Chemical Security: Employee Training

Workers can play vital roles in attaining the most secure chemical facilities. Included among means to reduce the vulnerability of these workplaces to terrorist attacks are training and involvement of on site employees and their representatives in prevention initiatives.

The application of employee knowledge, talents, and experiences related to the processes, in the facility is invaluable. Adult participatory education is the most effective method to initiate engagement of employees in prevention. The program should begin with an explanation of the new law. The details and expectations of this prevention effort need to be shared with the workers to create a team effort in affecting positive change. All elements of making each workplace more secure must be discussed and explored. Fences, barricades, cameras and guards are only one of many ingredients in securing a facility.

With training, workers can identify weaknesses in a range of security processes. Simple substitution of a chemical to a less dangerous one or changing a process or system to create better control of a reaction may be the most effective changes.

The use of hazard mapping in the program can identify vulnerabilities in critical areas. A small group activity method can examine possible scenarios to determine if the emergency response, safe shutdown, processes and procedures are adequate. Yearly refreshers are needed to understand all lessons learned in real or simulated problems. It can examine if the workers have the proper tools, equipment and personnel protective equipment available to properly deal with a problem.