Carter-Wallace, Inc. - Momence Distribution Center - Executive Summary |
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Carter-Wallace, Inc. Momence, Ill RMP* Submita EXECUTIVE SUMMARY June 15, 2000 BACKGROUND Carter-Wallace, Inc. is engaged in the manufacture and sale of a diversified line of Consumer and Health Care products. Carter-Wallace began its operations at the Momence Distribution Center in February 1977. The Momence Distribution Center consists of administrative offices, warehouse storage and shipping areas. The Momence Distribution Center includes 33,600 square feet of warehouse storage capacity and is situated in a commercial / residential zone. The warehouse operates five days per week, eight hours per day, and employs 10 people. FACILITY DESCRIPTION The operations affected by the risk management plan (RMP) involve the receipt and storage of aerosol antiperspirant product in consumer size containers. Product is moved throughout the warehouse via forklift trucks. Various hydrocarbons are used as propellants in the aerosol antiperspirant product. The hydrocarbons are define d by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as hazardous materials. The USEPA enforces regulations designed to minimize the potential for an accidental release associated with handling hazardous materials. The aerosol product propellants are listed as hazardous due to flammability. The Momence Distribution Center is used only for product storage and distribution. There are no manufacturing activities at this location. FIVE YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY The operations have not had any major release of product or accidents within the five year accident review period. HAZARD ASSESSMENT The USEPA accident prevention regulations require companies to analyze what is defined as a worst case release scenario. The worst case release scenario is defined as the sudden loss of containment of the product in the largest tank, vessel or container. The worst case release scenario assumes that several highly unlikely events occur simultaneously such as: Catastrophic failure of aerosol cans w ithin a case; Failure of all automated safety and alarm systems; Failure of our trained and experienced operators to respond appropriately; and The event occurs during least likely stagnant meteorological conditions. Carter-Wallace used USEPA developed guidance (Risk Management Program Guidance for Warehouses) to complete the modeling of the worst case release scenario. The modeling shows that there would be no impact on the surrounding community. These results classify the Momence Distribution Center as a USEPA defined Program 1 facility. A Program 1 facility, as defined by the USEPA, presents a minimal risk to the community PREVENTION PROGRAMS Carter-Wallace has developed programs to comply with the required environmental, health and safety standards. We take a systematic, proactive approach to preventing accidental releases of hazardous chemicals through: Compliance audits Operating procedures Accident investigation Training Employee parti cipation In addition to our management programs, we have emergency response systems to control, prevent, detect, and mitigate potential accidental releases. These include a facility wide sprinkler system, two fire response stations and portable fire extinguishers throughout the facility. All emergency response systems are routinely inspected. All of our forklift operators are trained and certified. PLANNED CHANGES TO IMPROVE SAFETY Carter-Wallace has created a culture of continuous improvement of its safety program. We train our employees to safely perform their assigned tasks. We also encourage our employees to suggest changes or improvements that will help minimize the potential for unanticipated failure of operating equipment including the forklift trucks. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE Carter-Wallace, Inc has an emergency response plan detailing procedures to respond to accidental releases and other emergencies. Our plan has been shared with the Local Emergency P lanning Committee and emergency response personnel. In the event of an emergency affecting the local community, Carter-Wallace will work closely with local, county and stage agencies to help ensure public safety. These agencies take the lead in informing the public on appropriate actions in the event of an emergency. |