On Friday, EPA, OSHA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued a chemical advisory on the safe storage, handling and management of ammonium nitrate, following an August 2013 executive order on “Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.”
The advisory provides lessons learned and steps on how to reduce risks associated with ammonium nitrate for facility owners and operators, emergency planners and first responders with regards to ammonium nitrate. It also includes information on ensuring proper building design, storage containers and fire protection; understanding the hazards that exist when developing emergency response plans; and learning from other incidents, including the explosion in West, Texas.
“Understanding and minimizing the hazards posed by solid ammonium nitrate used in fertilizers is a key component of this advisory,” said Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response. “In addition, the community emergency planning and response information in this document provides a valuable tool that will help protect workers, first responders and communities throughout the country.”
In August, President Obama directed the federal government to improve operational coordination, modernize policies, regulations and standards, and work to identify best practices to improve chemical safety. President Obama established the Chemical Facility Safety and Security Working Group, wherein the chemical advisory was developed and facilitated.
In August, President Obama directed the federal government to improve operational coordination, modernize policies, regulations and standards, and work to identify best practices to improve chemical safety. President Obama established the Chemical Facility Safety and Security Working Group, wherein the chemical advisory was developed and facilitated.
Click here to view the advisory.