Hazard Study
Transportation and siting
Transportation of beer may be through the use of standard containers as general cargo or as liquid cargo in tank containers. The first area of concern is the transport of ethylbenzene to the styrene plant. Since ethylbenzene is volatile and can very easily decompose into benzene and ethylene or methane. It is important to ensure the transportation container is above 11840F (Balchen, 1988p.81). This is one of the issues that pose environmental hazard risks.This is because it is a harmful, inflammable liquid that causes eye irritation. This helps reduce the health and safety risks associated with transporting ethylbenzene, styrene and non-recycled by- products. It is also important to secure the siting for beer transportation.
Since styrene is a harmful flammable liquid, that is mildly toxic, it is important to ensure siting of a plant does not risk the health people’s health or the environment (Balchen, 1988p.78). When siting a plant, it is important to adhere to the standards and guidelines set by bodies like OCSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) and HACCP (Hazard Analysis by Critical Control Points) (Baxter, 2001p.121). This means that it must be in an area well supplied with fresh water, electricity and gas. It is important to carry out the loading and unloading activities within the working area (American Institute Of Chemical Engineers, 1993p.101). This is because of the hazardous nature and of styrene as well as its unpleasant smell. This will also help minimize the potential effect from existing plants.
The loss of containment on occupied buildings has led to the death and injury of many people all around the globe. This is because of location of chemical plants in occupied buildings that end up with leakages or spills. This calls for the need to use a hazard based approach to existing buildings. It involves analysis of the performance level of a new building placed in a location, compared to the hazard performance of the actual building in the location(American Institute Of Chemical Engineers, 1993p.354).
In case of loss of containment on occupied building, tainting occurs in food from aquatic organisms, it also causes explosive air-mixtures. When combined with bromine or chlorine and sunlight, it forms potent lachrymatory agent. This causes eye irritation, tears and blindness.
Conformance with company policy
Conformance with company policies involves areas of safety, environment and health. This means that all policies aim at reducing the hazards affecting these areas. Company policies dictate that smoking is prohibited in all areas of the premises. Workers must always wear protective gear especially when conducting loading and unloading activities. They should only lift objects that they are physically comfortable lifting. All material and equipment presenting health and safety risks must be checked before moving. Alarms should also be installed to notify the health team on spills, leakages and loss of control. There must be safety control measures in place for evacuation, complete shutdown and isolation when and if the need arises. All emissions must be controlled within the standards set by Environmental health Agency.
EnforcementMckenna explains that “employees conduct lies within the scope or employment” (2005p.332). Employees must adhere to the company policies set in place, as well as recommendations passed by the administration. They must ensure they observe the set safety standards as well as avoid risking the health or safety of fellow colleagues. Any individuals failing to comply with these policies will face disciplinary action and may even be dismissed. This policy also applies to all staff members as well as the administration.
Bibliography
American institute of chemical engineers.(1993). Guidelines for engineering design for process safety.New York, N.Y., Center for Chemical Process Safety of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Balchen, J. G., &Mummé, K. I. (1988).Process control: structures and applications. New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Baxter, E. D., &Hughes, P. S. (2001).Beer: quality, safety and nutritional aspects. Cambridge, Royal Society of Chemistry.
Mckenna Long & Aldridge LLP.(2005). TSCA handbook.Lanham, Md, Government Institutes.