Recently, the Flexible Packaging Association held its 2013 Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Summit. Environmental, health and safety professionals and managers at both corporate and plant levels attended the three-day Summit, which provided a great forum for networking among industry professionals and regulators, in addition to valuable regulation updates and compliance guidance. Presentations during the 2013 Summit were provided by industry professionals, and U.S. EPA and U.S. OSHA representatives.

The Safety Session of the Summit included several case study presentations on Innovations In Doctor Blade Design & Materials for Safer Operation, Forklift-Pedestrian Aisle Segregation, and Developing a Proactive Safety Incentives Program Including Discussions of OSHA Position. Presentations on Global Harmonized System (GHS): Changes and Implementation, Building an Agile Risk-Based IH Exposure Monitoring System, OSHA Priorities, Fire Suppression Systems, and Developing a Process Hazard Analysis Program rounded out the Safety Session.

Environmental Sessions attendees examined Environmental Issues Confronting Small Businesses, received regulatory and legislative updates on TSCA Developments and Nanotechnology in Packaging, in addition to updates on Electronic Manifests and RCRA Solid Waste & Industrial Wipes: Definition, Rules & Implementation Strategy. Case studies presented during the Environmental Sessions focused on ISO 14001 EMS Program, Oxidizers: Integrated Emissions Compliance and Energy Recovery Strategies, and LEPC Data Collection, Storage and Use. Session attendees also examined Permitting and Environmental Justice, Generator Rule, Asbestos Assessment and Abatement Requirements, Environmental Metrics for Improved Performance and Compliance, and Packaging Sustainability.

For more information on the 2013 FPA EHS Summit, visit www.flexpack.org or contact Ram Singhal, vice president, Technology & Environmental Strategy at (410) 694-0800.