US chemicals groups issue new plant security guidelines

23 October 2001 18:55  [Source: ICIS news]

WASHINGTON (CNI)--Three US chemical industry trade groups issued guidelines Tuesday on security, but the groups noted that the new guidelines resulted from studies initiated long before the 11 September terrorist attacks.

The guidelines, developed by a group of security professionals and designed specifically for the chemical industry, were issued today by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (Socma) and the Chlorine Institute (CI).

The groups said their recommendations, titled "Site Security Guidelines for the US Chemical Industry," will help member companies improve their existing plant security provisions.

An ACC spokeswoman said work on the guidelines began more than six months ago.

"Members of the ACC are committed to operating facilities in a manner that protects the health and safety of employees and the public, and the environment," the spokeswoman said.

"This culture of safety contributes to national security as many specific measures adapted to improve safety have the added benefit of enhancing plant and community security," the ACC official added.

The guidelines outline elements of an effective security program and suggest security practices that mangers can consider and tailor to their facilities' particular circumstances. They include information on risk assessment, prevention strategies, training, emergency response and crisis management, and physical and cyber security issues.

"During this time of crisis, every effort is being made to secure chemical manufacturing facilities and safeguard our employees and communities," the ACC spokeswoman said. "Communities are encouraged to use the important information in these guidelines to help them analyse and improve their security systems."

The industry groups said the guidelines will be shared with communities, the general public and a number of government entities including Congress, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice (DoJ), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DoT).

The complete 56-page text of the guidelines can be obtained from the ACC's Web site at http://www.americanchemistry.com/.

By: Glenn Hess
+1 713 525 2653

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