Prevention Programs

Based on the results of the hazard assessment, regulated processes are placed in one of three program levels called program level 1, 2, and 3. These program levels are tiered based on potential risk. The higher the program level, the higher the potential risk. Since program levels apply to individual processes, it is possible for a single facility to have multiple processes each subject to its own program level.

Program Levels

Program 1 eligibility requirements:

• No off-site impacts from the accidental release of a regulated substance in last five years;
• No public receptor identified in the hazard assessment; and
• Emergency response procedures coordinated with local emergency planning and response organizations.

Program 2 eligibility requirements:

• Does not meet the requirements for Program 1 or Program 3.

Program 3 eligibility requirements:

• Does not meet the Program 1 eligibility requirements; and
• The process is in one of the following NAICS code:
  • 32211: Pulp mills;
  • 32411: Petroleum refineries;
  • 32511: Petrochemical manufacturing;
  • 325181: Alkalies and chlorine manufacturing;
  • 325188: Industrial inorganic chemicals manufacturing;
  • 325192: Cyclic crudes and intermediate manufacturing;
  • 325199: Industrial organic chemicals;
  • 325211: Plastics material and resin manufacturing;;
  • 325311: Nitrogenous fertilizer manufacturing;
  • 32532: Pesticide and Other agricultural chemical manufacturing;
    or
• The process is subject to OSHA process safety management standard, 29 CFR 1910.119.

Analysis Of Process Hazards In North Carolina

Of the thousands of chemicals used in industry, the RMP rule identified 140 hazardous chemicals used in industry that have the greatest potential to be accidentally released into the air immediately impacting communities. Of the 140 chemicals identified in the rule, only 43 have been reported in North Carolina. As the table below shows, processes containing chlorine and anhydrous ammonia appear most frequently.

Compliance Assistance Tools

• RMP Reference Card
• RMP Inspection Checklist

Available Resources

• EPA's Risk Management Program Guidance
• U.S. OSHA's guidance on Process Safety Management
• North Carolina Department of Labor Guidance on Process Safety Management
• Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development: Chemical Safety and Biosafety