Ashland Distribution Company-Twinsburg, OH - Executive Summary |
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The accidental release prevention and emergency response policies at the facility: Ashland Distribution Company (Ashland) relies on numerous programs to ensure early identification of and proper response to potential emergencies, including: Training and drills in emergency preparedness, hazardous materials training, disaster response and control, first-aid, and fire-and-rescue techniques; Frequent auditing of all preparedness programs, safety training and education; and 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 t o 5 years as an opportunity for neighbors to learn 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 the facility and the regulated substances handled: This facility is a chemical distribution warehouse. The regulated substances arrive by via rail car (Pentane) and tank truck wagon (Isopentane). Isopentane is stored in an above-ground storage tank, is repackaged into drums, is transferred to storage, and subsequently loaded for shipment. Isopentane is transfered directly to drums, is transferred for storage and is subsequently loaded for shipment. The regulated substances handled are pentane and Isopentane. 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 is to assume that the entire contents of the l argest vessel are released. This event is unlikely and has never occurred at our facility. Based on our analysis using USEPA-approved methods, the worst-case release scenario for pentane could potentially affect offsite industrial and commercial receptors. There were no specific administrative controls or mitigation measures considered in the analysis to limit the distance reported. The worst-case release scenario for isopentane produces a lower endpoint distance than for pentane. The alternative-case release scenario: The USEPA RMP regulations require an analysis of the alternative-case release scenario. The alternative-case release scenario represents an accidental release that is more reasonable than the worst-case, but is still highly unlikely to occur. Based on our analysis using USEPA-approved methods, the alternative-case release scenario for pentane would only impact offsite industrial and commercial receptors. There were no specific administrative controls or mitigati on measures considered in the analysis to limit the distance reported. The alternative release scenario for isopentane produces a lower endpoint distance than that for pentane. 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. Our management system procedures 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 management and quickly communicate key first aid or medical information to local health care providers. This facility has emergency medical treatment in formation readily available for use in an emergency. Five-year accident history: We have never had a release of any regulated substance that have resulted in or could have resulted in an offsite impact. The emergency response program: Our employees will not respond offensively to releases of hazardous materials, but will rely on local emergency responders in the event of a release. Our employees regularly undergo training in defensive emergency response actions. This facility regularly invites the local fire department and emergency responders to tour and inspect our plant and gain familiarity with our operations. This facility has a written emergency preparedness plan that is 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 within our organization and the indu stry. 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. |