Rhiel Supply Updates Businesses on OSHA Labeling

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – With changes coming in June to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for labeling hazardous cleaning chemicals, Rhiel Supply Co. used its annual janitorial open house Thursday as a chance to educate local business on those changes and what to look out for.

“It’s an OSHA requirement to be aware of the new labeling. We wanted to give everyone a refresher because with the new compliance, it will change what they see on products coming in,” says Ryan Mirto, Rhiel director of marketing. “We wanted to make sure they know for safety’s sake.”

The new standards, known as the Global Harmonized System, will establish a universal system to identify hazardous materials, according to Mark Ferguson, the Ohio sales manager for Apex, a janitorial supply company.

“One big problem we’ve always had is that the United States may classify one chemical as one type of hazard, while someone else in another part of the world classifies it as another. This system will bring everyone together and have one standard,” he said.

Rhiel offered three 45-minute training sessions throughout the expo. From what he’s heard, said Justin Mirto, equipment-services manager for Rhiel, some of his company’s customers were unaware of the changes. Having the information session, he said, likely drew more people.

But what really seemed to draw people to the expo, Justin Mirto said, were the vendors, all of whom distribute their products through Rhiel.

“Everyone comes to these with an open mind. Rather than taking a catalogue into their office where they’re busy, they can come down here, take their time and see what’s new,” he added. “Plus, there’s free samples and chances to try some of the equipment out.”

Spread across the lower floor of the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center at Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park, vendors showcased products from floor waxers to air fresheners to OSHA materials, met with Rhiel customers and, occasionally, each other.

And throughout the show, Rhiel employees – all in blue shirts with the company’s red logo – roamed the floor, speaking to customers and vendors. Ryan Mirto spent time at the main entrance, welcoming customers and directing them to the OSHA compliance seminar and vendors. Justin Mirto spent time around some the machines on display, explaining how they worked and their uses.

Alan Mighton, regional manager for Tacony Corp. in St. Louis and a first-time visitor, said that Rhiel – which involves three generations of the Mirto family – fits in with the businesses his company looks to work with. Tacony sells vacuums and commercial floor-care products.

“They are our premium dealership in northeast Ohio when it comes to carpet care. They’re easy to work with and great folks,” Mighton said.

Since 1972, about two decades after the business was founded, the Mirto family has run Rhiel Supply. In the time since, the company has been active in the community, participating in as many events as possible, says Vice President J.D. Mirto.

“It’s great to be in a community like Youngstown. We have support from the community and we support them. We try to stay active in events, for me it’s primarily the YMCA and Camp Fitch,” he says.

And with business and the expo growing, Mirto says Rhiel Supply will stay in the family and in the Mahoning Valley.

“We’ve been here since 1951 and we plan on being here for another 50 years,” he says. “As a family business, we’re connected to this community.”

PICTURED: From left, Brandon Mirto, Jay Youtz, Ryan Mirto, Justin Mirto, Jon David Mirto, Jim Wade, J.D. Mirto and Bill Wagenhouser.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.