Risk management
Risk management
Within the industrial fence
Within the plant, management of chlorine is especially
important as it is a highly toxic chemical. The majority of
chlorine is used for the production of intermediates, often at
adjoining facilities. Employees, the local community and the
environment must be protected; companies are increasingly
publishing annual environmental reports of their progress in these
areas. A current focus is on reducing storage of chlorine and
chlorinated products at plants and developing better process
control procedures.
Transport safety
Most chlorine is used at the site where it is made, and is
not transported at all. However, since it is used by industry
to make such a diverse range of products, it is inevitable that
some must be transported. Only 5% of European chlorine
production is transported within Europe (2010).
Railways are the main method of transport, accounting for about
70% of chlorine movements (excluding pipeline). Stringent safety
measures are taken during transport. Chlorine is transported in
specially-designed steel containers, ranging from cylinders
carrying a few kilos of chlorine to road and rail tank wagons
containing 20-60 tonnes. The industry will continue to
build on its strong safety record with continuous improvements in
transport and distribution. Bulk chlorine has been
shipped throughout Europe for 60 years without a single
fatality.
End-user
The industry is committed to helping educate end-users on
the correct handling of products. An example is the "Charters
of Co-operation" scheme signed between the European Chlorinated
Solvent Association (a part of Euro Chlor) with national groups
representing chlorinated solvent users. Fourteen charters are in
place in six countries with the aim of spreading Responsible Care
and the continuous improvement of best practices
throughout the industry. In dry cleaning and industrial
degreasing, improved practices and increased recycling mean that
volumes of solvents sold have fallen markedly whilst usage has
risen.
Read more about the Responsible Care concept on the Cefic.org
pages.
Recycling
Increased recycling and the use of appropriate disposal methods
minimise emissions to the environment. For the future, Euro Chlor
will continue dialogue with regulatory authorities such as the
European Commission, the United Nations and the marine commissions
to minimise the impact of its members' operations and products on
human health and the environment. It strongly supports negotiated
agreements rather than prescriptive legislation.
Sound science
Science is central to the success of chlorine-based products,
resulting in steady improvements to production processes and
product ranges over the century since the industry was born. It is
also vital in evaluating any existing or potential hazards
from chemicals to the environment and human health.
Life cycle analysis - a useful, scientific way of evaluating the
environmental impact of a specific product or process - is being
used increasingly. This takes account of the entire production
cycle from raw materials, through manufacture and consumption to
recycling and final disposal.
Companies are continuously developing improved process control
procedures to ensure optimum safety, health and environmental
standards.
Last update: 09/2011
