The explosion in West, Texas, prompted President Obama

OSHA, DHS, EPA Release Blueprint for Improving Chemical Facilities' Safety

The report to the president was prepared in response to his Executive Order 13650, Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security, issued in August 2013.

President Obama issued Executive Order 13650, "Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security," on Aug. 1, 2013, directing several federal agencies to identify wants to increase the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduce risks associated with hazardous chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, the fertilizer that exploded in West, Texas, earlier that year. His order established a Chemical Facility Safety and Security Working Group to oversee the effort, chaired by EPA, DOL, and DHS, and leaders of those organizations on June 6 released their 121-page report, titled "Actions to Improve Chemical Facilities' Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment." It's a blueprint for actions that include revising OSHA's Process Safety Management regulation and EPA's Risk Management Program regulation.

"The issuance of the report is a milestone, not an endpoint. Agencies, in coordination with the broad range of stakeholders, have transitioned to implementation of these priority actions, which will be completed over time," the three working group chairs – OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels; Caitlin Durkovich, a DHS assistant secretary; and Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response – wrote in a message at the start of the report. "We recognize that the Federal Government must put in place a transparent, inclusive process with the engagement and commitment of all stakeholders. The Working Group recognizes the invaluable contributions of the stakeholder communities that participated in each of the EO information-gathering efforts. This report highlights many of the comments we received, comments that provide context and underscore the findings and next steps. More information on the spectrum of stakeholder comments is available on the EO Webpage https://www.osha.gov/chemicalexecutiveorder. The Working Group strongly encourages stakeholders to continue to contribute to this dialogue by submitting successful practices to the chemical facility safety and security online best practices forum at https://www.llis.dhs.gov/topics/chemical-facility-safety-and-security or by providing direct feedback to the Federal departments and agencies via the EO docket or the [email protected] email address."

The report identifies priority actions in five broad areas, one of which is modernizing policies and regulations. These include establishing a cross-agency team of experts to standardize data and develop a common facility identifier; improving information tools for regulated chemicals; modernizing OSHA's PSM standard and EPA's RMP regulation; enhancing ammonium nitrate safety and security; promoting safer technology and alternatives; strengthening DHS' CFATS program; and working with Congress to increase OSHA’s monetary and criminal penalties.

The process of modernizing EPA's Risk Management Plan regulation would begin within a year, possibly adding or deleting chemical hazards and adding new requirements for automated detection and monitoring systems, requiring facilities to track and conduct root cause analyses of frequent process events and near misses, requiring stop work authority for employees who witness an activity that creates a threat of danger, and strengthening contractor safety requirements, among other measures.

Product Showcase

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

  • AirChek Connect Sampling Pump

    Stay connected to your sampling with the SKC AirChek® Connect Sampling Pump! With its Bluetooth connection to PC and mobile devices, you can monitor AirChek Connect pump operation without disrupting workflow. SKC designed AirChek Connect specifically for all OEHS professionals to ensure accurate, reliable flows from 5 to 5000 ml/min and extreme ease of use. AirChek Connect offers easy touch screen operation and flexibility. It is quality built to serve you and the workers you protect. Ask about special pricing and a demo at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. Read More

  • Safety Shower Test Cart

    The Safety Shower Test Cart speeds up and simplifies emergency shower tests, ensures you stay in compliance with OSHA regulations, and significantly reduces testing costs. With 7 unique features, the cart makes testing easy, effective, and efficient. You can test water clarity, flow, temperature, and spread—all at the same time! Most safety shower testing kits create a mess, take too much time to use, and don't fully help you stay in compliance with OSHA & ANSI standards. Transform the way you test emergency showers with Green Gobbler Safety. Read More

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars