TSCA Task Force Open Call Submission Form
Mission
To ensure that AIHA is speaking with one voice and one message with respect to how we as a profession are the right partner to support EPA in their occupational risk assessments and management, as mandated by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Goals
- Influence EPA progressively and positively to more closely align with the manner in which occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals conduct occupational exposure assessments.
- Demonstrate evidence (anecdotal and otherwise) of AIHA’s ability to positively influence how EPA conducts risk assessments (i.e., continue to shift EPA’s philosophy).
Strategic Objectives
- Serve in a strategic oversight capacity that helps direct, prioritize, and coordinate AIHA activities being undertaken at the AIHA Volunteer Group level to influence the EPA.
- Build closer relationships with trade associations, such as the American Chemistry Council, and other organizations to help AIHA amplify and broaden its support network.
- Provide messaging to EPA staff to educate them on the fundamentals of how occupational exposure assessments are conducted.
Structure
The TSCA Task Force shall not be limited to a specific number of members. It shall be open to both AIHA members and non-members to ensure we reflect the perspectives of OEHS and allied professionals. There is no specific requirement for a formal chair or vice-chair position; however, the group may accommodate such a request should a willing volunteer wish to step forward. AIHA’s Director of Government Relations, Mark Ames, will serve as staff liaison.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Work in conjunction with a designated AIHA Board Liaison, who shall report on the activities of the group throughout the year at Board meetings.
- Coordinate efforts with the American Chemistry Council and other allied associations with a vested interest in ensuring TSCA risk assessments are aligned with recommended practices as published by the AIHA.
- Maintain an ongoing list of activities being conducted within the AIHA, such as webinars and advocacy work.
- Draft and maintain a harmonized list of talking points that can be re-purposed for a variety of communication vehicles.
Measures of Success
- Achieve collaboration between EPA and an industrial hygiene/OEHS-based professional society, or School of Public Health, on occupational exposure limit (OEL) development.
- Where Existing Chemical Exposure Limits (ECELs) and OELs currently differ, organize a task force including EPA, NIOSH, OSHA, AIHA, ACGIH, and industry CIHs to understand the differences between the ECEL and the existing OEL to serve as clarification to industry.
- Succeed in advocating for the EPA Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC) to require at least two CIHs with a minimum of 10 years industry experience to serve on the SACC.
- Gain EPA agreement to require a CIH to participate in all chemical hazard evaluations and risk management proposed rules.
General Time Commitment
- Monthly virtual meeting (each lasting 1 hour).
- One in-person meeting (may be at AIHA CONNECT – formerly AIHce EXP).
- Email correspondence as needed.
- Other duties as assigned (based on identified project needs).
Accountability
- Accountable to the AIHA Board of Directors.
- Agree to uphold and abide by the AIHA Bylaws, Conflict of Interest, and Code of Conduct policies.
Interested parties should complete the application and submit a current CV by close of business on Sunday, October 15. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Our goal is to notify applicants within 3 weeks of the deadline stated above. In the event we do not receive enough applicants, this open call may be extended.
Thank you for your interest.