SOCMA: Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

Site security and safety is, and always has been, a top priority for the chemical industry. Members of the industry have long considered the security of our sites, employees and communities of paramount importance and have voluntarily put many security measures in place to address any potential security concerns. Typical security practices modified or implemented at SOCMA member companies include:

• conducting vulnerability or security assessments of the facilities and/or processes
• communicating with law enforcement or emergency responders
• tightening access by contract personnel
• further controlling vehicle access
• implementing security awareness training

On behalf of its members, SOCMA has actively participated in the development of site security guidelines, has met frequently with government officials, has conducted a series of site security workshops free of charge across the nation. SOCMA intends to build upon and expand these efforts to advance site security practices across the industry.

To access SOCMA’s position on Inherently Safer Technology (IST), click here.

For more information or updates, please contact the Government Relations Team at (202) 721-4100.

DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards

The Department of Homeland Security issued Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, effective June 8, 2007, for any facility that manufactures, uses, stores, or distributes certain chemicals above a specified quantity. 

This rule establishes risk-based performance standards for the security of our nation’s chemical facilities. It requires covered chemical facilities to

• prepare Security Vulnerability Assessments, which identify facility security vulnerabilities, and to
• develop and implement Site Security Plans, which include measures that satisfy the identified risk-based performance standards.

It also allows certain covered chemical facilities, in specified circumstances, to submit Alternate Security Programs in lieu of a Security Vulnerability Assessment, Site Security Plan, or both. 

On November 2, 2007, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced via conference call with SOCMA the public availability of Appendix A to the Department’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS).  The appendix is currently available on the DHS website. SOCMA has created a member briefing and summary of the list.  Click here to access the document.

Please click here for a PowerPoint presentation on free voluntary programs and tools available through DHS’s Chemical Sector-Specific Agency.

Please click here for a 2012 DHS Site Security Plan “Lessons Learned” Fact Sheet.

To access SOCMA’s recently updated CFATS FAQ, click here.