For more information, go to: CSB Video Room

Washington, DC, July 24, 2007 - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) today released a farewell interview with outgoing Chairman Carolyn W. Merritt, whose term ends August 2, reflecting on her five years with the agency.

The ten-minute videotaped interview is available from the Video Room of the agency's website, CSB.gov.

In the interview, Chairman Merritt discusses the significance of the tragic BP Texas City accident, her 2006 interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Ed Bradley, and her vision for the future of the CSB.

"I think there is a real moral obligation for companies who say they value people to value people more than they value equipment and their facilities," Ms. Merritt said. "People are irreplaceable and they should be protected."

"Be influential, what can you change?" Ms. Merritt asks in the interview. "We, as an agency, have proven that a small group of people focused on a mission can make change happen. We have to continue that as an agency and really make things happen."

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. The agency's board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in regulations, industry standards, and safety management systems.

The Board does not issue citations or fines but does make safety recommendations to plants, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA. Visit our website, www.csb.gov.

For more information, contact: Public Affairs Specialist Kate Baumann 202-261-7612.