Ashland Specialty Chemical Co. - Easton, PA - Executive Summary |
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The accidental release prevention and emergency response policies at your facility: Ashland Specialty Chemical Company relies on numerous programs to ensure early identification of and proper response to potential emergencies, including: 7 training and drills in emergency preparedness, hazardous materials training, disaster response and control, first-aid, and fire-and-rescue techniques; 7 frequent auditing of all preparedness programs, safety training and education; and 7 regular review, follow-up, and maintenance of all company operations and equipment. Our facilities regularly invite local fire departments and emergency responders to tour and inspect our plants, participate in joint emergency drills, and gain familiarity with our operations. Our facilities have written emergency preparedness plans that are updated regularly. Ashland facilities typically host open houses every 3 to 5 years as an opportunity for neighbors to learn about our commitment to safety. Ashl and makes an effort to support our communities through sponsorship of local activities and participation in many local organizations. A description of your facility and the regulated substances handled: This facility provides high purity chemicals to the semi-conductor industry. The regulated process involves storage, blending, repackaging and shipment of the covered substances. The regulated substances are hydrochloric acid (37 wt.%), ethylenediamine, and ammonium hydroxide (29 wt.%). For more information, visit our web site at www.ashspec.com or contact the Plant Manager. The worst-case release scenario: The USEPA RMP regulations require the worst-case release scenario to assume that the entire contents of the largest vessel of a regulated substance in a process is released. Based on our analysis using USEPA-approved methods, the worst-case release scenarios could potentially affect off-site receptors. The general accidental release prevention program and chemical-spec ific prevention steps: This facility is operated in strict accordance with the USEPA prevention program requirements. A written management system is in place with operating and maintenance procedures for the covered process. Our management system procedures ensure rigorous training for operations employees, numerous management checks and balances, and strict attention to changes in the operations with a thorough review and examination of potential incidents that could lead to an accidental release. Ashland maintains a 24-hour corporate emergency reporting system that can speedily coordinate emergency response with management and quickly communicate key first-aid or medical information to local health care providers. This facility has emergency medical treatment information readily available for use in an emergency. Five-year accident history. We have never had a release of hydrochloric acid (37 wt.%), ethylenediamine, or ammonium hydroxide (29 wt.%) that has resulted in or c ould have resulted in an offsite impact. Emergency Repsonse Program: Our employees are trained and equipped to offensively respond and neutralize any release of a hazardous substance. Our employees regularly undergo extensive training in emergency response actions and methods. Our facilities regularly invite local fire departments and emergency responders to tour and inspect our plants, gain familiarity with our operations, and participate in joint emergency drills. This facility has a written emergency response plan that is updated regularly. Planned changes to improve safety: Our facilities continually evaluate and implement employee suggestions and recommendations resulting from hazard reviews. We make changes to improve reliability and safety based on information developed within our organization and industry. Toward continuous improvement, we are looking at ways to minimize risk through process improvement, process re-design, and formulation substitution. Ashland is commited to the Chemical Manufacturers Association's Responsible CareSM Initiative Management Code on Process Safety. |