Alameda Chemical & Scientific, Inc. - Executive Summary |
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Executive Summary Alameda Chemical & Scientific, Inc. (AC&S) is a member of the National Association of Chemical Distributors and operates under "The Responsible Distribution Process". This process requires each member company to have an active program designed to continuously improve safety and reduce incidents. The AC&S Risk Management Program contains the policies, procedures and level of readiness defining AC&S approach to chemical safety. We belief the risks to employees and the surrounding community are minimal to none, given the sophistication of our facility; the training given our employees; and our operating procedures and policies. These include the following: * Emergency preparedness; Evacuation plans; Community Right-To-Know Notification; and Local/State/Federal Agency Notifications * Hazard assessment program * Compliance Auditing * Operate under State/Federal OSHA, US DOT and EPA guidelines * On-Site Hazwoper Team * Backup 24 hr emergency response * Facilit y used by the City of Oakland Fire Department for training Accidental release prevention and emergency response policy AC&S approach to chemical safety is based on zero tolerance. Our training, readiness and facilities all contribute to safe operations. Our Risk Management Program is designed to protect human health and the environment. All materials brought into the AC&S facility are evaluated for safe storage and compatibility. Resources utilized during the evaluation include: * NFPA rating * Uniform Building Codes for storage requirements * Uniform Fire Codes for storage requirements * California Accidental Release Prevention Program guidelines * EPA Toxic Substances Control Act guidelines * USDOT Hazmat Transportation Training guidelines Senior management commitment to safety is demonstrated through the resources made available to ensure a safe operation. These resources include a commitment to become ISO 9002 certified this year. This program will drive our continuous imp rovement efforts in all areas of the operation by formalizing our corrective action system and training documentation. AC&S has adopted the concept of Product Stewardship; Community Outreach; and Emergency Response and Public Preparedness. Facility Description AC&S located at 860 81st Avenue in Oakland, CA is a chemical warehouse and distribution company serving the microelectronics, biotechnology and specialty industries. The 121,000 sq. ft. building is in full compliance with the 1994 Uniform Building and Fire Codes for storage of hazardous materials. The hazardous operation study included structural and seismic upgrades of the original building. A water sprinkler system is plumbed throughout the building as well as, an aqueous film forming foam system in the flammable and combustible storage areas. Hydrochloric acid 37%, Hydrofluoric acid 49% and Nitric Acid 70% are the only regulated substances stored onsite. Although quantities may vary at any one time, expected quantities on hand would be 65,555 lbs of HCL; 7,351 lbs of HF and 3,024 lbs of Nitric. The worst case release scenario(s) and the alternative release scenario(s) The following are considered the only plausible scenarios given are safety procedures and facility inspections. These also represent the worst case volumes based on the largest packaging configuration and exceeding the threshold reporting quantity stored at AC&S for that substance. Air Temperature: 77 ( Wind Speed: 3-7 mph * Hydrochloric acid, 37%, CAS 7647-01-0 A 500 lb. drum is leaking into the contained and bermed 42,390 sq. ft. H-7 corrosive storage area. Release rate to outside air is .250 pounds per min. The estimated distance traveled by toxic plume is 0.2 miles. * Hydrofluoric acid, 49%, CAS 7664-39-3 A 10 lb. polyethylene bottle is leaking into the contained and bermed 42,390 sq. ft. corrosive storage area. Release rate to outside air is 0.000000514pounds per min. The estimated distance traveled by toxic plume is 0.1 miles. * Nitric Acid, 70% CAS 7697-37-2 A 7 lb. galss bottle is leaking into the contained and bermed 4,500 sq. ft. H-7 Oxidizer storage area. Release rate to outside air is 0.000513 pounds per minute. The estimated distance traveled by toxic plume is 0.1 miles. The general accidental release prevention and chemical specific prevention steps The training given each employee is developed from the guidelines established by OSHA, EPA, U.S. DOT and company policies. All State and Federal Health, Safety and Environmental regulations pertaining to our business are monitored daily. Our Hazardous Materials Business Plan, Risk Management Prevention Program and Risk Management Plan are all filed with the City of Oakland, Fires Services, Hazardous Materials Division and Office of Emergency Services. Five year accident history There have been no accidental releases in the last 5 years. The emergency response program Onsite hazardous waste operations team (Hazwoper), has been established for emergency preparedness, hazardous materials spills and evacuation and contingency plan procedures. Advanced Environmental Technical Services and Foss Environmental have been contracted for 24 hr. emergency response service as a backup to facilities Hazwoper team. In the event of an imminent health risk to employees an emergency evacuation plan will be activated. Emergency response Hazwoper team members will notify the local fire department as well as community right to know notification, if surrounding area is in danger, the California Emergency Response Commission and the National Emergency Response Center will be contacted thus activating the local emergency broadcasting service notification to the public. Planned changes to improve safety Our improved corrective action system will contribute to the continuous improvement of daily operations identifying opportunities for additional training and/or additional resources required to meet business and safety objectives. |