English 421K, Technical Writing

ChemConcepts, LLC
Memorandum

Date: November 14, 2004
To: Laboratory Supervisors
cc: George Castillo, VP of Research and Development
From: Vicki Hampton, Safety Task Force
sub: Chemical Safety Policy Draft Meeting

The purpose of this memo is to inform you to develop a draft policy for chemical safety for your laboratory and also to invite you to a meeting occurring 30 November from 1:00 to 5:00 PM in which in which issues of chemical safety will be discussed. On November 1st it was decided that ChemConcepts needs a consistent policy regarding the storage and handling of chemical compounds, especially ones that are flammable or prone to combustion, such as peroxides, hydroperoxides, peroxyesters, and organic peroxides. Such a policy should also describe procedures for handling any hazardous spills, fires, or other emergencies due to chemicals.

In the past, laboratories have been asked to develop their own policies, but our review of laboratory safety procedures shows that only four of our nine laboratories have written safety policies that specifically address chemicals. It is clear that we need a consistent safety policy that governs storage and handling of chemicals at all of our laboratories. It is the policy of ChemConcepts to ensure the safety of its employees at all times. We are obligated to adhere to the policies of the State of Illinois Fire and Life Safety Codes as adopted by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (ISFMO). The intent of these policies is to foster safe practices and work habits throughout companies in Illinois, thus reducing the risk of fire and the severity of fire if one should occur. Use these standards as guidelines for your policy draft.

The meeting will be attended by the various safety officers in the company, as well as George Castillo, VP of Research and Development. Before the meeting, please develop a draft policy for chemical safety for your laboratory. Make fifteen copies of your draft policy for distribution to others in the meeting. We will go over the policies from each laboratory, looking for consistencies. Then, merging these policies, we will draft a comprehensive policy that will be applicable throughout the corporation.