ABC COMPOUNDING CO. OF TX INC. - Executive Summary |
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Facility Name: ABC Compounding Co. of TX Inc. Executive Summary ABC Compounding Co. of TX Inc. is a manufacturer of janitorial and sanitary supply cleaners and related chemical products. As such, safety during all phases of this process is of utmost importance to the ownership, senior management, supervisors, and employees. Continual monitoring is performed by management and staff on both, process and personnel, to assure a satisfactory level of safety is being achieved. Any condition found suspect is analyzed and corrected. ABC periodically trains employees as to the safe handling of chemicals and machinery. Departure from established safety practices by an employee is not tolerated. As mentioned previously, ABC is involved in the business of manufacturing and distributing various cleaners and related products. Our facility is located within the bounds of the Great Southwest Industrial district in Grand Prairie, Texas. Our 50,000 square feet plant sits upon appro ximately four acres. We package the cleaners into various containers including, aerosol cans, gallon and quart bottles, drums, and totes. A variety of chemicals, both hazardous and non-hazardous, are used in producing the cleaners and other compounds. Of particular concern to the EPA per Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act is the storage and usage of approximately two thousand to sixteen thousand gallons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas. These gasses are stored in liquid form by pressurization in two certified nine thousand gallon capacity vessels located on the back lot of the property. They come in two blends, known generically as A-85 and A-46. These blends are naturally occurring hydrocarbons used as the aerosol propellant. The worst case release scenario in regards to the LPG tanks would be the total release and ignition of the hydrocarbon blends. The resulting explosion would have an off-site impact of approximately 0.3 mile radius. This is based upon the RMP.Comp model pr ovided by the EPA. ABC, with the counsel and recommendations of the Texas Railroad Commission, and local fire departments has installed hardware and safety systems making the worst-case scenario highly unlikely. The above ground tanks housing the LPG are certified and periodically inspected for integrity and leaks. Any signs of potential problems are immediately repaired. All pumps and associated switches used in the transfer process are explosion proof. Emergency shut off switches are strategically located, allowing for quick shutdown of the tank pumps. High flow water canons surround the tank and are used to deluge the tank with water to keep them cool in the event of an encroaching fire. As one might expect, extensive training and care is used in the area of LPG transfer. ABC has demonstrated compliance with Process Safety Management. A thorough analysis of the LPG tank, process, technology, and equipment have been conducted. Daily visual and audible inspections are pe rformed on the tank and piping to detect any possible leaks. If any are found, they are repaired immediately. There have been no accidents or releases with respect to the LPG tanks in the previous five years, nor in the years before. The emergency response program at ABC begins at the ground level with our employees. A team of qualified personnel have been trained in the areas of detection and correction of an accidental release of LPG A local emergency response company, Protect Environmental Service, Inc., is on contract to respond to any large release of LPG that may occur. Periodic inspections and education is provided by the local fire department. Material Safety Data Sheets have been provided to the local fire department in the event of a release and the Local Emergency Planning Committee has been sent all required information including the Texas Tier II. ABC is constantly participating in any pertinent safety or instructional training offered by various org anizations. In house inspections often lead to changes in methods or equipment used in the LPG process as well as other areas. The hazards of LPG and its transfer are certainly recognized by ABC. As a result, it is treated with respect. We are proud of our safety record and intend to continue the high level of vigilance required to maintain a safe operating environment for our employees and neighbors. |