OSHA and the Process Safety Alliance have signed a two-year alliance to foster process safety and the management of chemical reactivity hazards. The organizations will work to provide its participating members, small businesses and the public with process safety information, guidance and access to training resources.

The Process Safety Alliance signatories (known as the Alliance Partners) are the American Chemical Society; the American Chemistry Council; the API; the Center for Chemical Process Safety of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers; The Chlorine Institute; the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association; the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"Those working in the chemical and petroleum industries face significant hazards daily as they mix, manufacture and package a variety of dangerous compounds," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "We are pleased to join forces with the organizations of the Process Safety Alliance, and are confident that our combined expertise will help employers to protect the safety and health of industry employees as well as the general public."

Through the alliance, the organizations will:

• deliver training courses regarding process safety;
• speak or participate in OSHA's or the Alliance Partners' conferences and regional meetings;
• share information on best practices and effective approaches, and publicize results through OSHA- or Alliance Partners-developed training programs, seminars and Web sites; and
• focus on specific issues and projects to identify and manage chemical reactivity hazards.