Social Responsibility

 
Product Responsibility

OxyChem's HES programs are designed to reduce and manage risks, and to promote the safe production, distribution, use and disposal of its products.

As a manufacturer and marketer of commodity and specialty chemical products, OxyChem generally does not provide products to end-users, but sells its materials to other manufacturers.

OxyChem complies with government regulations designed to assess product safety, such as the EPA pesticide product registration program. OxyChem also participates in voluntary initiatives such as the EPA's High Production Volume Challenge Program and Voluntary Children's Chemical Evaluation Program.

OxyChem's product risk assessment process follows the ACC Global Product Strategy, an internationally recognized system for identifying chemical product information needs. Using this strategy, products are evaluated and prioritized for potential adverse effects, and risk-reduction practices are implemented, such as recommending personal protective equipment and providing additional technical support to customers. OxyChem promotes the safe use and handling of its products through training and by providing information such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), handbooks, videos and product technical data.

In accordance with OSHA requirements, MSDS accompany all OxyChem products. The data sheets provide comprehensive product information, including composition, use of personal protective equipment, instructions for safe handling and environmental and health information.

In addition to MSDS, all OxyChem products transported in drums or other containers are labeled with product information that follows the American National Standards Institute guidelines.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

OxyChem maintains a database of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for every product imported, exported, produced or used by OxyChem. MSDSs are updated regularly and available to the public through this website or by request. MSDS Search

Product Labeling

OxyChem product labels provide accurate information and comply with applicable regulatory standards, including ANSI and OSHA and International Hazard Communication requirements. Product information includes hazard warnings, precautions, first aid, safe transport, storage and disposal information.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

The Toxic Substances Control Act regulates all existing and new commercial substances which may present an unreasonable health or environmental risk during manufacture, processing, import, export, use or disposal. Anyone importing or producing a new substance not on the inventory must notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prior to manufacture or import. Most OxyChem products are regulated by TSCA. Oxychem's Product Stewardship iniatives, facility environmental and new chemical development staffs manage corporate compliance.

International Regulations

OxyChem monitors international regulations to ensure commercial compliance for both OxyChem and its customers. Regulations often include product notification concerning the physical properties, toxicology, environmental fate, use, handling and disposal.

Tier II Reporting

In response to the SARA Title III Community Right-to-Know Act, a database is maintained to identify and track hazardous chemicals in each facility, including quantities and locations. OxyChem's quality control verifies Tier II testing information which is then distributed to the appropriate regulatory agencies. The database also includes Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) ratings used by plant personnel to support material labeling on process vessels and other chemical containers. Also included is information used to assess the health hazards that may be associated with exposure to two or more substances.

Chemical Inventory

In compliance with OSHA Hazard Communication Standards, OxyChem maintains a database of all chemicals and chemical components in stock in OxyChem plants.

Emergency Response Guidelines and Exposure Guidelines

OxyChem has developed exposure guidelines for protecting employees, communities and the environment. Exposure levels are graded to determine risk and the guidelines outline appropriate action for various levels of exposure.