US state agencies have recently announced final approval of new regulations to strengthen workplace and environmental safety at oil refineries across California. The regulations take effect on 1 October 2017.
The regulations implement key recommendations of the Governor’s Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety. They are the result of a multi-year effort, including extensive public input and consultation with workers, industry, non-governmental organisations, local agencies and communities.
The new regulations overhaul Cal/OSHA worker safety regulations as they apply to refineries and the California Accidental Release Prevention programme (CalARP), which is designed to prevent the accidental release of hazardous substances that could harm public health and the environment.