New RMP Rule Goes Into Effect!

Are you prepared to meet the latest safety standards for hazardous chemicals? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented new requirements within the Risk Management Plan (RMP) program aimed at preventing chemical accidents and ensuring safer communities. The amendments include several revisions and amplifications to the accident prevention program requirements, enhancements to the emergency preparedness requirements, increased public availability of chemical hazard information, and several changes to regulatory definitions and points of clarification.

Key Highlights:

· Hazard Assessment/PHA: Ensure natural hazards & power loss are considered in your hazard assessment. In addition, an emphasis is provided for facility siting, and mandated safer technologies & analyses have been incorporated.

· Response to RMP-Reportable Incident: After reportable incidents, EPA is requiring a formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) incident investigation and a third-party compliance audit.

· Community Engagement: Strengthen your relationship with the local community by demonstrating your commitment to safety and accident prevention by providing certain hazard information.

· Best Practices: Implement effective safety measures and emergency response strategies to protect your employees and surrounding neighborhoods through field emergency response exercises and communication methods/tests to ensure the surrounding community is promptly notified.

· Risk Management Plan: Elements reflecting updated requirements will be required once submission software is updated.

Don’t wait for an incident to take action! Take advantage of the RMP program planning to bolster your safety measures and safeguard your community. Planning now will allow time to incorporate the new requirements into your program. For more details and to access resources, visit the EPA RMP Fact Sheet, or contact CMI.