Process safety and the management of chemical reactivity hazards are the goals of a new alliance between the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Process Safety Alliance. The OSHA and Process Safety Alliance will work to provide its participating members, small businesses and the public with process safety information, guidance and access to training resources.
"Those working in the chemical and petroleum industries face significant hazards daily as they mix, manufacture and package a variety of dangerous compounds," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke Jr. "We are pleased to join forces with the organizations of the Process Safety Alliance, and are confident that our combined expertise will help employers to protect the safety and health of industry employees as well as the general public."
The OSHA and Process Safety Alliance signatories (known as the Alliance Partners) are the American Chemical Society; the American Chemistry Council; the API; the Center for Chemical Process Safety of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; The Chlorine Institute; the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association; the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The director of the Center for Chemical Process Safety, Scott Berger, stated on behalf of the Alliance Partners that, "The broad participation of chemical and refining trade associations, technical associations, the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA underscores the common interest shared by industry and government in protecting workers, communities and the environment against catastrophic fires, explosions, and toxic releases. Each signatory looks forward to working toward the shared goal of continued improvement in process safety."
"Government and industry collaboration is a proven way to advance chemical process safety," said Susan Parker Bodine, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. "EPA looks forward to working with the Alliance Partners on our shared goal of preventing chemical accidents."
In addition, through the alliance, the organizations will deliver training courses regarding process safety; speak or participate in OSHA's or the Alliance Partners' conferences and regional meetings; share information on best practices and effective approaches, and publicize results through OSHA- or Alliance Partners-developed training programs, seminars and Web sites; and focus on specific issues and projects to identify and manage chemical reactivity hazards.
