Chemical safety creates buzz at NPRA meet

11 March 2008 23:37  [Source: ICIS news]

SAN DIEGO, California (ICIS news)--Chemical safety considerations were one of the main discussion topics at the 106th National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) meeting in San Diego on Tuesday.

The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) at the meeting outlined lessons learned from recent investigations and told energy industry representatives they should maintain a sense of vulnerability and be vigilant to prevent future disasters.

William Wark, CSB board member, speaking to industry representatives, said energy companies need to step up efforts in training, maintenance, energy preparation, and audits.

“A lot of training is not reinforced,” Wark said. “And workers have little training in abnormal situations with management.”

Wark added that in some recent cases, critical equipment at industrial sites was not working, maintenance request were unfulfilled, and their have been poor or no maintenance safety systems in place.

“Workers are also unaware of the hazard or emergency plans to address hazards,” said Wark. “Also public notification is poor of sometimes non-existent.”

Wark added that the keys to success in reducing accidents and disasters lie with senior management knowledge and commitment, process safety knowledge and hazard analysis.

In addition, Wark said other preventative measures were to hire and train the right people, work on emergency planning, responsiveness, and community outreach.

With over 1600 attendees, the 106th NPRA annual meeting runs through 11 March. 

By: Brian Balboa
+1 713 525 2653

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