Washington, DC, July 15, 2004 - Senior staff from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) presented their plans for an expanded Recommendations Program to Board Members in a public meeting in Washington this morning. The Recommendations Program is charged with achieving the implementation of the recommendations that arise from completed chemical accident investigations. The program will also play an important role in the increased outreach activities of the CSB.

Dr. Manuel Gomez, who joined the CSB as Director of Recommendations earlier this summer, and Jordan Barab, Senior Recommendations Specialist, presented the Recommendations Program update. They outlined plans for a more comprehensive program through vigorous pursuit of open recommendations, improved dissemination of information, implementation of a new tracking system for recommendations, and a broader CSB outreach program.

CSB Chairman Carolyn Merritt said, "Following investigations into the root and contributing causes of industrial chemical accidents, the CSB issues recommendations to companies, state and federal agencies, industry associations, and others. The CSB hopes that other similar accidents can be prevented through the implementation of these recommendations. Successfully implementing these recommendations is a critical part of the Board's mission."

At today's meeting, the CSB noted that the Environmental Protection Agency has recently acted on a major recommendation from the Board's 2002 reactive hazard investigation. The EPA now requires reporting of reactive chemical incidents under its Risk Management Program, which will allow better tracking and evaluation of incidents at thousands of facilities around the nation. The Board voted to close this recommendation based on "acceptable action."

"EPA's recent rulemaking action on reporting is an example of the progress our recommendations are making across the country. We are excited to pursue broader implementation of safety recommendations, which is vital to the mission of the agency. With a strong outreach plan, the information gained from our accident investigations will be used even more broadly to prevent accidents," Dr. Gomez said. Dr. Gomez said the team would work with stakeholders to ensure that the appropriate organizations are made aware of the CSBÂ?s efforts to improve safety whenever chemicals are used in industry.

Dr. Gomez brings over 25 years of multi-disciplinary experience in occupational and environmental health and safety to the CSB. He has previously worked as a consultant, director of the scientific affairs division of a non-profit organization, professor, researcher, and compliance officer. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist, a member of numerous professional societies, and the author of a book and several scientific papers and presentations.

The CSB is an independent federal agency charged with investigating industrial chemical accidents. CSB investigations look into all aspects of chemical accidents, including physical causes such as equipment failure as well as inadequacies in safety management systems. Typically, the investigations involve extensive witness interviews, examination of physical evidence, and chemical and forensic testing.

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. Further information about the CSB is available from www.csb.gov. For more information, contact Kara Wenzel at 202-261-7642.