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OSHA News Release
2003 - 10/21/2003 - OSHA Offers New Resources on Chemical Reactivity Safety |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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OSHA Trade Release October 21, 2003 Contact: Bill Wright Phone: (202) 693-1999 OSHA Offers New Resources on Chemical Reactivity Safety
Book on Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards Offered Free Online WASHINGTON -- An important resource to help companies reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities during chemical manufacturing and operations goes online today as OSHA unveils its newest safety and health information webpage, Chemical Reactivity Safety. The new page features information on the recognition, evaluation and control of chemical reactive hazards, and includes compliance requirements and available training resources. The page also offers free access to a new book by the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) that includes a compendium of best practices from leaders in chemical processing. "There have been too many reminders in recent years just how tragic and catastrophic chemical reactions can be if unpredicted and not properly controlled or contained," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Our goal and commitment is to work with chemical safety stakeholders throughout the country to prevent these incidents in the future. The information we're presenting on this new webpage is only a part of OSHA's far-reaching strategy to protect workers in this industry." Visitors to the new webpage can access OSHA standards and fact sheets on process safety management (PSM) as well as additional reactive material hazard information from CCPS. Additionally, one click will take readers to a chemical reactivity worksheet provided by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Response and Restoration. The worksheet includes a database of reactivity information for more than 6,000 common hazardous chemicals and also details on what dangers can arise during chemical mixing. OSHA is also providing free access to the CCPS book Essential Practices for Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards. The book is useful for safety and health managers, engineers, chemists and others involved in chemical manufacturing or operations to identify, address and manage chemical reactivity hazards. The new webpage also includes reports on various reactive chemical incidents and resulting investigative reports, as well as references to other sources of information on chemical safety. Henshaw unveiled the agency's multi-faceted strategy in chemical reactive safety at the Center for Chemical Process Safety's 18th Annual International Conference in Scottsdale, AZ, last month. In addition to the new webpage, Henshaw told the group that OSHA is working on additional guidance on hazard communication, including material safety data sheets, and will also revise the compliance directive for the PSM standard. He said the agency will participate in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers' Reactivity Management Roundtable this month and is also developing an Alliance with a number of groups in the chemical industry. "I believe our comprehensive approach to address hazards posed by reactive chemicals is a sound one," Henshaw said. "This new webpage is an important part of a well-rounded strategy that will result in fewer reactive chemical incidents and fewer worker injuries and deaths." OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755. |
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