With concerns that arose as the result of the 2005 hurricanes in the Gulf Coast area, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reminding chemical companies about hazmat spill procedures.
EPA recommends that companies dealing with potentially hazardous chemicals should:
•Work closely with Local Emergency Planning Committees to make them aware of chemicals the companies use and store at their facilities.
•Be prudent about assessing the potential for chemical hazards, and take steps to prevent releases.
•Add redundant controls where control failure results in significant risks.
•Report significant releases to emergency responders and the National Response Center immediately. Do not wait to calculate the amount of chemical released. Companies may be fined for late reporting if EPA determines that they should have known that the release exceeded reportable quantities of chemical before precise calculations were complete.
•Ensure that a system is in place for ensuring compliance with the Emergency Planning & Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) and other chemical safety laws, including the Clean Air Act and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The system should survive staff turnover.