As a warehouse owner or manager, handling hazardous chemicals like lead-acid batteries for forklifts, diesel fuel, and cleaning agents can trigger Tier II reporting requirements. At Watkins Group, we help simplify this complex process by ensuring timely, accurate reporting, reducing your regulatory burden, and keeping your facility compliant.
1. Comprehensive Chemical Inventory
Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all hazardous substances. Common triggers include forklift batteries, propane tanks, gasoline, and diesel fuel. Be sure to track quantities, storage locations, and safety data sheets (SDS) for each chemical.
2. Threshold Evaluation
Evaluate all chemicals stored on-site and identify those exceeding reporting thresholds:
10,000 lbs or more of hazardous chemicals.
500 lbs or more of extremely hazardous substances (EHS) such as sulfuric acid from lead-acid batteries in forklifts.
Gasoline storage exceeding 75,000 gallons or diesel storage exceeding 100,000 gallons.
3. Reporting Deadlines
Ensure that your annual Tier II reports are submitted by March 1st every year, covering the chemicals stored in the previous calendar year.
File initial reports within 90 days if new chemicals are introduced or existing chemicals exceed thresholds.
4. Facility and Contact Information
Update facility information such as location, ownership, and emergency contacts. Accurate details help ensure your State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) have the correct data in case of an emergency.
5. Hazardous Materials Storage
Ensure your storage areas meet all OSHA and EPA standards, including proper labeling of hazardous materials. This applies to common items like lubricants, acids, and flammable liquids.
6. Safety Precautions and Emergency Planning
Implement and maintain a spill prevention plan, including spill kits and containment systems for materials like fuel and battery acid. Watkins Group can assist you in creating or updating your Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans.
7. Report Submission with Expert Support
Utilize our services to submit Tier II reports through E-Plan or your state's electronic system. We manage all necessary submissions to the SERC, LEPC, and local fire departments.
8. Accurate Record Keeping
Keep copies of all submitted Tier II reports for at least five years. Watkins Group offers organized record-keeping solutions to help you stay audit-ready.
9. Employee Training
Train warehouse staff in chemical handling, spill response, and emergency procedures. Regular refresher courses ensure compliance and workplace safety.
10. Avoiding Penalties and Common Mistakes
We help prevent common mistakes, such as underestimating quantities or misclassifying chemicals. Missing a single chemical, like sulfuric acid from forklift batteries, can lead to costly fines.
Stay updated with regulatory changes to ensure full compliance and avoid potential penalties.
Why Choose Watkins Group?
Watkins Group helps reduce the complexity of Tier II reporting, saving warehouse owners and managers time and hassle. Our dedicated account technicians handle the entire process—from chemical inventory audits to report submission—allowing you to focus on your core operations.
By partnering with Watkins Group, you can be confident that your compliance needs are in expert hands, helping to avoid fines, stay compliant, and ensure the safety of your warehouse.
Contact Us Today to Simplify Your Tier II Reporting!