OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins – Chemical Exposures from Industrial Valve and Piping Systems
May 14, 1996 MEMORANDUM FOR: REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS FROM: MICHAEL CONNORS
DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY SUBJECT: Hazard Information Bulletin – Chemical Exposures from Industrial Valve and Piping Systems
The purpose of this Hazard Information Bulletin is to heighten public awareness of the potential for death, physical injury, and/or illness resulting from the unexpected release of chemicals during refinery and other chemical process operations. OSHA recognizes that non-compliance with existing requirements is the exception, rather than the rule, in these industries. This bulletin is intended to bring to the attention of employers, employees, and OSHA field personnel fatal accidents that have occurred in industrial operations, and the methods that can be employed to reduce the risk of such accidents. In addition, this bulletin is intended to alert OSHA’s field compliance personnel to such hazards so that the scope of future inspections adequately addresses these risks. This document is not intended to impose additional compliance requirements on affected employers.