Chemical Industry and Environmental Damage

By Barrie | August 24th, 2007 | No Comments

A reduction in accidents and environmental damage caused by chemical companies was needed to increase Indonesia’s competitive strength on the global chemical market, said the National Committee of Responsible Care Indonesia (KN-RCI).

The organization of chemical manufacturers launched Wednesday a performance-based evaluation to help encourage and improve the industry’s implementation of safety regulations, environmentally friendly procedures and plans for sustainable development.

These globally accepted best practices were essential for companies to adhere to if they wanted to be able to compete on the worldwide market, the KN-RCI said.

Unfortunately, only 72 companies out of some 400 chemical manufacturers in Indonesia have joined KN-RCI and follow the globally accepted Responsible Care program. The committee is urging the other companies to join the voluntary program.

Responsible Care was started in 1985 in Canada as a national movement to encourage work safety practices. The concept was later applied in 52 countries. Indonesia adapted the program in 1997 and was the 42nd country to join.

The KN-RCI’s proposed evaluation to encourage best practice would be conducted annually — but only by the 72 companies on board.

The evaluation would be based on key performance indicators comprising standards for chemistry companies and would measure safety and environmentally-friendly procedures.

KN-RCI head Frank Moniaga said, “This evaluation program is in line with Responsible Care’s concept, which is one we have committed to apply,” he said.

Frank said that applying the concept would benefit the companies because it would also help prevent dangerous accidents.

“Some companies still consider that applying good safety management systems is costly, but actually they will have to spend more if an accident occurs.”

Chemical engineering expert Retno Dewi said many chemical companies in Indonesia did conduct best practices but small companies caused environmental damage “due to their polluting waste”.

“Hopefully, this evaluation program will also encourage those companies to improve their operations,” she said.

The chemical industry is prone to accidents including chemical fires and explosions. The industry also exposes its workers frequently to hazardous chemical materials.

One of the world’s worst chemical accidents happened in Bhopal, India on December 3, 1984. Nearly 3,000 people died from the effects of toxic gas which leaked from a U.S. pesticide plant. The accident saw some 50,000 need treatment for the effects of the lethal methyl isocyanate gas.

In October, KN-RCI would present Responsible Care Awards to several chemical companies. The committee first presented the awards in 2004 and seven companies were recognized.

Desy Nurhayati