Preventing
accidents and responding effectively if they
occur is a key concern of the chemical industry
worldwide. ICCA makes outreach efforts in
supporting the United Nations Environment
Programmes's APELL (Awareness and Preparedness
for Emergencies at Local Level) to minimise the
occurrence and effects of accidents.
Following the Bhopal tragedy, an event of
unprecedented proportions, the chemical industry
decided to re-examine its safety practices. It
began its Community Awareness and Emergency
Response (“CAER”) Programme through the American
Chemical Industry Council. Although a
far-reaching programme at the time, its goal was
simple: to have an emergency response plan,
co-ordinated with the local community, for every
plant of the American Chemical Industry
Council's member companies.
Basing itself on CAER, the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) decided to create
an Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at
Local Level (APELL). APELL was set up in
conjunction with governments and industry, to
minimise the occurrence and harmful effects of
technological accidents and environmental
emergencies.
Support to and participation in APELL is
provided by the chemical industry in two ways.
First, ICCA has for several years been
supporting the services of Senior Industry
Consultants from a chemical company on
assignment to UNEP. The expertise and experience
of these industry experts have been vital to the
successful implementation of APELL, -especially
in gaining the participation of industry in
developing countries. Secondly, companies with
facilities in other countries participate in
APELL workshops and planning efforts at the
local level.
The attention that APELL is getting from
local governments, national governments, and
international organisations like the United
Nations and the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) is testimony
to the fundamental strength of the chemical
industry’s planning and outreach efforts. The
chemical industry worldwide is continuing its
efforts to prevent accidents, to nevertheless
plan for their eventuality, and to respond
promptly and effectively if they occur.
