Hamilton Sundstrand - Executive Summary |
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Hamilton Sundstrand (HS) is located in Windsor Locks, CT and is owned by United Technologies Corp. (UTC). The 254 acre facility is located half way between Hartford, Ct. and Springfield Ma. The site is secured by 6 foot high fencing and a 24 hour security staff which restricts public access. Hamilton Sundstrand is an aerospace company which includes the design and manufacture of air, spacecraft and marine control systems and components. Products include environmental control systems, fuel control systems, propeller assemblies, electronic components, electrochemical cells and testing equipment. Wastewater from these processes are treated by an on-site, world class, wastewater treatment facility. HS has received excellance awards from UTC and Connecticut Business & Industry Association for Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) management and continuous improvement. HS has also received registrations under ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems and ISO 14001 Environmental Management S ystems. The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection presented HS with a Green Circle Award from for achieving ISO 14001 registration. An EH&S Oversight Organization representing all HS operating and functional units provides strategic direction for the Divisions EH&S initiatives. EH&S professionals have been assigned to provide technical support to each operating center within HS to ensure day to day compliance with EH&S regulations. A Safety Culture Grass Roots Team was established to ensure that safety was a first priority in day to day activites. Any new chemical or process proposed for the site must first be approved by the EH&S Department. all containers of virgin chemicals are labeled with either the manufacture's label, or if the chemical is transferred to a secondary container, with a hazard communication label indicating the hazards and proper personal protective equipment to be worn. Procedures are establised on-line that provide instructions on proper chemi cal handling and storage. Chemical Handling, Hazard Communication, and Waste Management trainings are also provided throughout the year for new and existing employees. The regulated substance requiring HS to submit a RMP is propane. This process includes four 18,000 gallon propane tanks situated in the same area. The first tank provides high purity propane used as a feedstock for a carburizing process. The next three tanks are interconnected and provide standard propane which is used only as a fuel for equipment such as heaters and powered industrial trucks. Both release scenarios were calculated using worst case situations. No active or passive mitigation measures were included. This enables HS to project a true worst case scenario in order to better understand the ramifications on the facility and the public. The worst case release scenario mandated by EPA is a vapor cloud explosion and was calulated using EPA's RMP* Comp (TM) software. The endpoint used, per EPA's guidanc e, was 1 pound per square inch. This resulted in a off-site distance to endpoint of 0.50 miles. The conservatively estimated residental population is 25. Public receptors include the residences and the lower portion of an ariport terminal. A recreational park located on HS's site was included as a receptor even though the park is infrequently utilized by the public. There are no environmental receptors. The alternative release scenario is tank overfilling resulting in a vapor cloud explosion and was calulated using EPA's OCA Guidance. The distance to endpoint is 0.20 miles. There are no public or environmental receptors. The prevention program consists of a properly equipped tand system per National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 58 LPS Gas Codes. Each tank is individually equipped with pressure relief valves and excess flow valves. A backflow check valve is supplied on the loading station as well as an emergency shutoff valve. An alarm system and a deluge system are provide d which signal the on-site Emergency Services Department if an emergency has ocurred. All loading and unloading operatins are performed under the supervision of qualified HS associates. The tank system is located in an area not frequently traveled which greatly minimizes the chance of an ignition source such as a passing vehicle and all equipment is properly grounded. Procedures exist for operation, maintenance and training requirements. There have been no accidents in the past five years, however, there are procedures to be followed if an emergency does occur. HS has an Integrated Contingency Plan which describes actions to be taken in the event of a spill, fire or medical emergency. The facility has a on-site Emergency Services (ES) Department with a full time fire/security staff supplemented by a volunteer fire brigade. 300,000 gallons fire stand pipes feed the fire pumps with make up coming from the Metropolitan District Commissin potable water system. The ES Department man ages the upkeep and maintenance of the fire systems. In the event of a emergency the ES Manager acts a the Incident Commander. Arrangements with outside agencies include the town fire department, police department, spill contactors and local hospitals. In the event an outside agency is called for assistance, the town fire deparment will act as the incident commander and notify the public for actions to be taken. All ES reponders are trained in hazardous operations emergency response, confined space entry and rescue, incident command, and are certified as emergency medical technicians by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and Addiction Services Office and Emergency Medical Services. Evacuation drills are performed each year. To limit the potential of a release, the tank system will be upgraded with newer shutoff valves, hydrostatic relief valves and piping. |