DHS publishes list of notifiable chemicals

The Department of Homeland Security has released Appendix A of the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), a critical element of its chemical security efforts.

The appendix contains a list of chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, trigger a requirement to complete and submit an online consequence assessment tool called a top-screen.

Using the information gathered through the top-screen, the department said it would be better able to make a preliminary determination as to whether a facility presents a high level of security risk and whether it will be required to comply with the substantive requirements of CFATS.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said: “The publication of Appendix A is a critical piece of the federal effort to increase security at high-risk facilities, making it less likely that terrorists can use dangerous chemicals in attacks. The chemical security Interim Final Rule defined how the department will implement this substantial new authority given by Congress. With the release of Appendix A, we continue the process of minimizing a significant threat to better ensure the security of American citizens.”

To determine the type and quantity of chemicals that will be subject to the preliminary screening process, DHS said it examined the following three security issues:

1. Release – quantities of toxic, flammable, or explosive chemicals that have the potential to create significant adverse consequences for human life or health if intentionally released or detonated;

2. Theft and diversion – chemicals that have the potential, if stolen or diverted, to be used or converted into weapons; and

3. Sabotage and contamination – chemicals that, if mixed with other readily available materials, have the potential to create significant adverse consequences for human life or health.

The department identified these chemicals in the specific amounts for preliminary screening based on their potential to create significant human life or health consequences.

Appendix A lists approximately 300 chemicals of interest. Facilities that possess chemicals of interest at or above the listed screening threshold quantities are required to complete the Top-Screen within 60 calendar days of the publication of Appendix A.