Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health (ESOH) Regulations

After publication of “Silent Spring” in 1961 by Rachel Carson, her congressional testimony, and several environmental and safety catastrophes, the ESOH issues moved front and center into the public eye. This chapter looks at the various ESOH regulations that govern chemical manufacturing and handling in the USA. CPI manufacturing must comply with various ESOH regulations. Permits are issued prior to operation. Designs begin with the ESOH compliance review. This chapter provides historical review leading to regulations as formalized by the act of congress, and signed by the president, and discusses the spreading of financial burden evenly across the states and the congressionally required economic burden analysis for all EPA and OSHA regulations. Some of the larger regulations are summarized, and points of contact at the websites listed. In many instances, EPA has delegated authority to the States to administer elements of their programs. So, why is this section in this book? ESOH should always be considered prior to committing to even a preliminary design effort. Do not work on something that will be too unsafe to be permitted. The review process is surprisingly uncomplicated, generally leading to safer and more profitable manufacturing alternatives and their attendant designs.