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Welcome to the AcuSafe Newsletter 
Volume 6, Issue 3, July 2004, Janet Colbert, Editor

In This Edition: (Click on Bullet to Jump to Story)

  Maritime Security Requirements In Effect July 2004 – Stage 3 Reviews Underway

   Industry Focus:   
          1.   Maryland Law Tracks ACC Security Code

          2.  OSHA Forms Alliance With EPA & Six Chemical Organizations
          3.  Nevada CAPP Regulation Amended
          4.  EPA RMP Web Site Updated with FAQs and RMP*Web^® Tool

          5.  Security Alert for Saudi Arabia

       6.  House Urges DHS to Evaluate if Chemical Plants Should Be Required / Webcams for Buffer Zones

   CSB News & Current Investigations: 
           1.  CSB Releases Safety Bulletin Emphasizing Dangers of Working on Piping and Equipment That May Contain                         Flammable or Chemically Reactive Materials

           2.  CSB Releases Safety Bulletin Warning of Dangers of Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) in the Workplace; Outlines Safe            Practices to Prevent Harm

           3.  CSB Presents Plan for Expanded Recommendations Implementation Program

  Resources:  
           1.  Interim Rule for Sensitive Security Information (SSI)

  Incident News:  
           1.  Monthly Summary of Incidents,  March 16, 2004 – July 17, 2004

  Events Update:  
           1. API Announces Next Facility Security Officer Training Date

           2. AcuTech Offering New MTSA Security Personnel Training

           3.  National Association of Chemical Distributors 16^th Annual Seminar & Tradeshow

           4.  Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center Symposium 2004

           5.  UMIST Hazards XVIII Process Safety – Sharing Best Practice

           6.  AspenWorld 2004

  Other:  

           1.  AcuTech is Recruiting Process Safety and Security Consultants

           2.  Asia Process Safety Training

Story Abstracts

Maritime Security Requirements In Effect July 2004 – Stage 3 Reviews Underway

Domestic and international ships and ports are preparing to meet new maritime security regulations which came into force July 1, 2004.  The tough new international security requirements for ships and ports, adopted by the United Nations in December 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, require all ships to be security-certified by the UN’s International maritime Organization (IMO) before they will be free to carry on trading.  The ISPS regulation affects 6,000 port facilities.  The US, which spearheaded the security code, is expected to strictly enforce the measures prohibiting vessels entering its ports that fall short of the measures, experts say. 

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) promulgated the Maritime Transportation Security Act in 2003 which requires facilities located on navigable US waterways to perform a Facility Vulnerability Assessment (FSA), develop a Facility Security Plan (FSP) and submit it to USCG for approval, and train personnel in security measures by July 1, 2004. 

USCG will perform a Stage 3 review of all FSPs as part of the approval process.  Many facilities have already been visited by local USCG personnel and more will be visited over the coming month.  Facilities have been asked for documentation such as FSO Training Course certificates during visits.  In an effort to facilitate compliance of FSPs and FSAs with the regulation, the USCG has provided several tools on their MTSA-ISPS Help Desk website, http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/index.html, including a guide listing common discrepancies with FSPs which is available as a Word document (from the MTSA web site) or set of PowerPoint slides posted on www.acusafe.com which can be used for training purposes.   Additionally, refer to NVIC 03-03, available from the MTSA-ISPS Help Desk web site, for a checklist to prepare for USCG visits.  A number of NVICS have recently been upgraded including 05-03.  Visit the USCG website, http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/mp/nvic.html#0303, to make sure you are up to date. 

Industry Focus

Maryland Law Tracks ACC Security Code

On April 12, 2004, The State of Maryland this week passed the first statewide chemical security legislation in the United States. This comprehensive measure will make chemical facilities and the citizens of Maryland safer.  ACC has long supported meaningful federal chemical security standards embraced by Maryland’s new law.  Maryland’s new law requires prioritization of facilities, the development and implementation of security measures commensurate with risks, training, drills and guidance, communications with employees, communities and government agencies, internal audits and third party verification.  The new Maryland law closely tracks the requirements of the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Responsible Care Security code (RCSC).  To read the full press release go to:  

http://www.accnewsmedia.com/docs/1900/1883.doc?DocTypeID=4&TrackID=

OSHA Forms Alliance With EPA & Six Chemical Organizations

On March 30, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and six organizations involved in the chemical industry signed an Alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regarding the management of chemical reactivity hazards in the workplace.  The goal of the alliance is to offer a means for the group to provide information, guidance and access to training resources t their members, customers, contacts and others involved in the manufacture, distribution, use and storage of chemicals.  The participating organizations are the American Chemistry Council, the American Institute for Chemical Engineers’ Center for Chemical Process Safety, the National Association of Chemical Distributors, and the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association.  For more information go to:  http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_Releases&p_id=10762

Nevada CAPP Regulation Amended

In the 2003 Nevada Legislative Session, Senate Bill 127 was adopted which mandated specific amendments to the state CAPP regulation.  The regulatory revisions are posted on the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection web site at:  http://ndep.nv.gov/doc_04/CAPPReg2004.pdf. 

EPA Web Site Updated with FAQs and RMP*Web^® Tool
To help facilities better understand the Risk Management Program regulations, EPA maintains Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) concerning the Clean Air Act 112(r).  Following the April 9th amendments to the Chemical Accident Prevention Rule, EPA updated these FAQs.  The revised FAQs were posted May 24 on the OEPPR website at:

http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/caa-faqs.htm. 

FAQs for the Amendments Rule were posted in April and are available on the OEPPR website at:

http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/2004-FAQ.htm

EPA also maintains FAQs for the reporting software, RMP*Submit.  The updated FAQs for RMP*Submit 2004 were posted May 25 on the OEPPR website at: http://yosemite.epa.gov/oswer/ceppoweb.nsf/content/rmp_submit_faq.htm

RMP*WebRC, a web-based tool to assist RMP filers to correct their RMPs, was launched on May 21, 2004.  RMP*WebRC requires user registration.

Invitation letters and instructions have been sent to RMP facilities with 5-year updates due after June 21, 2004 so that they can register and use RMP*WebRC to add newly required data elements.  All other RMP facilities will be sent  an invitation and instructions after the EPA Reporting Center has received and processed their 5-year update.

Security Alert for Saudi Arabia

According to a recent article forwarded from Knight Ridder News Service, escalating sabotage against pipelines in Iraq is heightening fears that terrorists are planning a wholesale assault on energy targets throughout the region and are taking aim at the world’s largest oil supplier, Saudi Arabia.  The head of Saudi Arabia’s government oil monopoly remains confident that the industry is well protected.   However independent experts warn that an attack on any Saudi Arabia’s major facilities could cripple world oil supplies.  Experts warn that the country’s pipelines, oil wells, refineries and export terminals are enticing targets for al Qaeda, whose operatives in Saudi Arabia are threatening to launch a devastating attack.  Extensive terrorist attacks on oil targets in Saudi Arabia and Iraq would be tantamount to “an energy Pearl Harbor,” forcing severe shortages and boosting prices in the United States and other countries heavily dependent on imported oil, said Anne Korin , a senior analyst with the International Institute for Analysis of global Security in Rockville, MD.  The United States gets more than 50 percent of it’s oil form foreign suppliers. The terrorist “can hit the homeland without ever leaving their own backyard,” said Korin.    Source:  http://www.freep.com/news/nw/saudi17_20040617.htm.

House Urges DHS to Evaluate if Chemical Plants Should Be Required / Webcams for Buffer Zones

The House of Representatives is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to evaluate whether chemical plants and other critical infrastructure facilities should be required to submit security and vulnerability assessments for federal approval, Chemical Policy Alert reported. The plan, proposed by Congressman Martin Olav Sabo (D-Minnesota) and approved by voice vote, would set $5 million aside for the Office of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP) to conduct a review. It is the first plan approved by either chamber of Congress that specifically addresses the security of chemical facilities.

In a related development, DHS stated that it was planning to install and monitor live "webcams" that would be placed at some of the nation's high-risk chemical sites. The plan is part of DHS' "buffer zone" strategy meant to protect critical infrastructure facilities throughout the country. The webcams will initially be placed at the perimeters of facilities in major metropolitan areas and monitored by DHS or local emergency personnel. According to DHS, the IAIP wants to establish buffer zone plans at 1700 "critical assets" by 30 September. Critical assets also include national landmarks.  Source:  www.intellibridge.com.

CSB News

CSB Releases Safety Bulletin Emphasizing Dangers of Working on Piping and Equipment That May Contain Flammable or Chemically Reactive Materials

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) released a Safety Bulletin calling on chemical plant and refinery operators to exercise appropriate caution when performing work on piping and equipment that could contain hazardous materials.  The bulletin, set to be considered by the Board at a public meeting July 15, results from the CSB’s investigation into a January 13, 2004, explosion and fire at the Huntsman Petrochemical facility in Port Neches, Texas, where two employees were seriously burned and significant damage occurred to nearby equipment. The explosion and fire occurred as workers attempted to purge a thousand-foot-long chemical process pipe in preparation for a cutting and welding operation.

CSB Releases Safety Bulletin Warning of Dangers of Sodium Hydrosulfide (NaHS) in the Workplace; Outlines Safe Practices to Prevent Harm

Washington, DC, July 15, 2004 – The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today released a Safety Bulletin that warns of the dangers of sodium hydrosulfide and recommends safe practices to prevent accidents when handling the chemical. CSB investigators uncovered 45 accidents associated with sodium hydrosulfide that have caused 32 deaths and 176 injuries since 1971. They noted, however, that accident data are incomplete and there may have been additional deaths and injuries attributable to the chemical. The Safety Bulletin is an outgrowth of the Board’s investigation of a January 2002 accident involving sodium hydrosulfide that caused two deaths and eight injuries at an Alabama paper mill.

CSB Presents Plan for Expanded Recommendations Implementation Program

Washington, DC, July 15, 2004 — Senior staff from the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) presented their plans for an expanded Recommendations Program to Board Members in a public meeting in Washington this morning. The Recommendations Program is charged with achieving the implementation of the recommendations that arise from completed chemical accident investigations. The program will also play an important role in the increased outreach activities of the CSB.

Full text of these press releases can be found at:  http://www.acusafe.com/Newsletter/Stories/0704NewsCSB.htm, or from the CSB website at http://www.csb.gov.

Resources

1.  Interim Rule for Sensitive Security Information (SSI)
An interim rule for sensitive security information has been published in the federal register.  It includes “need to know” definitions, SSI markings required, protection of SSI, FOIA exemptions and more.  A copy of the interim rule can be downloaded from Stories/interim rule on ssi federal register 5-18-04.pdf

Incident News

Monthly Summary of Incidents,  January 16, 2004 – July 15, 2004
We collect stories about major spills and releases from around the globe. This month's installment (http://www.acusafe.com/Newsletter/Stories/0704News-MonthlyIncidents.htm) summarizes incidents brought to our attention between January 16, 2004 and July 15, 2004. Most of the incidents covered have caused significant injury, deaths, or major property damage.  For a write up and photos on the Port Kembla NSW ethanol fire,  go to 

www.nswfb.nsw.gov.au/education/gallery_incidents_portkembla.htm

www.nswfb.nsw.gov.au/education/publications/fire_news/firenews_2004_mar.pdf

Sources for incidents include:  U.S. Department of Labor OSHA (www.osha.gov), the Chemical Safety Board (www.csb.gov)  and Hazards Intelligence – an international journal of hazardous incidents- available for subscription at http://www.saunalahti.fi/ility/.  We welcome input to this effort by submitting summaries of other notable events to editor@acusafe.com.

Events Update

1.  API Announces Next Facility Security Officer Training Date
The next date for the API Facility Security Officer Training is August 30 – 31.  The Security Vulnerability Assessment workshop is scheduled to follow from 1PM August 31 through September 1.  Go to www.acutech-consulting.com for further information.

2.  AcuTech Offering New MTSA Security Personnel Training

AcuTech has developed a new course to help facilities meet the security personnel training requirements of the new MTSA regulation.  Following on the success of the Facility Security Officer training that AcuTech has provided through API the past two years, AcuTech has developed a training course tailored to cover the specific 13 points that security personnel are required to know.  See www.acutech-consulting.com for further information.

3.  National Association of Chemical Distributors 16^th Annual Seminar & Tradeshow - OPSEM

The NACD will hold it’s 16^th Annual Seminar and Tradeshow in Orlando from September 22 – 24.  Michael Hazzan, Senior Principal Consultant with AcuTech has been invited to speak on PSM and Security for the process industry.  If you are interested in attending, please go to:  http://www.nacd.com/Opsem/

4.  Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center Symposium 2004

The annual Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center Symposium is scheduled for October 26 – 27 at the Texas A&M Reed Arena in College Station Texas.  David Moore, President & CEO of AcuTech will present a paper on Security Vulnerability Assessments of Transportation Risks.   For further information on the symposium go to:  http://process-safety.tamu.edu/symposium/2004/info.htm

5.  UMIST Hazards XVIII  Process Safety – Sharing Best Practice

David Moore, President & CEO of AcuTech will present two papers at the Hazards XVIII Symposium to be held November 23-25 at UMIST, Manchester, UK.   Mr. Moore will present “Judging Effectiveness of Inherent Safety for Safety and Security of Chemical Facilities” and “Risk Decision-Making for Chemical Process Security”.

6.  AspenWorld 2004

AspenWorld 2004 is slated to be the pre-eminent international conference for the process industry in 2004. Unlike any other event, participants will gather with process industry colleagues, industry experts and prominent business leaders for a compelling exchange of industry knowledge and information.  David Moore, President & CEO of AcuTech will present "Process Safety Management - Twenty Years of Implementation" to focus on the progress made in the process industry in the 20 years since the Bhopal incident.  For further information on the conference go to: http://www.aspenworld2004.com/

Other
  
1.  AcuTech is Recruiting Process Safety and Security Consultants for the San Francisco, Princeton and Houston areas.  For complete information please go to http://www.acutech-consulting.com/employ/index.html

2.  Following the success of our recent PHA Team Leader training in Singapore in early July, AcuTech is planning additional courses in Asia.   Courses are being planned in Kuantan,  Malaysia; Singapore and Shanghai, China.  The dates for PHA Team Leader in Shanghai are October 4 to October 6, 2004.  An announcement of all Asian dates will be sent out very soon.

Copyright 2003 Chemetica, Inc. All rights reserved.