BASF Corporation Gurnee site - Executive Summary |
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RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR BASF, GURNEE, IL . . 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: z We produce products that are safe to manufacture, use and dispose of. z 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. z We minimize the impact on mankind and the environment during production, storage, transportation, marketing and use of our products. z Economic considerations do not take priority over environmental protection, health and safety. z 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. z 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. z We encourage safety, environmental and health awareness among employees. z We regard it as an important corporate duty to advance science and tech nology in order to improve safety and environmental protection. z 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. z 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 Gurnee Site implements these policies through site-specific programs and procedures. Facility Description The BASF Corporation Gurnee Site uses two (2) RMP regulated chemicals: ethylene oxide and propylene oxide as raw materials. These chemicals are used to manufacture surfactants. The end products of the Gurnee site using the RMP chemicals as raw materials are used for personal care, food additives and automotive coatings. Release Scenarios Worst Case z The worst case scenario as defined by the RMP regulation is a toxic gas release of et hylene oxide with off- site impacts. No administrative or passive mitigation measures have been used to define the worst case scenario as prescribed by the EPA. In practice the Gurnee site has layers of protection to prevent the actual occurrence of the worst case scenario. Alternative Case(s) z The alternate case scenario as defined by the RMP regulation is a toxic liquid release of ethylene oxide with off-site impacts. Active mitigation controls were considered such as emergency shutdown systems to control the release. z The alternate case scenario as defined by the RMP regulation is a toxic liquid release of propylene oxide with off-site impacts. Active mitigation controls were considered such as emergency shutdown systems to control the release. 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 Ma nufacturer Association's Responsible Care Process Safety Code. Five Year Accident History This facility has had no accidental release over the past five years, which meet 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. Annual drills are conducted with local municipal responders. Employees are trained how to identify an emergency and how to adequately respond. There is an alert system at the site that is used to notify all employees of an emergency and the need to take action. There are layers of protection and redundant process control systems that will prevent or reduce the severity of a release. The LEPC Coordinator for the county has been advised that the site is covered by the RMP regulations and has taken a tour of the facility. Planned Changes to Improve Safety Processes are routinely changed to improve safety as a result of employee safety programs which include monthly training sessions, observation and suggestion programs, incident investigation and corrective action programs, audits and inspection programs and preventative maintenance programs and schedules. Capital projects that have been approved by management and have been installed at the Gurnee site include a distributed control system for improved process control and reduced risk of an accidental release, an air control device called a scrubber, an improved water system for safety showers and eye wash stations, and the installation of valves to reduce fugitive emissions. |