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From: "Secretary, ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety" <secretary**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines from Google (12 articles)
Date: May 14, 2012 7:43:42 AM EDT
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <EB6EAD90-FC36-4E53-A428-D72CC725C8E8**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org>
Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Monday, May 14, 2012 7:43:19 AM
A service of the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Connecting Chemistry and Safety at http://www.dchas.org
All article summaries and tags are archived at http://pinboard.in/u:dchas
Table of Contents (12 articles)
CHEMICAL LEAK AT PORT BOTANY NOW SAFE
Tags: Australia, transportation, release, response, nitric_acid
EXPLOSION IN THAILAND KILLS 12
Tags: Thailand, industrial, follow-up, death
CORROSIVE CHEMICAL SPILLED ONTO NEBRASKA HIGHWAY AFTER COLLISION
Tags: us_NE, transportation, release, response, cleaners
MAN CHARGED OVER CHEMICAL FIND
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, discovery, response, drugs, explosives
STATE BANS HAZMAT TRUCKS FROM DOWNTOWN BOSTON DURING DAY Ç CBS BOSTON
Tags: us_MA, transportation, discovery, response, gasoline
US POSTAL SERVICE TO BAN OVERSEAS SHIPMENTS OF LITHIUM BATTERIES
Tags: transportation, follow-up, environmental, batteries
PANEL: CHEMICAL INDUSTRY NEEDS RISK GUIDANCE
Tags: industrial, follow-up, response
EXPLOSION AT HOT TUB FACTORY BLOWS HOLE IN ROOF
Tags: us_CA, industrial, explosion, response, unknown_chemical
DRIP VESSEL RUPTURE CAUSED EXPLOSION AT GAS PLANT
Tags: us_TX, industrial, follow-up, environmental, natural_gas
SECOND DRILLING MUD SPILL REPORTED IN DALLAS TWP.
Tags: us_PA, industrial, release, environmental, other_chemical
FLAME RETARDANTS IN FURNITURE FOAM - WEIGHING THE EVIDENCE Ñ RISK SCIENCE BLOG
Tags: public, follow-up, response, paints
BREAKING NEWS: CONTROLLED EXPLOSION CARRIED OUT OVER CHEMICAL SCARE
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, discovery, response, bomb, drugs, explosives
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CHEMICAL LEAK AT PORT BOTANY NOW SAFE
http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8466999
Tags: Australia, transportation, release, response, nitric_acid
A chemical leak on board a container ship at Sydney's Port Botany has now been made safe.
The German-registered 34,600-tonne California Senator docked on Monday morning from Fremantle with a 1000-litre storage drum leaking nitric acid in the hold.
The ship's captain had called ahead on Sunday to warn authorities.
Firefighters scrambled aboard about 1am (AEST) to decant the contents of the drum and contain the leak.
"The container of nitric acid has now been made safe," Superintendent Ian Krimmer, from Fire and Rescue NSW, said on Monday afternoon.
"One ruptured container inside was located.
"Contents have all been emptied, all the contaminated products have been removed by a contractor.
---------------------------------------------
EXPLOSION IN THAILAND KILLS 12
http://cen.acs.org/articles/90/i20/Explosion-Thailand-Kills-12.html
Tags: Thailand, industrial, follow-up, death
Two serious accidents occurred within two days at the Map Ta Phut petrochemical production zone in eastern Thailand.
An explosion on May 5 at a synthetic rubber plant owned by Bangkok Synthetics killed 12 people and injured more than 140 at Map Ta Phut. The next day, a chlorine leak at a hydrochloric acid plant operated by Aditya Birla Chemicals led to the hospitalization of 13 people, according to the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).
The back-to-back accidents have revived tensions between the facilities in the industrial zone and nearby residents who blame the petrochemical industry for causing pollution and posing a safety risk.
Bangkok Synthetics said in a statement that the explosion occurred when the plant was shut down and undergoing maintenance. During a storm, a fire broke out in a toluene vessel that had just been cleaned, the company said.
---------------------------------------------
CORROSIVE CHEMICAL SPILLED ONTO NEBRASKA HIGHWAY AFTER COLLISION
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/12/corrosive-chemical-spilled-onto-nebraska-highway-after-collision/
Tags: us_NE, transportation, release, response, cleaners
LINCOLN, NEB. - A collision involving two large trucks has spilled a hazardous chemical into Nebraska Highway 2 in Lincoln.
Lincoln fire captain Eric Jones told the Journal Star that a semi carrying 16 250-gallon tanks of boiler cleaner rear-ended a large flatbed truck Saturday afternoon. One of the tanks of cleaner ruptured and the chemical spilled onto highway.
The westbound lanes of the highway were closed Saturday afternoon as crews worked to contain the spill.
---------------------------------------------
MAN CHARGED OVER CHEMICAL FIND
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/man-charged-over-chemical-find-1-4543995
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, discovery, response, drugs, explosives
A MAN has been charged on suspicion of possessing an explosive which led to the prolonged evacuation of around 50 houses in Sheffield.
Police said the 34-year-old man is facing charges on two counts of possessing an explosive, after chemicals were found at a property on Ridgehill Avenue, Intake.
They said the substances, discovered on Thursday, were consistent with those used in the production of class A drugs and explosives.
The suspect, who lives on Ridgehill Avenue, has been remanded in custody.
A second man in his 60s arrested in relation to the incident was released on police bail until June, pending further enquiries.
---------------------------------------------
STATE BANS HAZMAT TRUCKS FROM DOWNTOWN BOSTON DURING DAY Ç CBS BOSTON
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/05/11/state-bans-hazmat-trucks-from-downtown-boston-during-day/
Tags: us_MA, transportation, discovery, response, gasoline
BOSTON (CBS) - The state Department Of Transportation has decided to ban trucks carrying hazardous materials, including gasoline and heating oil, from traveling through Boston between 6 a.m and 8 p.m.
Mayor Menino has been fighting for several years for a ban on hazmat trucks from city streets.
He calls the decision a victory for the people of Boston.
"Vehicles carrying hazardous materials through the City pose a significant public safety threat to residents of our effected neighborhoods, as well as to commuters and other daily visitors to Downtown Boston," Menino's statement said.
Trucks delivering to or picking up from Boston will still be allowed on the roads.
---------------------------------------------
US POSTAL SERVICE TO BAN OVERSEAS SHIPMENTS OF LITHIUM BATTERIES
http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/12/3014855/postal-service-banning-international-shipments-lithium-batteries
Tags: transportation, follow-up, environmental, batteries
The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be prohibiting international shipments of devices containing lithium ion batteries starting May 16th. After coming to grips with serious financial problems last year, USPS has now decided that lithium batteries pose too great of a risk to be shipped overseas. Devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets will fall under this ban, but domestic shipment of these products will be unaffected.
USPS has revised its Domestic Mail Manual Ñ an official document outlining shipment policies Ñ after evaluating recent discussions by the International Civil Aviation Organiza-tion and the Universal Postal Union. Meanwhile, UPS and FedEx are not changing their stance on the matter, which isn't surprising considering how much money is involved. The international shipment of electronic goods is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the added risk associated with transporting devices with lithium batteries is a gamble these companies are willing to take. The only problem is that neither of these couriers will deliver to APO, FPO, or DPO addresses overseas, meaning that troops abroad will not be able to receive Kindles and iPads to fill the downtime between combat.
An outright ban on air-shipping lithium batteries may seem like an exaggerated response to this ambiguous problem, but there have been several plane crashes directly attributed to exploding lithium batteries in the last few years. There are two reasons why a lithium battery might experience a runaway thermal expansion, or explosion. The first reason lies with the battery's chemistry, and the second is contingent on physical or environmental stress.
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PANEL: CHEMICAL INDUSTRY NEEDS RISK GUIDANCE
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57432803/panel-chemical-industry-needs-risk-guidance/
Tags: industrial, follow-up, response
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Ñ The chemical industry needs guidance in choosing alternative processing methods to reduce or eliminate hazards, a national panel said in a report released Friday.
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations require chemical companies to follow certain procedures to ensure manufacturing processes are safe. But the report by the National Research Council said the industry lacks common practice protocols and understanding to identify safer processes.
It recommends that the U.S. Chemical Safety Board or other entity develop a plan to help chemical plant managers choose alternative processes to reduce or eliminate hazards.
One method, known as an "inherently safer process" assessment, aims to minimize or eliminate a hazard. But the assessment does not always provide clear guidance. The report said switching to a non-flammable solvent in a process would remove a fire hazard. But if the solvent is toxic, a new hazard is created.
Use of inherently safer process strategies would reduce the number of vulnerable areas around a company's facilities, which would decrease the scope of emergency preparedness programs. But it potentially could narrow the focus too much and overlook certain outcomes, the report said.
---------------------------------------------
EXPLOSION AT HOT TUB FACTORY BLOWS HOLE IN ROOF
http://www.10news.com/news/31047428/detail.html
Tags: us_CA, industrial, explosion, response, unknown_chemical
VISTA, Calif. -- An explosion at a spa manufacturing factory blew a 20x20 foot hole in the roof of a Vista business around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
The explosion occurred inside a container at Watkins Manufacturing Inc., located at 1280 Park Center Drive.
According to 10News, investigators aren't sure what caused the explosion, but the 8,000 gallon container filled with chemicals was cleaned early Thursday and it was that container that exploded late Thursday night.
When Carlsbad and Vista fire units arrived, they had toxic smoke wafting from the remains of the building, as well as water running from the building to a storm drain at 100 gallons per minute.
Fire officials called Camp Pendleton HAZMAT, as well as San Diego County Health, and then pulled their units across the street to a safe distance fearing another explosion.
No one was inside the building at the time and no injuries were reported.
---------------------------------------------
DRIP VESSEL RUPTURE CAUSED EXPLOSION AT GAS PLANT
http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2012-05-10/drip-vessel-rupture-caused-explosion-gas-plant
Tags: us_TX, industrial, follow-up, environmental, natural_gas
Pressure from a failed drip vessel started a fire which in turn caused the April 30 explosion at a natural gas plant southeast of Canadian, said Todd Johnson, Eagle Rock Energy Partners vice president of environmental health and safety.
The blast occurred at Houston-based Eagle Rock Energy Partners' Phoenix-Arrington Ranch processing plant in Hemphill County, and no one was hurt, spokesman Craig Brown said.
A drip vessel is a small tank that collects liquid from a gas field, which is required to process the gas, Johnson said. The vessel failed to release pressure, causing it to rupture and starting a fire that led to the explosion.
"There are some lessons that we are learning, and we are going to incorporate those lessons into our design standards and our safety procedures," Johnson said.
---------------------------------------------
SECOND DRILLING MUD SPILL REPORTED IN DALLAS TWP.
http://citizensvoice.com/news/second-drilling-mud-spill-reported-in-dallas-twp-1.1313437#axzz1uaJVxoxV
Tags: us_PA, industrial, release, environmental, other_chemical
DALLAS TWP. Ñ The state Department of Environmental Protection is investigating a second release of drilling mud from natural gas pipeline installation.
The spill occurred at Lower Demunds Road and Goodleigh Road.
Chief Gathering LLC, recently bought out by PVR Partners, hired contractors to install a pipeline to connect natural gas wells in Susquehanna County to the Transco interstate pipeline in Dallas Township.
Chief's Vice President of Industry Affairs Kristi Gittins said the mud release is not new. She said release of mud at pipeline boring sites are not uncommon and "we plan for them and we deal with them."
DEP has been to the site and approved remediation plans, Gittins said.
The first spill, of approximately 200 gallons of water containing a small amount of bentonite clay, occurred on May 2 as contractors were boring about 30 feet beneath Leonards Creek on Kunkle-Alderson Road.
---------------------------------------------
FLAME RETARDANTS IN FURNITURE FOAM - WEIGHING THE EVIDENCE Ñ RISK SCIENCE BLOG
http://umrscblogs.org/2012/05/10/flame-retardants-in-furniture-foam-weighing-the-evidence/
Tags: public, follow-up, response, paints
Flame retardants in furniture foam - weighing the evidence
by ANDREW MAYNARD on MAY 10, 2012
The Chicago Tribune launched a hard hitting investigative series this week on the downsides of flame retardant chemicals. Opening with the line "The average American baby is born with 10 fingers, 10 toes and the highest recorded levels of flame retardants among infants in the world", the series paints a picture of corporate greed, misinformation and questionable decisions as it takes a critical look at the possible health consequences, questionable benefits and alleged underhand business practices that in their words have "led to a proliferation of these chemicals, which don't even work as promised".
Not surprisingly, the series has attracted a lot of attention this week. Compellingly written, it tells a story of how cynical manipulation and misinformation has led to potentially harmful fire retardant chemicals being used widely in household products without clear evidence that they save lives. But how accurate is the science behind the story?
---------------------------------------------
BREAKING NEWS: CONTROLLED EXPLOSION CARRIED OUT OVER CHEMICAL SCARE
http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/local/breaking-news-controlled-explosion-carried-out-over-chemical-scare-1-4540226
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, discovery, response, bomb, drugs, explosives
BOMB squad officers carried out a controlled explosion this afternoon after police discovered chemicals in a Sheffield office.
Ridgehill Avenue, Intake, Sheffield, was shut for hours yesterday when police discovered chemicals relating to drug production.
The avenue was cordoned off for a second time this morning when more substances were discovered during a follow-up search.
....
"Police had previously found chemicals at the address and the controlled explosion took place to safely dispose of these substances from the property.
"Earlier this morning a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precautionary measure, as the public's safety is paramount to officers.
"A 34-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to produce class A drugs, he has subsequently been arrested under the explosives act.
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