Chem Concepts, LCC

To:	Laboratory Supervisors
From:	Vicki Hampton, Safety Task Force
CC:	George Castillo VP of Research and Development
Date:	November 5, 2016
Re:	FYI
Comments:	It is the policy of ChemConcepts to ensure the safety of its employees at all times. We are obligated to adhere to the policies of the State of Illinois Fire and Life Safety Codes as adopted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (ISFMO). The intent of these policies is to foster safe practices and work habits throughout companies in Illinois, thus reducing the risk of fire and the severity of fire if one should occur. The importance of chemical combustion in our laboratories. We needed to send three employees to the hospital due to the accidental combustion of chemicals stored or used in our laboratories. The injuries were minor and these employees have recovered; but without clear policies it is only a matter of time before a major accident occurs. If such an accident happens, we want to feel assured that all precautions were taken to avoid it, and that its effect were minimized through proper procedures to handle the situation. In the laboratories of ChemConcepts, our employees work with various chemical compounds that cause fire or explosions if mishandled. For example, when stored near reducing materials, oxidizing agents such peroxides, hydroperoxides and peroxyesters can react at ambient temperatures. These unstable oxidizing agents may initiate or promote combustion in materials around them. Of special concern are organic peroxides, the most hazardous chemicals handled in our laboratories. These compounds form extremely dangerous peroxides that can be highly combustible. We need to have clear policies that describe how these kinds of chemicals should be stored and handled. We need policies regarding other chemicals, too. The problem in the past is that we have not had a consistent, comprehensive policy are not clear. In the past, laboratories have been asked to develop their own policies, but our review of laboratory safety procedures shows that only four of our nine laboratories have written safety policies that specifically address chemicals. It is clear that we need a consistent safety policy that governs storage and handling of chemicals at all of our laboratories. So, at a meeting on November 3, it was decided that ChemConcepts needs a consistent policy regarding the handling of chemical compounds, especially ones that are flammable or prone to combustion. Such a policy would describe in depth how chemicals should stored and handled in the company’s laboratories. It should also be describe procedures for handling any hazardous spills, fires, or other emergencies due to chemicals. We are calling a mandatory meeting for November 11 from 1:00-5:00 in which issues of chemical safety will be discussed. The meeting will be attended by the various safety officers in the company, as well as George Castillo, VP of Research and Development. Before the meeting, please develop a draft policy for chemical safety for your laboratory. Make fifteen copies of your draft policy for distribution to others in the meeting. We will go over the policies from each laboratory, looking for consistencies. Then, merging these policies, we will draft a comprehensive policy that will be applicable throughout the corporation.

This memo shown needs to be revised before it is sent. How could it be improved?