Keeping Dangerous Chemicals Safe

    April 9, 2009

    In 2006, Congress mandated that organizations dealing with any of 323 “high risk” chemicals prepare a plan to better secure their facilities that might become a target for terrorists. 

    The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standard (CFATS) is not just aimed at facilities that manufacture chemicals, but also those that use or store these potentially dangerous compounds.   And that may include state and local government agencies and colleges and universities.  Not all facilities are included under CFATS.  For example, public water systems and wastewater treatment facilities covered under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations are exempt.

    A list of chemicals of interest can be found here.

    CFATS establishes a reporting process that begins with a top screen to evaluate whether or not additional security measures will be required.  Those top screens were due for completion in late January.  But not all facilities have completed this report.  Those found to be out of compliance risk fines of up to $25,000 per day and the closure of operations.

    If you have any doubt about whether or not your organization needs to participate in this effort, contact a security consultant or integrator with experience in this area.

    – PSW staff
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