Measures designed to streamline coordination between federal, state, tribal and local agencies in the event of a chemical incident have been welcomed by the US Chemical Safety Board.
CSB chair, Moure-Eraso, said the Executive Order would help in the prevention of accidents and in response preparations for major chemical releases by companies.
Investigations by the CSB had revealed “serious gaps” in safety systems and ‘Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security’ would go some way towards closing them.
Citing the recent tragic explosion and fire in West, Texas, Mr Eraso commented: “The West accident showed a particularly glaring need for comprehensive regulation of reactive chemical hazards and in particular ammonium nitrate.
“The destruction I personally saw there – the obliteration of homes, schools, and businesses by an ammonium nitrate explosion – was almost beyond imagination. The loss of life was horrible.”
“It is my hope that this Executive Order will spur development of regulation and enforcement for the safe handling of ammonium nitrate and other gaps in the coverage of reactive hazards that the CSB has previously identified to help prevent future incidents.”
The CSB had long campaigned for the EPA’s Risk Management Program and OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standard to be strengthened and Mr Eraso was “encouraged” that the Order called for such moves.
“The CSB has urged for improvements, specifically that reactive hazards – such as ammonium nitrate – be more comprehensively regulated under RMP and PSM.”
Mr Eraso said the CSB “looked forward” to further discussion on the prevention of major chemical incidents.
