Updates to EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) regulation: Unlocking the changes
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23 April, 2024 - In the US, more than 825 hazardous chemical incidents have occurred in the US since January 1, 2021.That’s around one every other day. Over 150 of these instances resulted in injury, hospitalization, and/or reports of acute symptoms following an event.
While the US Environmental Protection Agency's Risk Management Program (RMP) rule has helped reduce the severity and number of catastrophic events, the ongoing complexities and risks within the chemical industry have limited its effectiveness.
Now, after several rounds of legislative action, lawsuits, and rulemaking, changes to the EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) rule have been finalized, under the title Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule. These changes aim to strengthen the existing RMP requirements and ensure greater protection for communities, first responders, and the environment.
Responsible management
The responsible management of chemicals is crucial to the prevention of incidents such as major fires, toxic chemical releases, and other dangerous events. The primary catalyst to the regulatory update was an explosion at a fertilizer storage facility in West TX, which fatally injured twelve volunteer firefighters, two members of the public, and caused hundreds of other injuries.
Hazardous chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, are everywhere. That product familiarity sometimes means that we don't necessarily associate them with risk or harm when they are handled incorrectly. The rule intends to enlighten and empower industries and employees to take proactive steps to manage hazardous chemicals like these responsibly and prevent more catastrophic incidents from occurring. These changes aim to bridge the gap between the existing regulation's effectiveness, and the desired level of safety, to significantly reduce the severity and number of chemical-related incidents.
Impacts
A wide array of industries, particularly those involved in the storage, handling, transfer, manufacturing, or processing of hazardous materials, will fall under the purview of the amended rule. The rule's focus on transparency and responsibility will require organizations, big or small, to reevaluate their compliance practices, especially those that may lack mature systems for managing chemical hazards. It will force organizations to look outside of their day-to-day operations to see what the industry is doing and what needs to change in terms of responsible chemical management.
While major chemical companies and refineries may need to make some adjustments, the biggest transformation is anticipated for small and medium-sized organizations. These entities often lack access to adequate resources and expertise to identify and handle chemical hazards effectively. The Safer Communities by Chemical Accident Prevention Rule requires these organizations to gain a deeper understanding of the potential risks their operations may pose and the relevant best practices which may be needed to manage those risks responsibly.
Benefits
The rule emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, encouraging businesses to collaborate with industry and regulatory bodies to adopt safer and more sustainable practices. By doing so, organizations will be better equipped to safeguard their operations and the well-being of their employees and the surrounding communities.
While the full impact of the rule has yet to be seen, its implementation is expected to create a transformative shift in the chemical industry, compelling businesses to be more proactive in their compliance efforts and fostering a safer and more responsible environment for all.
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