DHS Publishes Chemicals of Interest List for Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
November 15, 2007 // Published as a news service by IHS
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released Appendix A of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).
The appendix contains a list of chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, trigger a requirement to complete and submit an online consequence assessment tool called a Top-Screen, according to the DHS.
Using the information gathered through the Top-Screen, the department will be able to make a preliminary determination as to whether a facility presents a high level of security risk and whether it will be required to comply with the requirements of CFATS, said the DHS.
To determine the type and quantity of chemicals that will be subject to the preliminary screening process, the DHS examined the following three security issues:
- Release - quantities of toxic, flammable or explosive chemicals that have the potential to create adverse consequences for human life or health if intentionally released or detonated.
- Theft and diversion - chemicals that have the potential, if stolen or diverted, to be used or converted into weapons.
- Sabotage and contamination - chemicals that, if mixed with other available materials, have the potential to create adverse consequences for human life or health.
Appendix A lists approximately 300 chemicals of interest and includes common industrial chemicals such as chlorine, propane and anhydrous ammonia as well as specialty chemicals such as arsine and phosphorus trichloride.
Facilities that possess chemicals of interest at or above the listed screening threshold quantities are required to complete the Top-Screen within 60 calendar days of the publication of Appendix A, said the DHS.
The DHS said it worked with the chemical industry as well as state and local authorities on strengthening security at chemical facilities throughout the country.
While many chemical facilities initiated voluntary security programs and made investments to improve security, gaps remain, said the DHS.
The CFATS regulation, issued on April 9, 2007, is being implemented at certain "high risk" chemical facilities across the nation, said the DHS.For more information on chemical security or to view the Appendix A final rule of CFATS, please visit www.dhs.gov/chemicalsecurity.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).