailed in our online certification course will provide strategies to prevent arsenic exposure in the workplace and community.
What are the governing regulations? Different forms of arsenic are found in varied sources, which requires multiple government agencies to regulate arsenic hazards. The EPA oversees the standards for arsenic in the environment. For example, 66 FR 6976 establishes maximum contaminant levels for arsenic in non-community water systems.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) establish the regulations and standards regarding arsenic exposure in the workplace. Arsine gas is regulated by 40 CFR Part 61, which addresses national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants. 29 CFR 1910.1018 establishes inspection and compliance procedures for the occupational exposure standard for organic and inorganic arsenic-containing compounds.
The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes a provisional global standard for allowable levels of arsenic in drinking water worldwide. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) establishes the regulations concerning arsenic in food.
Who must take this training? Anyone exposed to arsenic hazards should participate in arsenic safety training. Arsenic is used in many industrial purposes, from electronics to alloy manufacturing, pharmaceutical substances, construction, pesticides, glass production, and more.
Workers associated with potentially high-risk areas for arsenic exposure should become familiar with safe work practices and procedures that can minimize the risk of illness, poisoning, and fatalities.
Case Study: The communities of Sunland Park and Santa Teresa in New Mexico have been battling elevated levels of arsenic in the region's drinking water. Water sample test results showed a consistent pattern of dangerously high arsenic levels. The utility responsible for drinking water, the Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), violated the EPA Safe Drinking Water Act multiple times from February 2012 through April 2016. Violations occurred in all of the utility's water system, including its wells, the two arsenic treatment plants, and a storage tank. The EPA reported that CRRUA failed to sample its water for arsenic, or failed to sample it correctly three times during those years. CRRUA also failed to issue the legally required public advisory notices for three quarters.
Key Takeaway: This gross oversight and irresponsibility on the part of CRRUA jeopardized the health and well-being of all of the citizens who relied on its water. Although individuals may take some precautions, the responsibility of protecting people from arsenic exposure rests largely on government agencies. In this case, the agency failed miserably in its responsibility.
It will take a MINIMUM of 2 hours to complete this online course. The student may log on and off as needed. A bookmark will be set so when they log back in they will return to where they left off.
We have no restrictions on how long a person takes to complete a course.
Likewise, if you are purchasing for others, we have no time limit on assigning courses. So you can purchase a larger quantity then you currently need and take advantage of volume discounts.
OSHA's standards for inorganic arsenic, as detailed in 29 CFR 1910.1018, requires employees to receive safety training at the time of initial assignment and at least annually thereafter.