CI Submits Comments to OSHA on Indoor and Outdoor Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)
OSHA began a rulemaking process to explore if it should regulate indoor and outdoor heat hazards. CI responded to the open comment period by showing heat hazard mitigations already in place at member facilities with this letter.
Register Today for the 2021 World Chlorine Council Safety Seminar!
Due to uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 World Chlorine Council (WCC) Safety Seminar will be held online.
Read more...
On July 26, the Chlorine Institute, along with the North American Freight Car Association (NAFCA), National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA), and the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), filed a petition with the Surface Transportation Board (STB). In this petition, CI and its fellow petitioners requested an update to the regulations governing the use by the Class I railroads of freight railcars supplied to them by railcar owners, shippers, and other railroad entities (collectively referred to as “Private Railcars”).
Read more...
The Chlorine Institute's Position on the Proposed Supertax Fund
While the Chlorine Institute (CI) understands and supports the need to address our nation’s long neglected infrastructure, we are concerned about one of the proposed funding mechanisms. In the proposal under consideration is a reinstatement of the Superfund Tax. On July 17th CI raised its concerns to key senators. The proposal would not only reimpose the tax but would, in fact, do so at double its previous level.
Read more...
Avoiding the Unintended Consequences of Reported Pool Chlorine Shortage
As the 2021 swim season approaches, there is concern that a reported significant shortage of one type of chlorine-based swimming pool water disinfectant could inadvertently put public health at risk this summer. The scenario was set last August when fire damaged a Louisiana facility that manufactures much of the country’s chlorinated isocyanurates.
Read more...
Registration is Open for the 2020 World Chlorine Council Safety Seminar
Due to travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic there will be no in-person WCC Safety Seminar in China as originally planned. Instead, an online Seminar will be held on November 17-18, 2020 from 12:00-14:00 CET, organized by the WCC Global Safety Team (GST).
Read more...
2021 Technology Symposium - Call for Presenters and Exhibitors
Planning is underway for The Chlorine Institute’s 2021 Technology Symposium and Table-Top Expo, held during our regular Annual Meeting on March 22-25 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Don’t just save the date – plan to get involved by presenting and/or exhibiting!
Read more...
Aug. 20th COVID-19 & The Workplace Webinar featuring NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard
Join us on August 20th at 12pm eastern for the upcoming free webinar featuring National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Director John Howard, MD presented by the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council. Dr. Howard will discuss CDC’s guidance on testing and workplace mitigations and response to COVID-19, with particular attention to industrial workplaces. There will be an extended discussion on what testing does (and does not) reveal, along with workplace considerations such as self-isolation. There will be an extended time for questions, however, attendees are encouraged to send their questions ahead of time on the registration form. This event is limited to the first 500 registrants and open to member companies of any Chemical Sector Coordinating Council trade association.
Follow this link for registration details.
CI Submits Comments to EPA on Asbestos Risk Evaluation
The chlor-alkali industry has a proven record of the safe use of asbestos within the chlorine production process. CI members believe that with the effective engineering and administrative controls currently in place, including respiratory protection, a scientifically-based risk assessment of the chlor-alkali industry’s use of asbestos in chlorine production will demonstrate that this use does not pose an unreasonable health risk to workers. Read more...
CI Supports Long-Term Reauthorization of Chemical Security Regulation
Chemical security is truly a shared responsibility. The risk-based performance standards within the chemical facility anti-terrorism standard (CFATS) are a model for regulation that works to achieve its intended goal through collaboration with stakeholders, which is why CI members wrote to congress to support long-term reauthorization of CFATS. Read more...
EPA Provides Critical Information to the American Public About Safe Disinfectant Use
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing its efforts to provide critical information on surface disinfectant products that can be used to protect the health of all Americans throughout the COVID-19 public health emergency. In support of these efforts, EPA now has nearly 400 products that have qualified to be effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Read more...
American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Issues Important Reminders About Proper Use of Disinfectants
In response to speculation about the use of disinfectants in or on one's body, the American Cleaning Institute issued a clarifying statement. Read more...
NAM Launches Online Interactive Map with U.S. COVID-19 Resources by State
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is continually gathering COVID-19 resources from its state partners and local governments across all 50 U.S. states. NAM has now launched an online interactive map to provide businesses with the latest information for each state. Read More...
3/4/2020 Update: CI Phone & Email Systems are Up and Running
3/3/2020 CI Phone and Email Systems are Temporarily Down
If you have been trying to contact CI, our phone and email systems are temporarily unavailable. If you need to speak to a staff member, please dial their cell phones. We are working on resolving the issue and we will keep you informed.
2019 Chlorine Emergency Response Training Totals
Thank you to all the instructors for the time and energy you put into making 2019 such a success! It was another great year of outreach to first responders throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico! In 2019 over 2,600 students were trained. Read more...
2019 Member Emergency Response Training & Outreach
CI’s Emergency Preparedness Issue Team (“EPIT”) has a long-term goal of training as many first responders as possible to ensure they are prepared to safely and effectively respond to incidents involving chlorine and other CI mission chemicals. Read more...
CI Comment Letter on CSB Accident Reporting Rule
Following a legal order, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (“CSB”) has issued its proposed rule, Accidental Release Reporting, which would require chemical facilities to report chemical releases that result in “a fatality, serious injury or substantial property damages.” CI responded to the open comment period with this letter.
FDA Warns About Mis-Information
FDA warns about mis-information from products falsely claiming to cure various diseases and disorders by ingesting chlorine dioxide. Read the full FDA statement here: http://bit.ly/31Pn34V
The Chlorine Institute Core Values Series - Part V: Integrity
In this final article of the “CI Core Values Series,” I want to highlight the role “integrity” plays in what we do at The Chlorine Institute. Let’s start by defining Integrity. The Merriam-Webster online dictionary lists three key definitions:
It has been said, integrity is “what happens when no one is looking.” It is being honest and truthful when it counts. Here at CI, honesty is critical, especially when it comes to the development of our many safety resources. All of CI’s safety pamphlets, videos, and training programs rely on sound science and member experience. Our long history of integrity gives us credibility when dealing with regulators and others. One EPA official recently told me when referring to CI, “You are the good guys.” I firmly believe this is because of the credibility established by our integrity.
Integrity is important in all we do. This is why before each meeting and in each meeting program, the CI Antitrust Guidelines are stated to remind members and staff of the “Do’s” and “Don’ts” during business discussions and interactions. The CI Core Values state: “All interactions among members, employees, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and the public will be conducted in an honest and open way with the highest ethical standards.” We all have a role in upholding CI’s reputation and the respect of the industry by maintaining an environment where people act with integrity, and honesty.
I hope that this refresher on the Core Values was a helpful reminder that The Chlorine Institute’s ultimate goal is enhancing safety, and that all of our work towards this goal is guided by these five core values.
If you have any ideas or thoughts about this, or any of the other core values series articles, we would appreciate your input. Please send all questions or comments to Frank Reiner.
CI No Longer Using Fax Lines
As of this month, CI is discontinuing use of fax communication. The main and individual staff fax lines will no longer work after July 31, 2019. Any documents needing to be sent without the ability to edit, can be sent via Adobe PDF. For more information on how to manage the permissions of a PDF document, visit: https://helpx.adobe.com/ca/acrobat/how-to/security-permissions-protect-pdf-files.html
Occupational Health & Safety Magazine Features Interview with CI Members – By Robyn Brooks
To highlight the importance of respirator safety, CI staff member Robyn Brooks (VP, Health, Environment, Safety and Security) interviewed two long-time CI members about their experiences regarding the topic. Vic McMurray (Responsible Care Director, Olin Corporation) and Brian Dailey (Global Emergency Response Leader and National Pro Board-Certified Hazardous Materials Technician, The Chemours Company) generously provided several pieces of advice they have learned over the years working in this industry. To read the full-length article, go to: https://ohsonline.com/articles/2019/07/15/respiratory-safety-an-interview-with-industry-experts.aspx?admgarea=news&m=1
CI/TRANSCAERSM Training Event Held in Toronto, ON
Click here to learn more about The Chlorine Institute Rail Safety & Hazmat Emergency Response Training event held in Toronto, ON July 9-11.
Thank you to all the instructors who supported this event and our railroad partner, FESTI (Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute).
Instructors: Tom Jaeckle (QM Environmental), Mike Nedilsky (QM Environmental), Bernie Cook (Brenntag – Canada), Rich O’Hara (Olin Corp.), David Clarke (FESTI), Chris Nicholson (CN Rail), Andy Ash (Railroad Association of Canada), Cindy Kuranchie (CI), Frédérike Hanigan (CANUTEC), Troy Scarrow (Midland Manufacturing), Ray Racha (Indian Springs Mfg.), Mike Herringa (CN Rail), and Yves Hamel (CN Rail)
The Chlorine Institute Core Values Series - Part IV: Respect
Respect – one of the most fundamental values many of us learn when we are young. How does it apply to our work here at CI? As part of an organization in which we constantly interact with one another and share ideas, we must keep this core value at the forefront of our everyday actions. Whether we are discussing lessons learned at a CI meeting, collaborating on a pamphlet during a task group call, or even simply introducing ourselves at a CI networking event, it is important for CI members and staff to show respect for all individuals participating in Institute activities.
Last month I talked about how important diversity is at CI. Diversity of thought brings value to an organization. We must all work to encourage a diverse environment by showing respect for each other’s opinions and ideas, no matter how much they differ from our own. This is the only way we will expand our thinking and continuously improve upon safety practices as an industry.
As the common saying goes, we must “give respect, to earn respect.” Here are a few ways we can practice this core value, to ensure every encounter at CI is one of mutual respect:
I believe that if we all work together to maintain a respectful space, it will lead to a more productive and positive environment.
If you have any ideas or thoughts about this, or any of the other core values series articles, we would appreciate your input. Please send all questions or comments to Frank Reiner.
CI Attends the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference
On June 14-15, 2019 the Chlorine Institute attended the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Hazmat Conference in Baltimore, MD. The IAFC Hazmat conference brings together leaders from the local, state and federal levels to discuss best practices for incident management and the tools needed to successfully respond to hazmat incidents. Representatives from member companies, Ray Racha (Indian Springs Manufacturing) and Troy Scarrow (Midland Manufacturing) joined CI staff member, Cindy Kuranchie, in both sponsoring and exhibiting at the conference. CI’s main objectives were to highlight our outreach and training efforts to the first responder community and to demonstrate the proper use of our emergency capping kits.
This year the conference hit a milestone with roughly 1,400 people in attendance! CI provided these attendees the chance to view demonstrations of the Chlorine Institute Emergency Capping Kits “A”, “B”, and “C” and the Midland Emergency Response Kit as well as the new Indian Springs Emergency Response Kit.
As always, the IAFC hazmat conference gives CI the opportunity to interact with first responders and address challenges they may face when responding to hazmat incidents.
CI/TRANSCAERSM Training Event Held in Buffalo, NY
Click here to learn more about The Chlorine Institute Rail Safety & Hazmat Emergency Response Training event held in Buffalo, NY June 18-20.
Thank you to all the instructors who supported this event and our railroad partner, Norfolk Southern Railroad:
Ray Racha (Indian Springs Mfg.), Rich O’Hara (Olin Corp.), John Gabryelski (Olin Corp.), Mike Croke (JCI Jones Chemicals), Dom Miletta (Chemours), Dan Thompson (Midland), Steve Hayes (ASHTA Chemicals), Cindy Kuranchie (CI), Scott Deutsch (Norfolk Southern), Scott Gould (Norfolk Southern), Greg Godwin (Chemours), Drew McCarty (SPSI), Erica Bernstein (CHEMTREC/TRANSCAER)