How do the refining and petrochemical industries keep communities and workers safe?
We think about that all the timeShow More
How do the refining and petrochemical industries keep communities and workers safe?
We think about that all the time
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There are risks associated with operating any manufacturing facility
Petrochemical manufacturers and refiners work diligently to mitigate those risks through preventative equipment maintenance, hazard recognition, extensive training, and rigorous operating procedures. What is most important to us is ensuring that everyone goes home safely and protecting the community and environment.
The only way to achieve our goal of zero incidents is by making safety part of the culture
Petrochemical and refining facilities build strong cultures of safety. This culture extends from corporate leadership, who make it clear that safety is never compromised, to the employees on-site who are empowered to stop work if anything appears to be unsafe. It's important to remember that the people who work in these facilities are not just employees – they're friends, family, and fellow community members. Keeping each other safe extends far beyond a job duty.
Continuous learning, sharing, and strict adherence to protocols play a role as well
Petroleum refiners and petrochemical manufacturers collaborate with regulatory agencies and their communities to achieve low incident rates through a multitude of initiatives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked the refining and petrochemical industries second and third out of 520 manufacturing segments for the lowest rate of injury and illness.1 We achieve these results through behavior-based safety programs, human factor research and detailed protocols and processes.
And, we are always improving
In addition to individual company and site initiatives, the industry is working together to reduce the frequency and severity of process safety events across the board. We collect industry process safety data, analyze that data to find opportunities for improvement, and then develop tools to help facilities improve their performance. We are never finished thinking about and improving safety.
Did you know?
The rate of injuries and illnesses is actually lower for the refining and petrochemical sector than it is for the professional services sector.2
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How does the Industry Keep the Environment Safe During Weather Events?
Planning. Execution. Learning.Show More
How does the Industry Keep the Environment Safe During Weather Events?
Planning. Execution. Learning.
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We live in the community too and we want to protect it
We understand the threat that extreme weather conditions can pose. We take our commitment to safe and responsible operations seriously, always challenging ourselves to improve upon our own records. With every storm, we re-evaluate and adjust our scenario plans to mitigate risk and minimize the impact on the environment.
When it comes to environmental safety, we cover all the bases
We’ve taken measures like building and elevating new refinery control rooms, electrical equipment, pumps and compressors to avoid flooding. We’ve added redundant power supplies and generators. We’ve developed, executed, and refined comprehensive hurricane preparedness plans. And we’ve increased on-site containment facilities and developed additional operating procedures for startup and shutdown events.
Containment is our highest priority
In the event of extreme weather, our facilities have a variety of containment measures in place to prevent substances being released into the environment. For example, what if a refinery is hit by a flood? We have booms to absorb the chemicals that may leak and dams to contain substances that could sink to the bottom of the floodwater. Our plants are also prepared to bring in heavy equipment, like portable diking systems.
We take our lessons learned seriously
Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita we shared best practices and invested heavily in the standards and infrastructure needed to better protect surrounding ecosystems. Our response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma demonstrates our industry’s preparedness, even in the worst cases. By investing in cutting-edge technology and advanced refining methods, we reduced emissions and minimized our impact on the environment in compliance with Texas’ stringent mandates.
Did you know?
As a refining and petrochemical hub, Texas has led the way in evaluating and controlling both criteria pollutants and air toxics emissions to protect the environment. For example, it was one of the first states that mandated facilities permit emissions from startup and shutdown operations and ensure emissions during these operations comply with strict standards.
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