Chapter 2 HAZARDS IN THE CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES INTRODUCTION The multitude of products and diversity of processes in the petrochemical industries is vast, with numerous situations that may lead to high risk situations both for workers and communities neighboring operations. Perhaps one of the worst chemical disasters of the century was Bhopal, India. The city of Bhopal (1991 pop. 1,063,662), central India, capital of Madhya Pradesh state, was founded in 1728. Bhopal is a railway junction and industrial center, producing electrical equipment, textiles, and jewelry. Landmarks include the old fort (built 1728) and the Taj-ul-Masajid mosque, the largest in India. On Dec | Chapter 2 HAZARDS IN THE CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRIES INTRODUCTION The multitude of products and diversity of processes in the petrochemical industries is vast with numerous situations that may lead to high risk situations both for workers and communities neighboring operations. Perhaps one of the worst chemical disasters of the century was Bhopal India. The city of Bhopal 1991 pop. 1 063 662 central India capital of Madhya Pradesh state was founded in 1728. Bhopal is a railway junction and industrial center producing electrical equipment textiles and jewelry. Landmarks include the old fort built 1728 and the Taj-ul-Masajid mosque the largest in India. On Dec. 3 1984 the worst industrial accident in history occurred there when a toxic gas leak from a Union Carbide insecticide plant killed over 6 400 people and seriously injured 30 000 to 40 000. The Indian government sued on behalf of over 500 000 victims and in 1989 settled for 470 million in damages and exempted company employees from criminal prosecution. The Indian judiciary rejected that exemption in 1991 and the company s Indian assets were seized 1992 after its officials failed to appear to face charges. The chemical processing industry is so diverse with products ranging from large volume commodity chemicals to specialty chemicals and products. As such only an overview of some of the major industry subcategories can be given with highlights given to air emissions problems. Practices among this industry vary widely throughout the world however in the United States OSH standards have demanded strict safety precautions and procedures to protect workers against inhalation hazards. The chapter provides an overview of the sources of air pollutants and as such is 33 Copyright 2001 Marcel Dekker Inc. 34 CHAPTER 2 the basis for a list of areas to check within a plant operation to assess potential worker overexposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 emphasizes the need for standards to protect the .
