Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 2

Written Answers. - Safety in the Chemical Industry.

Tom Kitt

Question:

15 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the Health and Safety Authority's special inspection survey of safety in the chemical industry in view of the accident at a plant (details supplied); the course of action, if any, to be taken by the Government in response to the survey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3284/95]

Michael McDowell

Question:

18 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the terms and scope of the review by the Health and Safety Authority of chemical plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1165/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 18 together.

In September 1993, the former Minister for Labour requested the Health and Safety Authority to conduct a comprehensive review of safety in the Irish chemical industry. A chemical industry inspection programme has been under way since January 1994 and, when complete, will have covered a total of 117 companies involved in the manufacture, processing and storage of pharmaceutical products, fine chemicals and other chemicals.

Under the programme the authority is investigating the following issues:

whether potential accident hazards are identified, with particular reference to:

— exothermic reactions;

— dust explosions.

whether preventative and safety measures are in place with special attention to:

— the design of plant and operation of processes, controls and back-up safety systems;

— management capability and understanding of the process chemistry and thermo chemistry associated with their processes and operating procedures, in both automated and non-automated plant;

— maintenance of plant and equipment;

— chemical inventories, storage and transport;

— add-on environmental protective systems.

whether employees are provided with information, training and equipment to ensure safety.

whether there are emergency arrangements and liaison with local emergency services.

whether adequate information is available to the local population.

It is the intention of this programme that the advice and recommendations of the specialist inspectors involved will contribute, in an ongoing manner, to improve safety levels at the plants concerned in the future. The inspection programme is expected to be concluded by the end of the third quarter of 1995 at which point the board of the authority will be advised of the outcome. Having regard to the functions and powers conferred on the authority under the health and safety legislation the question of any further action required to be taken at that stage would be a matter for that body.

It is not intended that a report will be published on the specific matters being addressed as part of this inspection programme.However, summary details of enforcement action taken will be included in the annual report of the Health and Safety Authority which, in accordance with normal practice, will be presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas on publication.