Hopkins Distribution Company - Executive Summary |
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Carter-Wallace, Inc. Hopkins Distribution Center Reno, Nevada RMP* Submit EXECUTIVE SUMMARY June 18, 1999 BACKGROUND Carter-Wallace, Inc. is engaged in the manufacture and sale of a diversified line of Consumer and Health Care products. Carter-Wallace leases approximately 61,000 square feet of warehouse space within the Hopkins Distribution Company facility. The facility, which is a public warehouse located in Reno, Nevada, operates eight hours per day, five days per week. Carter-Wallace employs one person at the warehouse to oversee the Carter-Wallace operations. FACILITY DESCRIPTION The operations affected by the risk management plan (RMP) involve the receipt and storage of aerosol products in consumer size containers. Product is moved throughout the warehouse via forklift trucks. Various hydrocarbons are used as propellants in the aerosol products. The hydrocarbons are defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as hazardous materials. The USEPA enforces r egulations designed to minimize the potential for an accidental release associated with handling hazardous materials. The aerosol product propellants are listed as hazardous due to flammability. FIVE YEAR ACCIDENT HISTORY The Carter-Wallace operations at the Hopkins Distribution Company have not had any major release of product or accidents within the five year accident review period. HAZARD ASSESSMENT The USEPA accident prevention regulations require companies to analyze what is defined as a worst case release scenario. The worst case release scenario is defined as the sudden loss of containment of the product in the largest tank, vessel or container. The worst case release scenario assumes that several highly unlikely events occur simultaneously such as: Catastrophic failure of a case of aerosol cans within a case; Failure of all automated safety and alarm systems; Failure of our trained and experienced operators to respond appropriately; and The event occurs during least like ly stagnant meteorological conditions. Carter-Wallace used USEPA developed guidance (Risk Management Program Guidance for Warehouses) to complete the modeling of the worst case release scenario. The modeling shows that there would be no impact on the surrounding community. These results classify the Carter-Wallace operations as a USEPA defined Program 1 facility. A Program 1 facility, as defined by the USEPA, presents a minimal risk to the community. PREVENTION PROGRAMS Carter-Wallace has developed programs to comply with the required environmental, health and safety standards. We take a systematic proactive approach to preventing accidental releases of hazardous chemicals through: Compliance audits Operating procedures Accident investigation Training Employee participation In addition to management programs, there are systems to control and mitigate potential accidental releases. These include an early suppression, fast response sprinkler sy stem and portable fire extinguishers throughout the warehouse. These systems are routinely inspected. All of the forklift operators are properly trained. PLANNED CHANGES TO IMPROVE SAFETY Carter-Wallace has created a culture of continuous improvement of its safety program. We train our employees to safely perform their assigned tasks. We encourage suggested changes or improvements that will help minimize the potential for unanticipated failure of operating equipment including the forklift trucks. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE Carter Wallace has an emergency response plan detailing procedures to respond to accidental releases and other emergencies. Our plan has been shared with local emergency response personnel. In the event of an emergency affecting the local community, Carter-Wallace will work closely with local, county and stage agencies to help ensure public safety. These agencies take the lead in informing the public on appropriate actions in the event of an emer gency. |