Rich Products Manufacturing Corp., Niles Facility - Executive Summary |
Executive Summary for Rich Products Niles Facility Accidental Release Prevention Policy: Rich Products will take every reasonable action to prevent all accidental releases. We will accomplish this by using the most current design, training, and inspecting processes available. Emergency Response Policy (ERP). The Rich Products Niles facility will respond to any emergency in a manner best suited to protecting our employees, the public, and the environment. Trained on-site responders will access the emergency, and decide on a coarse of action. For emergencies within their training level they will respond. For any emergency not included in their training, off-site emergency response agencies will be called. The Stationary Source. The stationary source is the ammonia refrigeration system at this facility. Anhydrous Ammonia (CAS No. 7664-41-7) is the regulated substance handled at this facility. The refrigeration system has a maximum ammonia inventory of 20,000 pounds. This quantity qualifies the refrigeration system as a Program 3 process. The Worst-case Scenario. The worst-case scenario for the Niles facility is the rupture of the largest ammonia storage holding tank. The volume of the storage tank would allow a maximum of 6,000 pounds of liquid ammonia to be stored. In the worst case scenario this tank would rupture and spill its entire contents onto the ground in ten minutes. Using the EPA look-up tables for this release, the distance to the toxic endpoint is 0.9 miles. The Alternative Release Scenario. The alternative release scenario is the discharge of all the ammonia from the largest vessel in the equipment room. This vessel has a capacity of 3,000 pounds of ammonia. In the alternative-case scenario this vessel loses its entire charge during a ten-minute release due to a failed valve. The ammonia is vented to the roof by the automatic ventilation equipment installed in the equipment room. Using the EPA look-up tables for this re lease, the distance to the toxic endpoint is 0.1 miles. Accidental Release Prevention Program. We are currently in compliance with the OSHA PSM rule. The accidental release prevention program includes a combination of design, training, and inspecting. The refrigeration system was designed according to current codes and specifications, and adheres to good operating practice. The operators and contractors who work in and around the refrigeration equipment have been trained in both safety and proper operating procedures. We have a detailed monitoring and inspection program that maintains the mechanical integrity of the refrigeration equipment. These programs are described in more detail in the full RMP program Five Year Accident History. There have been no reportable accidients in the last five years. Emergency Response Program. The Rich Products Niles facility has a written ERP that includes specific actions to be taken in response to an accidental release of anhydrous ammonia from the refrigeration system. On-site responders will respond to small accidental releases. Any large or uncontrolled release will require assistance from off-site responding agencies. The ERP plan states the specific procedures for informing the public and local agencies responsible for responding to an accidental release. The ERP also includes information on emergency health care for exposure to anhydrous ammonia. The ERP was last reviewed on March 16, 1999. ERP training for all employees was last conducted on December 15, 1998. The ERP is coordinated with the Niles Fire Department HAZMAT unit. The contact is the Battalion Chief, at telephone (847) 581-5151. The facility is also subject to OSHA 1910.120 Laws. Planned Changes to improve Safety. None outstanding. |