Emerald Kalama Chemical Site Rotterdam
2013 Safety & Environmental Report
‘Always looking for win-win situations’ On the first day of his new position as Site Director, Jan Eland
win-win situations. Reduced emissions and less waste is good
already had a special meeting in his agenda. In the presence
for the environment, but also for the company: one does not earn
of a large group of school children, he signed a letter of intent
anything from emissions and waste. We are therefore aiming for
with the Klankbordgroep Rozenburg: Inhibitants interest
equal or even reduced emissions for our increased production.’
group Rozenburg, in which he declared his current and ongoing attention for safety and sustainability. ‘All the children
“So we are working hard on stabilizing or even reducing
surrounding you give you an even more intense sense of
emissions while achieving increased production. Emerald has
responsibility as a chemical company. We have always exercised
even been awarded a trophy for its efforts; “The Toluene Molar
great care in this regard, and will continue to do so!’
Yield Trophy”. The trophy, which is shown in the picture on the front page, is awarded each year to an Emerald site that has
Jan Eland has been the new Site Director of Emerald Kalama
produced in the most efficient manner. So, as much product
Chemical, which was recently sold to American Securities by
as possible but with the lowest levels of raw materials, energy
parent company Sun Capital, since 1 June 2014. Eland is entering
consumption and emissions. It is clear to see that Emerald really
a company which is undergoing tumultuous growth. ‘We have
does value sustainable operations.”
specific plans to construct a new factory, and to triple production capacity in three to four years. This will enable us to meet the
Eland has already worked in the chemical industry, which
enormous growing demand for our products. The growth is
is known as an potential environmentally harmful sector of
naturally associated with various questions: we must modify our
industry, for 28 years. ‘On the other hand, it is also a sector
permit as well as recruit and train new people, and we need more
in which we can take major steps. Something like the steam
steam and must expand the water purification process. In short,
pipe project has the potential to reduce the emission of CO2 by
we have a challenging future.’
thousands of tonnes. This is something entirely different than
The Site Director realizes that growth and sustainability are
merely using energy-saving lamps! It is exceptionally challenging
often interconnected. Increased production can, after all, lead to
to take on such initiatives. The ‘quick wins’ have already been
increased emissions and more waste. ‘On the other hand, growth
implemented, and it now boils down to innovation, guts and
also provides the opportunity to integrate processes in a smarter
perseverance. At Emerald we will continue to make enthusiastic
way. And this is exactly our approach. We are always looking for
progress in this respect, in the years to come!’
Processes and products Emerald Kalama Chemical BV, part of Emerald Performance
The plasticizers in the new product line are loaded into tanker
Materials, is the largest producer of benzoic acid in the world.
trucks in liquid form and sold under the trade name of K-Flex®.
As the product is of exceptionally high quality, Emerald supplies many customers in the food industry as well as the international
Benzaldehyde
pharmaceutical industry. The production site makes a wide range
Benzaldehyde is used as a fragrance and flavor ingredient in
of raw materials and additives for the food and pharmaceutical
macaroons, pudding (almond flavor), soft drinks and various types
industry, the soft drinks industry and for manufacturers of
of perfume (lily of the valley, rose and jasmine). It is also used as
cosmetics, resins and adhesives. Emerald Kalama Chemical
a raw material in the manufacture of dye for packaging materials
employs approximately 150 permanent staff (20 of whom work in
(malachite), cough syrup (ephedrine) and in the production of
Geleen) and approximately 40 permanent contractor employees.
medicines. Emerald Kalama Chemical is the largest producer of benzaldehyde in the world.
Production process The production process is based on toluene oxidation where
Benzoic acid: Purox B®
toluene and compressed ambient air are brought into contact with
Benzoic acid is used as a preservative in food and cosmetics
each other. The resulting reaction produces benzaldehyde, benzyl
(E210) and as an additive to alkyd paints to make the product
alcohol and benzoic acid. Next, these products are separated from
easier to apply, stronger and improve gloss. It is also used as a
each other and refined via various purification steps to meet the
raw material for plasticizers.
required final specifications. Benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol are liquids and loaded into tanker
Sodium benzoate: Purox S®
trucks. Benzoic acid is sold as a liquid or - after crystallization -
Sodium benzoate is used as a preservative (E211) in ‘diet’
as benzoic acid flakes. Sodium benzoate is produced by allowing
products such as soft drinks and sauces. It is found naturally
benzoic acid to react with sodium hydroxide. All of these products
in blueberries.
are used in a wide range of products for industry and consumers. Benzyl alcohol We use the most modern technology available and supply benzoic
This product is used in the paint industry as a solvent and in the
acid to the highest quality standards. This product is now sold
chemical industry as a component for odor additives and flavorings
under the brand name of Purox B . Sodium benzoate is sold under
and for pharmaceutical chemicals and agrochemicals.
®
the brand name of Purox S®. Plasticizer: K-Flex® In 2012, we put our new Multi Purpose Plasticizer Plant (MP3)
K-Flex® is a plasticizer that keeps products (particularly plastics
into operation. The new plant produces plasticizers. These are
such as PVC) flexible.
used to keep products soft or supple (particularly plastics such as PVC). We use purified benzoic acid as the base raw material for this production process. The benzoic acid-based plasticizers are ‘green’ and a good alternative for plasticizers that are based on phthalic acid. It is believed that plasticizers based on phthalic acid may be harmful to health.
Emerald Kalama Chemical | 2013 Safety & Environmental Report 03
Environmental projects In 2013, Emerald Kalama Chemical implemented a variety of large and smaller projects with the objective of improving the companies environmental and safety performance. Below the most important
Environmental and occupational health and safety system
projects in 2013: Emerald Kalama Chemical has already operated an integrated • • • • •
Installation of a steam pipe in order to import steam from an
management system for many years. This management system is
external waste processing plant.
certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards
Completion of a study into further reduction of diffuse benzene
and, since 2013, also in accordance with OHSAS 18001, a standard
emissions.
for working conditions and safety. We conduct many internal audits
Soil remediation in area 10A. This project will continue for
for the purpose of interim verification of the work processes in order
several years yet.
to continue to meet the requirements of all of these standards. This
Various live tests of the stationary fire extinguisher systems
procedure determines whether the work processes comply with the
were performed.
aforementioned standards and we take action to ensure continuous
A five-year sewer and drains inspection was carried out in order
improvement of our work processes. In 2013, a notified body recer-
to detect and repair potential leaks (to prevent possible soil
tified the environmental management system. The outcome of this
contamination).
audit was positive, leading to recertification for a further three years.
•
Various areas of the site were asphalted.
•
Portacabins were installed to provide office accommodation for loading staff and a space for socializing next to the Shaping building.
•
Discharge permits were updated to reflect the many projects implemented in recent years.
•
Organization of the biannual safety days, which involve all staff and permanent contract employees in a day devoted to discussing safety.
•
The current management system was certified in respect of working conditions and (external) safety in accordance with the OHSAS 18001 standard. This is an internationally recognized standard for working conditions and safety.
2014 Action Plan for occupational health and safety and the environment activities that may potentially lead to soil contamination to a negligible Emerald Kalama Chemical always strives to improve its performance
risk. At the end of 2010, all activities associated with a soil contami-
in the area of occupational health and safety and environmental care.
nation risk were checked based on the Dutch Soil Protection Guide-
The main projects in the area of occupational health and safety and
line (NRB) and this check will be performed again in 2014.
environmental care are summarised below: Preparation for the 2015 Safety Day RIO project
A safety day will again be organized for all employees in 2015. This
We started the third phase of the RIO project in 2013. This project
event will address the subject of safety in an interactive manner.
involves creating a connection to the municipal sewer system, which gives us the option of discharging part of our waste water into the
EPO measurements
municipal sewer system in order to reduce excessive loading on our
Each year, we perform personal exposure measurements (EPO measu-
own water purification plant.
rements) which require employees to wear a meter during a working day. This allows us to monitor whether or not employees are exposed
Performance improvement in the area of waste water purification
to an excessively high dose of hazardous chemicals.
(ANZI / BAZI) In collaboration with an external consultant, we are implementing a
Standard H&S plan
number of sub-projects in order to improve and expand the capacity
In view of the large number of projects that are implemented, we draw
of our water purification plant.
up a standard health and safety plan that can be used as a basis by the contractor when drawing up the health and safety plan for the
Cooling water
execution phase. This is intended to ensure that contractors are bet-
In 2013, we initiated a study designed to optimize the way in which
ter informed of the rules that apply within Emerald Kalama Chemical.
we condition our cooling water. We use cooling water as a direct cooling medium for a number of process coolers and pump that
HSE training courses
water out of the Botlek via a ‘once through’ system. The water is
In addition to the many standard HSE training courses, we also
conditioned in order to prevent the growth of algae and mussels in
arrange extra theme-based training courses for employees in the pro-
the cooling water system.
duction department and workshop and for permanent contractors. These training courses focus on work permits and provide detailed
PGS-29
instruction on issues which employees encounter during their daily
A number of extra conditions were added to our environmental permit
work. Examples of these detailed training courses include handling
at the end of 2013. These conditions have been imposed following
hazardous chemicals and how to perform a Task Risk Analysis.
a national audit by the competent authority investigating compliance with regulations for above-ground storage tanks (PGS 29). We will
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
have to implement a number of extra projects in 2014 in order to
It has been our practice to carry out Job Safety Analyses (JSA) for
satisfy these conditions.
many years. The JSA is designed to assess the risks associated with the job that is to be performed and the preventive measures that have
Dutch Soil Protection Guideline update (Nederlandse Richtlijn
been implemented. A multidisciplinary team assesses whether the
Bodembescherming/NRB)
work can be carried out in a responsible manner and whether additio-
The Dutch Soil Protection Guideline (NRB) provides guidelines for
nal preventive measures are required. Additional preventive measures
determining whether Emerald has taken adequate action to reduce
are implemented if the level of risk is found to be unacceptable. Emerald Kalama Chemical | 2013 Safety & Environmental Report 05
‘Two steps forward, one step back’
Air
‘Waste is the energy of the future’, reports the website of
Most of the emissions to the atmosphere are directly related
AVR. The company is the Netherlands’ largest processor of
to our production volume. However, the steam import project
non-reusable waste, and at the same time, also one of the
has substantially reduced the emissions of carbon dioxide and
most sustainable energy producers. ‘All our actions are aimed
nitrogen oxides. One of the steam boilers was taken out of
at converting waste into as much energy and raw materials
operation in May 2013 because AVR started delivering steam to
as possible’, explains Michiel Timmerije, Director Energy &
EKC via the newly installed steam pipe. Steam production from
Residues. ‘The steam network that we have achieved together
the other steam boiler has been reduced. This has reduced our
with Emerald and Stedin is a fine example of this – perhaps
consumption of fossil fuels. A further reduction in benzene and
the best example of them all.’
toluene emissions has also been achieved. We continue to focus strongly on these environmentally hazardous chemicals. A special
Generating electricity by means of waste incineration is nothing
measurement and management programme for reducing diffuse
new. The disadvantage, however, is that a considerable volume of
emissions further has been developed in collaboration with an
cooling water is needed in order to convert steam into electricity.
external consultant. Regrettably, the level of diffuse emissions
Timmerije: ‘When steam released from incineration can be used
has increased as two leaks were detected at the end of 2012.
immediately, in a process, it implies a substantial improvement
These were repaired in 2013.
in efficiency. And this is exactly what we are doing with the
Diffuse emissions (in tonnes/year)
steam pipe project. The steam goes from the network to Emerald, which uses the steam for its own production process, which in turn reduces Emerald’s need for fossil fuels.’ Director Energy & Residues says that AVR’s power plant in Rozenburg had an efficiency of 30 % in 2012, for the generation
25 20 15 10 5 0 2008
of energy from waste. ‘In 2015 this must come close to 60 %. And yes, this is absolutely feasible.’ The steam pipe network plays
operational in 2013. This pride was certainly also due to the fact that a considerable amount of obstacles had to be overcome during the project. ‘It was often a question of two steps forward,
2011
2010
2012
2013
Carbon dioxide (in tonnes/tonne of product per year)
an important role in the realization of this ambitious objective. Timmerije was therefore quite proud when the network was
2009
1,8 1,6 1,4 1,2 1,0 0,8 0,6 0,4 0,2 0 2005
one step back. That the project was a success, nevertheless, can
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
be attributed to the fact that the three parties trusted each other, Nitrogen oxides (in kg/ tonne of product per year)
and due to the transparent working method and the absolute will to conclude the project successfully. The best thing about this intensive collaboration is that we are also encountering other synergy advantages. We are currently investigating whether a residual stream from the Emerald production process, in turn, can be used as fuel for our plant. Yet another win-win situation!’
0,8 0,7 0,6 0,5 0,4 0,3 0,2 0,1 0,0 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Benzene (in grammes/tonne of product per year)
30 25 20 15 10 5 0 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
‘Dramatically decreasing the volume of waste’
Toluene (in grammes/tonne of product per year)
250 200 150 100 50 0
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Project manager and technologist Hans Batenburg was involved in various projects in 2013, all of which involved sustainability. Some of these had a twofold effect. ‘The use of new techniques allowed us to work in a more environmentally-friendly man-
Water
ner, while also saving on costs. The steam pipe project is a good
During the past year, various projects have been implemented
Hans Batenburg started on the steam pipe project four years ago.
in order to optimize water purification further and reduce
He explains that the challenge was not just present in the techni-
the load on our purification plant. Implementation of the RIO
cal realization, but also on an organizational level, in particular.
project referred to above is a good example. A number of other
‘Four companies were involved in the project and the pipe crosses
improvement projects are planned in 2014 in order to achieve
the property of seven companies. Many discussions were there
further optimization of our water purification.
fore needed before we could actually get going!’ He is thrilled that
example, there are much more sustainability improvements.’
the project – of which the first plans stemmed from 2001 – has The increase in chemical oxygen demand and suspended solids
now been accomplished. ‘If you consider the fact that the efficiency
can be explained by the higher loading on the water purification
for the conversion of steam into electricity is 30 to 40 %, and that
system. The projects that have already been implemented
the efficiency is now at roughly 97 % because of the direct use,
have increased the purification plant’s waste water processing
then I really don’t have to explain how sustainable this is!’
capacity and reduced the amount of waste water that has to be
Another interesting project with an extremely sustainable ele-
processed externally.
ment is the Aqua Power Project. Batenburg explains: ‘We intend to build a new factory with which we can drastically decrease the volume of waste per tonne. We will then be able to recover roughly 70 % of the oxidation waste (tar), to sell as benzoic acid
COD (in grammes/tonne of product per year)
and benzyl alcohol. This implies that the need to incinerate waste will be much lower, and that substantially less CO2 will be produced.’ The new factory, equipped with new technology, is expected to be operational at the start of 2016. Another excellent project, for which Batenburg was responsible,
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
is the MP3 project, the new factory for K-Flex®. ‘K-Flex® is a plasticizer which is not detrimental to health and which is better
Suspended solids (in grammes/tonne of product per year)
for the environment. It is an alternative for plasticizers that are based on phthalic acid. Some plasticizers are suspected of being
120
toxic. By producing this type of new raw material, we at Emerald
100 80
can contribute to a more sustainable society.’
60 40 20 0 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Emerald Kalama Chemical | 2013 Safety & Environmental Report 07
‘Still room for improvement’ ‘It is a wonderful challenge to continue the search for ways
Soil
in which to work more sparingly with raw materials’, says technologist Jason van Rossen. ‘Moreover, the fascinating
Incidents
thing about a company like Emerald is that minor adjustments
A minor benzoic acid leak led to soil contamination during the
have the potential to lead to major improvements. We have
past year. The leak was stopped immediately and action taken
taken a considerable amount of steps in the past, in terms of
to remediate the contaminated soil. The contamination was
sustainability, but we will never really be finished. The playing
reported to the competent authority in accordance with the
field changes, new techniques are introduced: which means that
prescribed procedure.
there is always room for improvement.’ Soil remediation in Area 10A Expansion of the benzoic acid capacity is one of the examples
The historical soil contamination in area 10A is being remediated
mentioned by Van Rossen in connection with increased
in situ using PuriSoil technology according to the remediation
sustainability. Becoming more sustainable through growth? It
plan. The remediation work started at the end of 2011 and will
seems like an illogical thought, but it really isn’t. ‘By increasing
continue for approximately 5 years. Groundwater samples are
capacity, we are able to work more efficiently. Increasing
taken at regular intervals in order to assess remediation progress.
production by 10 %, for example, only requires slightly more
The analyses indicate that a stable, remediated situation exists at
than 4 % in extra energy.’ Expansion of the benzoic acid capacity
a depth of 10 metres under ground level. The benzene content is
is needed in order to meet the growing demand. There is
(much) lower than the target value at which remediation becomes
®
major demand for the K-Flex plasticizer and the feed additive
necessary. A reduction of more than 70% in the benzene
VevoVitall , for example. Benzoic acid is an important raw
content has been achieved at shallow groundwater level,
material for both products.
however the concentration is still too high. The results indicate
‘We achieve this capacity expansion by way of optimization of the
that the retention zone is still badly contaminated, however, in
production process, on the one hand, and through improvement
accordance with our objective, the spread of contamination to
of the weakest links, on the other hand. In addition, we will be
the lower levels has almost stopped. The remediation work will
making a second oxidation street operational this year, which
continue in accordance with the remediation plan.
®
will allow us to produce more benzoic acid. It is standard for us to look at options with which to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. We have thus improved the distillation process, which means that we use less energy and also produce less waste.’ Van Rossen says that Emerald is examining whether other products, apart from the current ones, can also be produced on location. This could, after all, also increase the company’s efficiency. ‘And in the context of the Meerjarenplan Energie Efficiency [Multiannual Energy Efficiency Plan], plans are also in the works for the supply of residual heat to third parties. We could potentially supply in the heating needs of anywhere between two to ten thousand households. The plans are still at an early stage, but we certainly see opportunities.’
Sustainability objectives At Emerald Performance Materials, sustainability means simultaneously striving to achieve economic progress, improve environmental quality and accept our social responsibility. Emerald gives maximum priority to health, safety, the environment and quality. Consequently, we see reducing our impact on the environment, as part of the community in which we reside, work and live, as a major responsibility. Objectives for energy efficiency and CO2 emissions were set for Emerald Kalama Chemical in 2012 in order to contribute sustainably in this area. In 2020, the amount of energy consumed per tonne
‘Smart chain management and sustainability go hand in hand’
of product must have reduced by 10% and the direct CO2 emissions per tonne of product by 30%. These reduction targets
‘Optimization of the logistical process and sustainability often
relative to the reference year of 2010 are shared goals for the
go hand in hand. This is lovely. Sustainability may certainly
Rotterdam production site and the production site in Kalama
be associated with a price tag, but when sustainable solutions
(Washington, USA).
actually result in savings, they become that much more attractive. And in actual practice, the two objectives seem to go together
The reason for our focus on energy consumption and CO2
just fine’ as per Roger Peerbooms, Supply Chain Manager. He
emissions is the desire to use fossil fuels responsibly. These are
explains which steps are being taken by Emerald, to optimize the
finite resources and the planet’s reserves are nearing depletion.
logistical process.
Burning fossil fuels produces approximately 21 billion tonnes of CO2 per year and estimates indicate that only half of this amount
The steps toward smart and sustainable chain management
can be reabsorbed by the environment. Global warming and
range from logical and obvious measures to innovative and
climate change are pressing arguments that support sustainable
sometimes complicated solutions. A great example of an obvious
development.
step is Emerald’s decision to use logistical service providers in the immediate vicinity. Peerbooms: ‘We work with a filling
As a participant in the Long-term Energy Efficiency Covenant
company, for example, that is situated no more than a kilometer
(Meerjarenafspraak Energie Efficiency/MEE), Emerald Kalama
away. This is good for the environment, in other words, sustai-
Chemical has committed to contributing to achieving the
nable, while at the same time we also save on transport costs.’
national CO2 objectives. The 2013 - 2016 Energy Efficiency Plan
Aiming for full trucks is also such an apparently simple, yet
describes various initiatives in the area of energy efficiency within
absolutely effective measure. ‘Clients sometimes order 20 tonnes
the process and the value chain. Implementing projects, such
of product, as a standard order. Such a round number simply
as the optimization of a distillation tower and importing steam
sounds good. But if the transport of 24 tonnes is more economi-
have all led to an energy efficiency improvement of 12% and a
cal for all parties, then why not go for that number instead?’
reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 27% relative to 2010.
Other solutions were not as simple to implement. This applies for the application of intermodal transport, for example. The
Energy consumption per tonne of product
CO2 emissions per tonne of product
13,50
0,80 0,75 0,70 0,65 0,60 0,55 0,50 0,45 0,40 0,35 0,30
13,00 12,50 12,00 11,50 11,00 10,50 10,00 9,50 9,00
2010
2011
■■■ Rotterdam
2012
2013
2020
■■■ Kalama
■■■ Total EKC
utilization of various types of transport, such as truck and train, requires a sophisticated planning and proper mutual communication. ‘And sometimes innovative products make the difference’, says Peerbooms. ‘We recently started to use so-called flexi-bags. These are large plastic bags in which liquids can be transported, which fit perfectly into a box container. In the past, the transport of liquids overseas always involved drums or tank containers
2010
2011
■■■ Goal
2012
2013
2020
which always returned empty. Flexi-bags are therefore a sustainable and financially attractive alternative. We follow these types of developments closely and use the latest products and techniques, where possible.’ Emerald Kalama Chemical | 2013 Safety & Environmental Report 09
‘Steam as an alternative to shale gas’
Waste
‘The one company has excess steam, while the other company
We have implemented an active waste flow policy at the site
needs steam. What is more logical than to bring the parties
for many years. In addition, the waste prevention plan that was
together? But until recently, the company offering the steam
drawn up to further reduce the amount of waste generated at
always said “come and get the steam”, while the requesting party
the site was approved by DCMR in 2011. All of these efforts
felt that the steam had to be delivered. Together with Stedin we
have resulted in a reduction of the standard amount of landfill
tackled the problem and took the lead in the development of a
waste and material for incineration. In 2013, the quantity of waste
steam network’, says Wim Roelofs, Manager New Business.
reduced strongly relative to 2012. This can mainly be attributed to improved performance of the water purification plant which
As grid operator, Stedin is responsible for the transport of
led to a reduction in the quantity of waste water that had to be
gas and electricity to nearly two million private, business and
processed externally. In addition, less contaminated soil was
government clients in the Randstad and in the Rotterdam
disposed of externally.
harbour area. ‘This energy landscape is going through major changes’, says Roelofs. ‘On the one hand society is becoming more and more dependent on energy, and on the other hand fossil fuels are becoming scarcer. We must therefore search for
Accidents and incidents
different, more sustainable alternatives. The steam network which we accomplished for AVR and Emerald is such an
Accidents
alternative. It is an extremely interesting alternative as well,
An incident or accident is an event that we wish to prevent.
because these initiatives, in particular, allow us to compete
When an event of this nature does however occur, we want it to
with shale gas.’
be reported as we can only learn from incidents and accidents
The steam network which was made operational by Stedin in
that are reported. The same applies for near-misses (incidents
2013 has a capacity of 200 tonnes of steam per hour. Emerald
and accidents that were narrowly avoided).
utilizes 30 to 40 tonnes of steam per hour, and the steam network therefore experiences substantial overcapacity. This
A single accident (OSHA) that led to medical treatment occurred
was a conscious decision, says Roelofs. ‘We really believe in
in 2013. A fall from a stairway resulted in a sprained ankle. Action
this project, and want to connect more companies to the steam
was taken based on the incident.
network in due time. We can eventually ensure a reduction in CO2
The number of accidents requiring First Aid treatment increased
amounting to an incredible 400,000 tonnes per year. The steam
in comparison to 2012. Employees reported minor burns on
network thus makes an important contribution to the Rotterdam
a number of occasions as a result of brief contact with a hot
climate objective: fifty per cent reduction in CO2 by the year 2025,
surface or a hot liquid. In addition, various people required
compared to 1990.’
treatment for foreign objects in the eye. The graph below shows
Roelofs looks back on the collaboration with the various parties,
the accident trend.
with satisfaction. He saw that negotiations were heavy, but that the involved parties always wanted to find a solution together. ‘We all saw how promising the project was, and wanted to make work of it in order to actually accomplish the project.’
First Aid and OSHA accidents
First Aid
OSHA
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Health In 2013, the number of near-misses recorded in the incident registra-
Illness absenteeism
tion system (Classbase) increased. Almost 770 safety management
The average illness absenteeism at the end of 2013 was
audits were performed.
2.3%; a good performance. The occupational physician was available on call in the doctor’s surgery and referred
Incidents
a number of employees to specialists for treatment.
In 2013, 3 incidents had to be reported to the competent authority. This is a reduction relative to the previous year. The graph below
Periodical Medical Examination
shows the environmental incident trend.
In 2013, our operators were given the opportunity of undergoing a Periodical Medical Examination. 50 employees from Rotterdam and 15 from Geleen used of this
Reports to the competent authority
opportunity. 12 10
Biomonitoring
8 6
We have investigated exposure to hazardous chemicals
4
since 2006 and take all necessary action to prevent
2 0 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
this. We started biomonitoring in 2013 (urine testing). Biomonitoring allows us to assess whether the measures implemented with regard to potential exposure have
The causes of the above accidents and incidents are always
achieved the desired effect.
thoroughly analysed by EKC. The following are the most important lessons learned based on analysis of the accidents and incidents:
Health improvement programme • Thursday is employee vitality day in our company
Accidents:
cafeteria. Fruit is provided free of charge and no fried
1. Circumstantial factors
foods are offered.
2. Communication
• Employees are offered a financial allowance of up to €30 a month for exercising, swimming and jogging in
Incidents: 1. Design 2. Materials and equipment
group classes. • The occupational physician can prescribe medication to help employees stop smoking.
We draw up an action plan based on the findings in order to implement measures designed to prevent accidents and incidents.
Emerald Kalama Chemical | 2013 Safety & Environmental Report 011
Emerald Kalama Chemical Montrealweg 15 Havennummer 4322 3197 KH Rotterdam-Botlek, The Netherlands PO Box 1021 3180 AA Rozenburg, The Netherlands
Colophon This public report contains a summary of our official environmental report.
Edition Emerald Performance Materials
Design SD Communicatie, Rotterdam
Photography Wim van der Spiegel
Interviews Anita Schregardus
Printed by De Swart
Copyright Š 2014 All rights reserved. Interested parties can request the official report at John Mol, His email address is john.mol@emeraldmaterials.com, telephonenumber +31 (0)181 249 386.