{"id":35788,"date":"2008-03-26T16:35:41","date_gmt":"2008-03-26T21:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-legal\/uncategorized\/small-businesses-why-do-you-need-to-know-about-the-risk.html"},"modified":"2008-03-26T16:35:41","modified_gmt":"2008-03-26T21:35:41","slug":"small-businesses-why-do-you-need-to-know-about-the-risk","status":"publish","type":"corporate","link":"https:\/\/corporate.findlaw.com\/law-library\/small-businesses-why-do-you-need-to-know-about-the-risk.html","title":{"rendered":"Small Businesses: Why Do You Need To Know About The Risk Management Program?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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On June 21, 1999, companies of all sizes that use certain listed chemicals will submit for the first time plans that detail how they will prevent accidental chemical releases from occuring. The type and quantity of chemicals that you use will determine if you are affected rather than the size of your company<\/em>. Chemicals covered by this new regulation (a.k.a. the "regulated substances") include propane, ammonia and chlorine that many small businesses commonly store. This article is meant to be a brief introduction to this new program and is by no means a comprehensive explanation – but it should help answer your most crucial questions and serve as a starting point for further investigation.<\/font><\/p>

What is the Risk Management Program all about – and why might I be covered?<\/strong><\/font><\/p>

The Clean Air Act Section 112(r) required the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to publish regulations focusing on chemical accident prevention. Congress and EPA's Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office intended this new regulation to build upon the chemical safety work begun under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act which requires state and local governments to properly plan for and respond to chemical accidents. The Risk Management Program focuses us all on prevention<\/u> of these accidents, not just preparation and response.<\/font><\/p>

Your business will likely be required to comply with the Risk Management Program if you use any of the 100+ regulated substances in quantities that meet certain thresholds<\/em>. Even if you are a small business, you may be using common hazardous chemicals in quantities great enough to cause harm to the surrounding community if there were an accident:<\/font><\/p>