Advance Distribution System - Executive Summary |
|
Carter-Wallace, Inc. Advance Distribution Systems Morrow, GA. 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, Inc. leases approximately 18,000 square feet of warehouse space within the Advance Distribution System facility. The facility is a public warehouse located in Morrow, Georgia. Carter-Wallace employees one person at the warehouse to oversee the Carter -Wallace operations. The warehouse operates five days per week and eight hours per day. PROCESS DESCRIPTION The operations affected by the risk management plan (RMP) involve the receipt and storage of aerosol product in consumer size containers. Product is moved throughout the warehouse via forklift trucks. Various hydrocarbons are used as propellants in the aerosol product. The hydrocarbons are defined by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as hazardous materials. T he USEPA enforces regulations 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 Advance Distribution System 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 aerosol cans within a case; Failure of all automated safety and alarm systems; Failure of 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 facility wide sprinkler system and portable fire extinguishers situated throughout the warehouse. The 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 also 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 emergency. |