Over the past few years, Congress, the media and grass-roots security groups have been increasingly scrutinizing the chemical industry. That's why chemical facilities are more than ever actively engaged in managing risks to guarantee safety. Most of these efforts focus on safely operating facilities on a day-to-day basis using well designed equipment, preventive maintenance, up-to-date operating procedures and a well trained staff.
In spite of the hazards associated with working with chemicals, various safety measures have resulted in lower injury and illness rates for some segments of the industry. In 2006, the chemical industry reported 2.9 cases of work-related injury or illness per 100 workers in contrast to an average of six for all manufacturing industries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Per a 2002 U.S. Chemical Safety Board study, equipment maintenance was one of the most frequently reported management deficiencies. And as U.S. chemical companies turn their attention to dedicating more resources to competing in the global market, some of the most commonplace plant equipment--operator interface system enclosures, for example--are likely to be overlooked.
It can be explosive to overlook …
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