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Cerilliant is strongly committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for
its employees and to protecting the environment. These objectives are accomplished
through strict adherence to Cerilliant's written safety programs, the use of emergency
alarm systems, personal protective equipment, sophisticated laboratory controls,
and conservative waste management.
Cerilliant uses or produces in combination over 3,500 different chemicals or chemical
mixtures. To adequately address the health and safety concerns of such diverse chemical
usage, all employees are trained in hazard communication, emergency evacuation,
and fire safety upon employment. All employees are provided safety orientation and
OSHA mandated training is repeated at the prescribed intervals. Medical monitoring
is required for all staff involved in the synthesis and handling of chemicals.
Due to the diversity of the chemicals handled in the facility, standard operating
procedures have been implemented to address the safety requirements for classes
of compounds, specifically carcinogens, toxics, potents, explosives, flammable materials,
and dioxins. Before new projects are initiated a safety review is performed by the
Health and Safety Director.
The facility is equipped with several different types of equipment that are used
for employee and environmental protection. Glove boxes are employed for handling
of toxic, potent and sensitive materials. Cerilliant's synthesis suites are negative
pressure, controlled environments with sophisticated air handling and ventilation
systems. Suites are compartmentalized into smaller rooms (isolation suites) that
are negative to the surrounding room to further isolate toxic materials from the
general work areas. All synthesis and bulk chemical handling is performed in a laboratory
hood. Production areas are conditioned with one hundred percent fresh air (no recirculation).
Suites are also equipped with safety showers, eyewashes, and spill kits for quick
decontamination and spill control in emergency situations. Cerilliant provides shower
facilities for its production personnel.
For fire protection and suppression the facility is outfitted with ABC fire extinguishers,
a water based sprinkler system, Class D extinguishers (where combustible metals
are in use) and a monitored fire alarm. This equipment meets all current standards
and is inspected at the prescribed intervals. The facility is also equipped with
an emergency laboratory alarm system (independent of and in addition to the fire
alarm system) to facilitate quick response in the event of an emergency. This system
consists of visual alarms that correspond to different hazardous areas and an audible
alarm to signal for assistance in an emergency. The emergency buttons are distributed
over 16 locations in the facility for easy, quick access during an emergency. This
alarm system is third party monitored. The facility also has two 30 minute SCBA
units and select staff members are trained on the use of this equipment semi-annually.
Cerilliant's staff includes 25 or more members trained in basic first aid and CPR
as well as general emergency response. The production areas are equipped with easily
accessible first aid kits and AED and blood bourn pathogen kits for use in an emergency
or general first aid needs.
Cerilliant is registered as a large quantity waste generator with the EPA and the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Cerilliant is committed to making
a minimal impact on the environment and as a result uses incineration as the primary
disposal method for laboratory wastes whenever possible. Chemical recycling is also
employed where permitted and feasible. Hazardous waste is stored onsite in EPA approved
chemical storage buildings outfitted with grated floors and sumps to collect any
potential spills and prevent contamination of the outside environment. These chemical
storage buildings are also equipped with fire suppression systems in the event of
a fire and emergency alarm systems in the event of employee distress.
Cerilliant is proactive in implementing programs aimed at reducing our environmental
impact including its recycling programs for paper, glass, and aluminum, the installation
of a state-of-the-art HVAC control system designed to minimize electricity consumption,
and the addition of a large solvent recycling system in its cGMP production facility.
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