Safety Information Regarding Chemical Storage Kept from Citizens of Texas
Fourteen months after the infamous Texas Fertilizer Plant explosion, the Texas government has made new changes to chemical storage laws that could potentially hurt Texas citizens. The state government will no longer require reports to be released regarding where the chemical, ammonium nitrate, is being stored. This was done in an effort to stop potential terrorists from using the information as a tool to create explosives. As of now, databases showing the storage of the chemical within the state are available to the public, but likely not for long. In the future, a person will have to request a report of a company’s chemical storage behavior, which the company then has ten days to comply with. If they don’t comply within ten days, the Department of State Health Services MAY fine the company, but who knows how long that will take? Besides, couldn’t the aforementioned “potential terrorist” merely request the information directly from the companies too? This is a huge loss for the citizens of Texas, whom now may be unknowingly living in the midst of hazardous materials.
Texan Home Purchasers Beware
The cost to you, as a Texan, is severe, as you lost control over your own safety. New home buyers now need to survey each company within the area of their potential homes. This will be time consuming and stressful, but it is important. If you’re not moving, but you’re worried about the safety of your family, it will be imperative that you survey the companies around you annually, or if new companies pop up in the neighborhood. Even though the state government seems to have good intentions, this may be a scenario where the unintended consequences will cost the public a great deal of control and freedom about what they expose themselves to.
As a Company that Handles Hazmat
You need to be aware of these changing laws as it could affect your business in a variety of ways. It would likely bring you the goodwill of the public if you make your chemical storage information available of your own accord, regardless of whether or not the laws allow you to keep the information hidden. This would help the community, and it would help your business succeed. If you use proper storage containers, the chances of an explosion are next to none, such as the use of a fire-rated hazmat storage option, or an explosive storage option.
At US Hazmat Rentals, we offer high quality chemical storage products, quick services, and affordable rental prices. We want to help keep the environment clean, and the public safe, in order to create the happiest community possible. If you’re interested in being a part of the solution, give us a call at (888) 264-2449, and like us Facebook for more stories and helpful information.
