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The Story of ICC

One thing that amazes me after 25 years in business is the fact that (even long time) customers do not understand the spectrum of products, services, and training we offer. After hearing yet another customer say, “we did not know you did that” I was inspired to tell you this story.

Once upon a time, not so long ago there was a train wreck, not unlike Lac Megantic disaster of late. A man who owned a printing company was inspired to start another company and together with his partners started to print products that related to shipping dangerous goods.

With the onset of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (1985), released by Transport Canada, the company was kept busy producing placards, hazard class labels, signage, and other transportation supplies.

Within a few short years Health Canada introduced WHMIS (1988), where supplier and workplace labels were in high demand. In addition WHMIS introduced Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and with that, the introduction of a new arm of the company. Training was also introduced not only for transportation, but workplace safety as well.

In 1991, The IATA Dangerous Goods regulations, and 49 CFR (remember HM-181?) introduced something new called UN Performance Packaging, or commonly called “POP Packaging” at the time. ICC Compliance Center was one of the first companies to introduce packaging and educate companies on its use.

Bring on the new era of computers and the internet. Customers are looking for ways to print labels more efficiently, and host the MSDSs so they can be accessed by all. Software and printers were introduced to the product offering, making “on-demand” a reality.

Rumblings at the UN about a Globally Harmonized System for Classification (GHS) and Labeling were heard, and most would say, “not in my lifetime.” It took time, but eventually, countries around the word began to release plans to adopt and enforce this new recommendation. ICC Compliance Center once again strategizes and develops products, services, and training to help those in the industry with the changes. Finally, GHS becomes a reality in the USA and Canada (2012 and 2015).

Today, ICC Compliance Center serves customers across North America providing more products, services, and training than ever before. We are a one-stop shop for customers who offer, handle, or transport dangerous goods, and workplace compliance and safety.

If you have ever thought of us as “the box company” or “the training company”, give one of our other products, services, or training a try. Happily ever after is only a phone call away.

The End.

Karrie Ishmael, CDGP

Karrie Ishmael has been with ICC since 1988. She has contributed to ICC's growth in various capacities, including customer service, sales, and marketing. In her current role as ICC's Senior Regulatory Expert and SDS author, Karrie conducts hazardous materials training classes in 49 CFR, IATA, IMDG, TDG along with OSHA and WHMIS hazard communication courses. When not training, she writes safety data sheets for customers to comply with North American and European requirements. She actively participates in many associations, including DGAC, COSTHA and is the former chair of SCHC’s OSHA Alliance Committee.

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