A & M Products, Inc. - Executive Summary

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Accidental release prevention and emergency response Policies 
 
This facility stores and handles propane, which is considered hazardous by EPA.  If not properly handled, propane can be dangerous, just like the fuel in automobiles.  Only qualified personnel, properly trained in appropriate operating procedures, are allowed to handle equipment associated with our propane systems.  We are committed to safety in all aspects of our business, and the propane storage and handling is no exception.  It is our policy to adhere to all applicable Federal and state rules and regulations at a minimum.   
 
Our emergency response program includes procedures followed by all employees for notification of the local emergency services department and the site safety manager. 
 
Facility description and the regulated substances handled 
 
The primary purpose of this facility is to manufacture cat litter and related products.  Propane is used to fuel miscellaneous small portable equipment throughout the facility,  
and as a backup to fuel our rotary drum dryers, which are used in the manufacturing of our products.  The handling of propane at this facility is limited to delivery (via delivery truck), transfer/loadout to small containers on portable equipment, and transferred via closed piping to process equipment during natural gas interruptions.  Access to our facility is restricted to facility employees, authorized management personnel, and authorized contractors. 
 
The regulated substance handled at this facility is propane.  The maximum amount of propane stored at this facility is 58,380 pounds, distributed among two propane storage tanks. 
 
The worst-case release scenario(s) and the alternative release scenario(s) 
 
Worst Case Scenario 
 
Failure of the largest storage tank on site when filled to the greatest amount allowed, including written administrative controls, would release 44,100 pounds of propane.  Without administrative controls, 110,880 pounds of propane could be released.  The worst ca 
se scenario assumes that the entire contents of 44,100 pounds are released as vapor, which finds an ignition source, and explodes.  Ten percent of the released quantity is assumed to participate in the explosion. 
 
Utilizing the software modeling program, RMP*CompTM, the estimated distance to 1 psi overpressure from a 44,100 pounds propane release is 0.3 miles. 
 
Alternative Scenario 
 
For the alternative scenario, a pull-away explosion was chosen because it best represented the more likely of alternative scenarios - one which involves human error.   A pull-away causing failure of a 25 foot length of 4 inch hose was analyzed.  The excess flow valves function to stop the flow.  The contents of the hose, 69 pounds, is released.  The resulting unconfined vapor travels to the lower flammability limit. 
 
Utilizing the software modeling program, RMP*CompTM, the distance to endpoint for the lower flammability limit for the alternative scenario is 0.02 miles (about 106 feet).  This release has the 
possibility of extending beyond the facility boundary. 
 
General accidental release prevention program and chemical-specific prevention steps 
 
This propane storage and handling facility complies with California's and EPA's Accidental Release Prevention Rules, CalARP and 40 CFR 68.  This facility stores and handles propane only for onsite use as fuel.  Onsite storage is maintained at a minimum for daily portable equipment and backup for process heaters in the event of natural gas interruption. 
 
The propane systems at this facility were designed and constructed in accordance with NFPA 58, 1998 Edition.  All employees whom handle any of the propane equipment have been thoroughly trained utilizing company and NFPA guidelines. 
 
 
Five-year accident history 
 
This facility has had no reportable accidents associated with our propane storage and handling in the last five years. 
 
Emergency response program 
 
This facility's emergency response program is based upon the NPGA's LP-Gas Handbook, "Guid 
elines for Developing Plant Emergency Response Procedures" and "guidelines for Developing Plant Emergency Procedures", along with facility instructions for contacting local emergency responders.  The emergency response program has been discussed with the City of Taft Fire Department.  Representatives from the City of Taft Fire Department conducted a site visit on January 6, 1999. 
 
Planned changes to improve safety 
 
This facility was constructed in 1987 and is in compliance with NFPA 58.  Upon completion of the hazard review required by this regulation, it was determined that it also complies with NFPA 58, 1998 Edition. 
 
A revised, more formal, inspection and maintenance program, along with more formal training will be incorporated as a result of the recent hazard review.
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