Ashland Distribution Company-Austin, TX - Executive Summary |
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The accidental release prevention and emergency response policies at your facility: Ashland Distribution Company (Ashland) relies on numerous programs to ensure early identification of and proper response to potential emergencies, including: 7 training and drills in emergency preparedness, 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. Many of our employees are members of Local Emergency Planning Committees. 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 l earn about our commitment to safety. Ashland 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 receives and stores chemicals that are primarily used in the electronics and semiconductor industry. The regulated substances arrive at the warehouse loading dock, are transferred to storage, and subsequently loaded for shipment without ever opening the containers. The regulated substances handled are hydrochloric acid and ammonium hydroxide. For more information, visit our web site at www.ashdist.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 are released. This event is highly unlikely and has never occurred at our facility. Based on our analysis using USEPA-approved methods, the worst-case release scenario could potentially affect offsite commercial/industrial receptors. The general accidental release prevention program and chemical-specific prevention steps: This facility is operated in strict accordance with the USEPA prevention program requirements. A written management system is in place along with written operating procedures. This facility's operations are ISO 9002 certified. The management system procedures contained in the ISO program 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 top 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 ammonium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid that resulted in or could have resulted in an offsite impact. The emergency response program: Our employees do not respond offensively to accidental releases of the regulated substances, but rely on local emergency responders when there is a need for response. Our employees regularly undergo training in defensive emergency response activities. Our facilities regularly invite local fire departments and emergency responders to tour and inspect our plants and gain familiarity with our operations. Our facilities have written emergency preparedness plans that are updated regularly. Planned changes to improve safety: Our facility continually evaluates and implements employee suggestions and recommendations resulting from routine hazard reviews. We make changes to improve safety based on comments and information developed wit hin our organization and the industry. Toward continuous improvement, we are looking at ways to minimize risk through process improvement and re-design. Ashland is committed to the Chemical Manufacturers Association's Responsible CareSM Initiative Management Code on Process Safety. |