At OxyChem, product stewardship is one of the cornerstones of doing business, and the company's rigorous programs have for many years helped us earn a reputation as one of the safest in the industry.
High Production Volume (HPV) Chemical Challenge
In 1998, the American Chemistry Council in cooperation with the EPA and the Environmental Defense Fund launched the HPV program in response to public concern about the lack of available hazard screening data for a sample list of HPV chemicals. HPV chemicals are those manufactured or imported into the United States in quantities exceeding 1 million pounds per year.
The voluntary program was designed to provide a screening mechanism to determine potential health and environmental effects of high production volume (HPV) chemicals. OxyChem was one of the first companies to participate in the HPV program, and agreed to provide testing data for nine HPV chemicals.
The challenge allowed six years (until 2004) to complete testing. For more information on the HPV Challenge Program, click here.
Global Product Strategy
OxyChem is a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of PVC resins, basic chemicals such as chlorine and caustic soda, and various specialty chemical products. As a manufacturer and marketer of commodity and specialty chemicals, OxyChem generally does not sell directly to end-users, but instead sells its products to other manufacturers.
OxyChem complies with government regulations designed to assess product safety, such as the EPA pesticide product registration program. OxyChem also participates in voluntary initiatives such as the EPA's High Production Challenge Program and Voluntary Children's Chemical Evaluation Program.
OxyChem also is committed to the Global Product Strategy (GPS) that was launched in February 2006 by the International Council of Chemical Associations. The GPS is designed to strengthen the industry’s product stewardship performance by setting consistent expectations for company product stewardship programs throughout the ICCA associations globally and by routinely measuring progress. The goal is to ensure that society continues to enjoy the value and benefits of chemistry, while our industry and our partners continuously improve efforts to protect public safety, health and the environment. Along with the Responsible Care® Global Charter, GPS provides a new strategy, new momentum and new substance for unprecedented product stewardship efforts by the chemistry industry.
Our product risk assessment process follows the GPS framework. The risk assessment for each chemical is based on analysis of the hazard it poses and its likelihood of exposure. Using this strategy, products are evaluated and prioritized for potential adverse effects, and risk-reduction practices are implemented, such as recommending personal protective equipment and providing additional technical support to customers.
OxyChem’s Product Risk Assessment Process:
OxyChem promotes the safe use and handling of its products through training and by providing information such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), handbooks, videos and product technical data. As part of OxyChem's commitment to the GPS, we are developing Product Stewardship Summaries for our chemicals. The following Product Stewardship Summaries are currently available:
5CP
Carbon tetrachloride
Chlorine
Dechlorane Plus
Ethylene Dichloride
Hydrochloric Acid
Liquid Sodium Silicates
Methyl Chloride
Methylene Chloride
Perchloroethylene
Potassium Carbonate
Potassium Hydroxide
Sodium Chlorite
Sodium Hydroxide
Sodium Hypochlorite
Sodium Metasilicate
Vinyl Chloride Monomer
If you have any questions about OxyChem's Risk Management programs, please contact:
Debbie Schober
Director, HESS-Health
OxyChem
Debbie_Schober@oxy.com
(972) 404-4969
Material Safety Data Sheets
OxyChem maintains a database of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for every product imported, exported, produced or used by OxyChem. MSDSs are updated regularly and available to the public through this web site, by request at MSDS@oxy.com or by calling (972) 404-3245.
Product Labeling
OxyChem product labels provide accurate information and comply with applicable regulatory standards, including ANSI and OSHA and International Hazard Communication requirements. Product information includes hazard warnings, precautions, first aid, safe transport, storage and disposal information.
Toxic Substances Control Act
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulates all existing and new commercial substances that may present an unreasonable health or environmental risk during manufacture, processing, import, export, use or disposal. Anyone importing or producing a new substance not on the inventory must notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to manufacture or import. Most OxyChem products are regulated by TSCA. OxyChem's product stewardship initiatives, facility environmental and new chemical development staffs manage corporate compliance.
International Regulations
OxyChem monitors international regulations to ensure commercial compliance for both OxyChem and its customers. Regulations often include product notification concerning physical properties, toxicology, environmental fate, use, handling and disposal.
Tier II Reporting
In response to the SARA Title III Community Right-to-Know Act, a database is maintained to identify and track hazardous chemicals in each facility, including quantities and locations. OxyChem's quality control verifies Tier II testing information, which is then distributed to the appropriate regulatory agencies. The database also includes Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) ratings used by plant personnel to support material labeling on process vessels and other chemical containers. Also included is information used to assess the health hazards that may be associated with exposure to two or more substances.
Chemical Inventory
In compliance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standards, OxyChem maintains a database of all chemicals and chemical components in stock at OxyChem plants.
Emergency Response Guidelines and Exposure Guidelines
OxyChem has developed exposure guidelines for protecting employees, communities and the environment. Exposure levels are graded to determine risk; the guidelines outline appropriate action for various levels of exposure.