BERMCO ALUMINUM - Executive Summary |
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Bermco Aluminum Executive Summary 1. Accidental release prevention and emergency response policies Bermco Aluminum handles chlorine which is considered hazardous by EPA. The same properties that make chlorine valuable as a commodity also make is necessary to observe certain safety precautions during handling to prevent unnecessary human exposure, to reduce the threat to our own personal health as well as that of our co-workers, and to reduce the threat to nearby members of the community. It is our policy to adhere to all applicable Federal and state rules and regulations. Safety depends upon the manner in which we handle chlorine, the safety devices inherent in the design of this facility, the safe handling procedures that we use, and the training of our personnel. Our emergency response program is based upon the Chlorine Institure's "Pamphlet 64, Emergency Response Plans for Chlorine Facilities." The emergency response plan includes procedures for notification of any potentia l affected neighbors. 2. The stationary source and regulated substances handled Bermco Aluminum is a secondary aluminum smelter that uses chlorine for demagging operations. Chlorine is received by truck. Access to the site is restricted to authorized facility employees, authorized management personnel and authorized contractors. The regulate substance handled at this facility is chlorine. The total inventory of chlorine stored at this plant is 30,000 pounds. 3. The worst-case release scenario(s) and the alternative release scenario(s), including administrative control and mitigation measures to limit the distance for each reported scenario Worst-Case Scenario - Failure of a one-ton cylinder of chlorine would release 2,000 pounds of chlorine. It is assumed that the entire contents are released as vapor, which is heavier than air. The distance to the endpoint of 0.0087 mg/L (3 ppm) is 4.30 miles. This has the potential to extend past the facility's boundary. Alternative Release Scenario - A 2,000 pound chlorine cylinder falls over and the tubing is sheared off. There is a gas and liquid release. The distance to the endpoint of 0.0087 mg/L (3 ppm) is 1.8 miles. This has the potential to extend past the facility's boundary. 4. The general accidental release prevention program and the specific prevention steps This facility complies with EPA's Accidental Release Prevention Rule and with all applicable state codes and regulations. This facility is operated in accordance with recommendations from the Chlorine Institute. Routine maintenance and component checks will still be performed weekly to insure safety and performance of this system. 5. Five-year accident history There has been no accidental release of chloride within the past five years. 6. The emergency response program This facility's emergency response program is based upon the Chlorine Institute's "Pamphlet 64, Emergency Response Plans for Chlorine Facilities." We have discus sed this program with the Birmingham/Jefferson County Local Emergency Planning Committee and the City Fire Department. In the event of a fire or leak in the chlorine system area: 1. Alert the main office, plant, fire department, police department, and all local emergency response agencies and teams. 2. Alert all employees and check all departments for fire, injuries or unsafe conditions. 3. Avoid inhalation of fumes or vapors released. 4. Supervisors and foremen to keep employees orderly and guided out of harms way. 5. Larry Johnson or Don Powell will give direction and assistance to employees. They will answer questions from local authorities and assist in any effort to control or manage the catastrophe. 6. Fire extinguishers are located in all departments to put out small fires. 7. If an evacuation of the plant is deemed necessary, employees will be escorted to the front parking lot for assembly, kept together and there await further instruction. 8. Care should be t aken to see that the injured are taken care of and medical attention given at the earliest possible moment. Emergency numbers are as follows: Birmingham Fire Department ..............................911 or (205)250-7575 Birmingham Police Department ..........................911 or (205)328-9311 LEPC Local Emergency Planning Commission .. ................ (205)254-2039 Carraway Methodist Medical Center .................(205)502-6000 7. Planned changes to improve safety --- This facility is in compliance with environmental and safety regulations. We continue to improve our operations in accordance with the latest State and Federal guidelines. This plan will be maintained and will only be changed by: 1) New Emergency Regulations; 2) Changes in Emergency Coordinators; 3) Changes in Equipment or Improvements; 4) Failure of this Plan in an Emergency. |