Chemical

Washington – A poll released Oct. 11 by the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters indicates 55 percent of likely U.S. voters believe the federal government should require chemical facilities to use safer chemicals and processes when they are effective, available and affordable.

West, TX – The parent company of a fertilizer storage facility has been issued $118,300 in proposed OSHA penalties for violations in connection with an April explosion that killed 15 people in West, TX.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board’s investigation of the April explosion at a fertilizer facility in West, TX, is on hold because of the government shutdown.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has launched a tool that aims to provide easier access to chemical safety and health data.

Washington – A chemical advisory issued Aug. 30 by OSHA; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offers steps fertilizer facilities and others can take to help reduce ammonium nitrate hazards.

Washington – Chemical Safety Board Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso has issued a video message urging OSHA to better regulate reactive chemicals.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board has not met its objective to complete “timely, high quality” investigations, concludes a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General.

Washington – President Barack Obama issued an executive order on Aug. 1 directing the federal government to improve chemical safety and security in light of recent tragedies.

Washington – OSHA’s response to seven Chemical Safety Board recommendations has been “unacceptable,” the board declared during a July 25 meeting in Washington.