major hazard facility - orica
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MAJOR HAZARD FACILITY
MESSAGE FROM ORICA SITE MANAGER
This Fact Sheet has been prepared by Orica to provide community members with easily accessible information about how we understand and manage the risks associated with our operations at Botany. Orica’s value of “No Accidents Today” underpins the company’s commitment to the safety, health and wellbeing of our people and surrounding communities. In 2014, Orica Botany was granted a Major Hazard Facility licence after a review of our site Safety Report. We continue to engage with local emergency response authorities to plan for a successful response in the unlikely event of an incident. Orica understands that excellence in safety and environmental performance is essential to both ongoing business success and community confidence in our operations. Orica Botany’s safety and environmental performance throughout 2014 has been commendable and we are pleased to have achieved the following:
• Implemented an upgrade of the effluent management system at the ChlorAlkali Plant that allows better control over pH to improve the quality of water discharged to the site effluent system;
• Completed a revision of hazards and risk reassessments for the ChlorAlkali Plant and the Groundwater Treatment Plant; and
• Completed the construction of the Caustic Storage tanks with improved secondary containment. Orica is committed to effective engagement with the communities that host our operations. Our value of “Success Through Collaboration” means we actively look for ways to ensure that we are making a positive contribution. To support this approach at Orica Botany, we are committed to a range of actions around engagement including community meetings, newsletters, regular columns in the Southern Courier, community information stalls and information sessions as well as our Community Investment Program. I hope you find this Fact Sheet informative. It’s important to us that our neighbours and the broader community understand what we do here at Botany and have confidence in Orica’s operations at the Botany Industrial Park site. As always, we welcome feedback and questions on any site-related topic. Please feel free to contact me directly on 9352 2123 or our hotline on 1800 025 138. Yours Faithfully,
David Oram, Site Manager
OCT 2014
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INTRODUCTION
This Fact Sheet contains important information for the local community about Orica’s operations at the Botany Industrial Park (BIP)
which have been deemed to be a Major Hazard Facility.
The BIP site has safely manufactured chemical products for over 80 years and comprehensive measures are in place to protect
workers and the community from potential hazards. Whilst a major incident is very unlikely, it is important for you to know what you
should do in an emergency.
What is a Major Hazard Facility?
A Major Hazard Facility (MHF) is an industrial facility that stores, handles or processes large quantities of scheduled material.
The NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation) includes a schedule, called Schedule 15 that lists relevant
chemicals. Chlorine is the primary Schedule 15 chemical that Orica has at Botany. Orica at Botany also uses the following
materials that are included in Schedule 15: hydrogen, carbon dioxide, acetylene and natural gas.
All MHFs must be registered and their operations are regulated under the WHS Regulation.
What is a Safety Report?
A Safety Report is a written presentation of the technical, management and operational information about the hazards and risks
that could lead to a major incident and the control measures in place to ensure the safe operation of the facility.
To obtain a licence to operate a MHF, and in line with NSW WorkCover requirements, Orica has prepared and submitted a Safety
Report which has been assessed by WorkCover NSW.
A copy of Orica’s MHF licence is included at the back of this Fact Sheet.
What is a major incident?
A major incident at a major hazard facility is an occurrence that:
(a) results from an uncontrolled event at the major hazard facility involving, or potentially involving, Schedule 15 chemicals, and
(b) exposes a person to a serious risk to health or safety emanating from an immediate or imminent exposure to the occurrence.
ORICA AT BOTANY
Orica is the global leader in explosives, mining chemicals and mining services and Australia’s largest chemical company. The
company has operated for nearly 140 years and employs more than 15,000 people in 50 countries. Orica’s core strategy is to be
the global leader in the provision of high service, critical consumables to the mining, construction and infrastructure markets,
leveraged to long-term increases in production and development volumes.
Orica’s current operations at Botany include the manufacture of ChlorAlkali products, operation of the Groundwater Treatment
Plant (GTP) and management of environmental legacy programs.
Orica’s operations at the Botany site have been deemed to be a MHF and, as such, Orica is required to satisfy the requirements of
the NSW WHS Regulation, 2011.
Orica has submitted a Safety Report and implemented a Safety, Health and Environmental (SH&E) Management System, along
with processes, procedures and practices that are fit for purpose and verified by external parties such as WorkCover.
Orica’s 2012 Safety Report covers three facilities at Botany: ChlorAlkali Manufacturing Plant, GTP and Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
Wastes Storages.
In August 2014 Orica announced that it will pursue the separation of Orica’s Chemicals business. This will mean that Orica’s
chemicals business will be demerged from Orica and listed as a standalone company on the ASX or sold. Orica will continue to
meet its environmental responsibilities and involvement in community consultation processes at Botany.
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ChlorAlkali Manufacturing
Orica has been producing chlorine for over 60 years at Botany. Since 2002 Orica has been successfully operating a ‘gas-only’
ChlorAlkali Plant based on modern membrane
technology. This plant has resulted in
significant improvements in safety,
environmental performance and energy
efficiency through the implementation of best
practice design and technology.
The ChlorAlkali Plant operates continuously, 24
hours a day and employs approximately 40
people. Salt (from South Australia), electricity
and water are used in the plant.
Chlorine, caustic soda, hydrochloric acid,
sodium hypochlorite (liquid pool chlorine) and
ferric chloride are produced. These products
are sold to a range of industries such as:
• Water treatment and swimming pools
• Pulp and paper
• Mining
• Soap and detergent
• Steel
• Food, beverage and dairy
Groundwater Treatment Plant (GTP)
As a result of previous operations at the Botany site, contamination of soil
and groundwater occurred as a result of manufacturing activities when
environmental standards, regulations, and understanding were not of today's
standards. These activities no longer occur. Orica is now responsible for
managing the groundwater contamination and is committed to cleaning it up
to prevent long-term environmental damage.
The GTP is responsible for extracting groundwater, removing chemical
contaminants from the extracted groundwater and treating the groundwater
to achieve a usable standard for industrial customers.
Carbon dioxide, hydrogen, acetylene and natural gas are all materials used
at the GTP.
HCB waste storages
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was produced as a waste by-product in the former solvent and plastic manufacturing plants at BIP
between 1963 and 1991. No additional HCB has been produced since the closure of the Solvents Plant in 1991.
Approximately 15,000 tonne of HCB waste is safely stored in secure packaging at BIP in licensed storage facilities. Orica remains
committed to finding a safe environmentally sound destruction solution for the HCB waste. Refer to the Orica HCB Fact Sheet on
www.orica.com/Botany/HCB for more information.
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Safety Management System (SMS)
Continuous safe operation of Orica’s facilities is ensured by the Safety Health Environment and Community Management System
(SHECMS). This provides a comprehensive and integrated management system for all aspects of control measures and is based
on the Orica SHEC Standards and Procedures.
Orica’s SHECMS is based on thousands of plant operating years of experience. This provides a dependable basis on which to
establish and implement a Safety Management System (SMS).
The Safety Management System is subject to ongoing assessment and external auditing to ensure the safe operation of the MHF.
HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL MEASURES
Hazards are things that could go wrong and cause or contribute to a major incident. A hazard is an inherent physical or chemical
characteristic that has the potential for causing harm.
Control measures are the procedures, systems and equipment that are in place to eliminate or minimise the risk of a hazard
leading to a major incident.
Although unlikely, potential pathways for a major incident to be realised (i.e. scenarios) have been identified through a
comprehensive hazard identification and risk assessment process. Safety Assessments were performed for each of the potential
incidents identified. This involved an analysis of the consequences and likelihood of each incident occurring.
Potential major incidents at the Orica facilities at the BIP include fire and explosion or a toxic gas release. Identified hazards that
could lead to a potential incident include a failure of equipment or a security breach. Identified control measures that have been
implemented by Orica at Botany include:
• Emergency Shutdown System
• Fire Water System and fire-fighting equipment
• Automatic trips and alarms
• Security systems and procedures including on site security and CCTV
• Inherent design features – important static features of the plant design that will control the hazards.
To ensure the risk of an incident occurring is minimised or eliminated, all hazards have one or more control measure in place,
depending on the nature of the hazard. The control measures have been assessed to be effective and appropriate for controlling
the hazards.
It is important to note that no major incidents have occurred at the current ChlorAlkali Facility since the plant began operation in
June 2002 and no major incidents have occurred at the Legacy Projects since commencement of operations.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS (ERPs)
Orica has developed ERPs in consultation with regulators and emergency services. The ERPs detail how Orica will respond in the
unlikely event of an emergency and assists in managing an emergency situation to limit the impact to people and the environment.
The ERPs include information on the procedures to be implemented, resources and equipment for use during the incident,
emergency command structure, roles of personnel, and training undertaken to prepare personnel to respond to an emergency.
All personnel on site are familiar with the ERPs and are fully trained in emergency response procedures. The procedures outlined
in the ERPs are tested with simulations throughout the year.
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What to do in an Emergency
The BIP site has safely manufactured chemical products for
over 80 years. Whilst an emergency event is very unlikely,
we have in place an emergency response procedure, which
is coordinated with other BIP Operations and the Emergency
Services.
In the case of a major emergency, the authorities will ensure
that up-to-date information is made available to the
community. They will ensure that there is co-operation
between plants and the appropriate combat agencies.
Emergency services are responsible for communicating with
the community in the event of an emergency with immediate
threat to the community.
If a major emergency were to occur, emergency
authorities recommend that you immediately:
• Go indoors
• Close external doors and windows.
• Switch off any air conditioners, heaters or exhaust
fans
• Remain indoors until you receive instructions from
the emergency services.
• Tune into the radio or television and listen for
information. The "all clear" will be given by the
emergency services.
• After the "all clear" has been given open doors and
windows to restore ventilation.
• Please cooperate fully with the instructions given by
the emergency services.
NON-EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
For non-emergency enquiries call Community hotline 1800 025 138
For non-emergency police enquiries call Mascot Police Station
8338 7399
MORE INFORMATION
For more information please contact: 1800 025 138
Further information about the Botany Bay Precinct Emergency Plan: Protective Actions for the Community can also be found at
www.randwick.nsw.gov.au.
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