This news update regarding the alliance to protect workers and first responders from hazardous chemicals is brought to you by OSHA.
Alliance to protect workers and first responders from hazardous chemicals.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today entered into an alliance with the Fertilizer Safety and Health Partners and the Environmental Protection Agency to provide safety and health information and training resources to workers, emergency responders and communities surrounding establishments in the agricultural retail and supply industry. The alliance will focus on the safe storage and handling of fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and anhydrous ammonia.
“Incidents such as the horrific explosion at the West Fertilizer Company in West, Texas, that killed 15 people including emergency response personnel, highlight the hazards in storing and handling ammonium nitrate,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “These tragedies are preventable and this alliance shows that we are working together to address hazards, prevent injuries and save lives.”
In response to the incident at the West Fertilizer Company, President Obama signed Executive Order 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security*. The executive order directs the federal government to improve operational coordination with state and local partners; improve federal agency coordination and information sharing; modernize policies, regulations, and standards; and work with stakeholders to identify best practices. In response to the executive order, OSHA committed to forming an alliance with the fertilizer industry, emergency response organizations, and other federal agencies to develop solutions to promote best practices for ammonium nitrate safety.
For more information regarding the alliance to protect workers and first responders from hazardous chemicals please visit the OSHA link above. Contact Nexreg for Regulatory Services.