ACS and partners call for chemical process safety experience on Chemical Safety Board

WASHINGTON, Nov. 11, 2021 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) today joined with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) to call for the last nomination to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) to possess chemical process safety expertise. As leaders in the chemical enterprise, the three organizations signed a joint letter to the White House urging this action.  

The letter states in part, “While we appreciate efforts to fill the board and restore more typical operations to CSB, there remains a critical void in chemical process safety expertise on the board itself. Such a board member would provide a valuable interface between career staff, board members, and industry.”

ACS, AIChE and NOBCChE also encourage the consideration of candidates from historically marginalized groups.

CSB currently has only one sitting member out of five seats and three nominations pending. The board has been completely filled only sporadically for the last several years. A full complement of board members, with a diversity of expertise and thought, is vital to protecting public health and promoting safety in the chemical enterprise. ACS, AIChE and NOBCChE call on the administration to ensure the final nominee to the CSB further fills that need.