Hoeganaes Corporation - Executive Summary |
|
Prevention and Response Policies Hoeganaes is implementing this Risk Management Program in order to prevent as effectively as possible the accidental release of propane and to assure that, should a release occur, there is a quick and effective response which significantly limits any impact on the surrounding community. Hoeganaes is committed to the prevention of accidents and to the safety of the surrounding community. Source Description Hoeganaes Corporation currently uses propane as both a process fuel and a process material at their Gallatin, Tennessee Facility. The propane is stored in a 30,000 gallon pressurized t ank on the east side of the plant. The propane is currently used in sooters on the band furnaces that apply soot to the furnace belt to prevent product from adhering to the belt. The propane is also used as a backup fuel for the furnaces and as fuel for fork trucks in the plant. The plant also has the ability to direct propane to several fuel burning sources in the Melt Shop area, although current operating procedures do not allow for propane usage in this area. Release Scenarios Because the Hoeganaes Gallatin, Tennessee facility is a Program 3 source, both a worst case release and an alternate release were analyzed. The worst case scenario is based on the entire 30,000 gallon tank rupturing, forming a vapor cloud, and igniting. This release will impact a 0.4 mile radius around the tank. The alternate scenario was determined to be a line break at the fork truck filling station while pumping that forms a vapor cloud and ignites. This release will impact a 0.1 mile radius aroun d the filling station. Release Prevention Program Hoeganaes currently has an OSHA Process Safety Management Program in place for the Propane System. This program was determined to be suitable for preventing offsite impacts, and has been incorporated into this Risk Management Plan. Five Year Accident History Hoeganaes has not had any accidents associated with the Propane System in the five years proior to May, 1999. Emergency Response Program Hoeganaes has an emergency response program in place which involves both internal and external response teams to quickly and efficiently respond to a propane release. Planned Changes to Improve Safety As part of this plan, Hoeganaes will implement regular safety inspections of the Propane System to reduce the probability of a release. |