BASF Corporation Whitestone Site - Executive Summary |
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Commitment to the Community BASF Corporation has a long tradition of operating its facilities in the safest possible manner. BASF also believes in being a responsible corporate citizen and maintaining open, constructive dialogue with our neighbors. These principles are an integral part of our corporate vision statement and values. We believe that sharing this information with our neighbors makes good sense. By doing so, we believe the community will better understand how safe and ecologically sound BASF operations are. Policies BASF Corporation has the following Corporate Guidelines related to environmental, health and safety: - We produce products that are safe to manufacture, use and dispose of. - We assist our customers to use our products safely and in an environmentally sound manner. We provide them with information on correct handling of our products. - We minimize the impact on mankind and the environment during production, storage, transportation, marketing and use of our products. - Economic considerations do not take priority over environmental protection, health and safety. - An important contribution to "Sustainable Development" is our involvement in the "Responsible Care" initiative worldwide. This applies to our products and services in all our businesses and affiliates. - We are committed to making continuous improvements in safety, health and environmental protection. We do this acting on our own initiative and in consultation with recognized regulatory authorities. We take any action judged to be necessary, whether or not dictated by statutory obligation or official regulations. - We encourage safety, environmental and health awareness among employees. - We regard it as an important corporate duty to advance science and technology in order to improve safety and environmental protection. - We carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of new discoveries and technologies in dialogue with scientists and society before deciding on how to proceed. - We pursue an open dialogue with all relevant opinion leaders in society. Our goals are to promote and strengthen mutual understanding and deepen trust in what we do. The BASF Corporation Whitestone Site implements these policies through site-specific programs and procedures. Facility Description The BASF Corporation Whitestone Site uses ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. These chemicals are used to manufacture surfactants. These products are used in industrial and commercial detergents, personal hygiene products, gasoline additives, defoaming agents, agricultural chemicals, oil field chemicals, etc. Release Scenarios Worst Case Catastrophic failure of an ethylene oxide rail car with off-site impacts. Alternatives - Pipe leak of ethylene oxide with off-site impacts. Active mitigation includes area vapor detectors, fire water suppression systems, piping isolation, and well-trained emergency responders. - Pipe leak of propylene oxide with off-site impa cts. Active mitigation includes area vapor detectors, fire water suppression systems, piping isolation, and well-trained emergency responders. Accidental Release Prevention Program To prevent accidental releases, this facility is in compliance with the EPA Risk Management Program, the OSHA Process Safety Management standard, and the Chemical Manufacturer Association's Responsible Care Process Safety Code. Prevention program elements include: - Automatic shut-off devices and relief valves handle unexpected rises in temperature or pressure. - Safety controls, including warning alarms, automatic shutdown systems and leak detectors, provide multiple layers of protection. - Continuous monitoring of pressure in vessels and piping identifies potential problems. - Regular equipment inspections ensure proper operation. - Staff and contractors receive extensive emergency response, health care and safety training, following OSHA guidelines. - Staff are trained in start-up, operat ion and maintenance of all equipment. - Full investigation of any incident--even small drips or leaks--and follow-up actions prevents reoccurrence. - Appropriate permits have been obtained and are maintained. - Routine audits (inspections) are performed by both BASF and outside agencies to ensure correct procedures are followed. - Extensive analysis of potential process hazards have been conducted, and all identified concerns have been addressed. Five Year Accident History This facility has had no accidental releases over the past five years, which meets the reporting criteria. Emergency Response Program This facility has an emergency response plan that is coordinated with the community plan. Hazmat team members are trained and participate in drills regularly. Planned Changes to Improve Safety Facility processes are routinely changed to improve safety as a result of employee suggestions, process hazard analyses, incident investigations, etc. |