This message is being sent on behalf of Rodney Bennett, Chair, Committee on Divisional Activities (DAC)
Dear Division Leader,
In a June 27 C&EN comment, Tom Connelly posed a number of questions about possibly increasing the Society's role in promoting chemical and laboratory safety. As part of that comment, he posed seven specific questions in an attempt to obtain input on this matter. Those seven questions are listed below.
Given the prominent role divisions play in the Society, we are hoping to get some input from you on some or all of these questions.
The deadline has been extended to Friday, October 21
st, so if you or your executive committee has time to contribute to this issue, could you please send any comments to
safety**At_Symbol_Here**acs.org.
Many thanks.
Rod Bennett,
Chair, Committee on Divisional Activities
=B7 Should ACS Publications and CAS in =ADcrease safety content and considerations in our publications and online information?
=B7 How can we ensure that all ACS content (print, virtual, video) not only conforms to safety best practices, but actively promotes best practices?
=B7 How might ACS increase its program =ADming related to safety at our national and regional meetings?
=B7 After the Bhopal, India, tragedy, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers launched its Center for Chemical Process Safety; it is now the "go-to," authoritative source on the subject. Is there an analo =ADgous role for ACS in chemical laboratory safety?
=B7 Through our Committee on Professional Training, ACS approves bachelor's degree chemistry programs. Part of this approval involves an examination of safety policies and procedures. All ACS-approved chem =ADistry departments must have a written chemical hygiene plan consistent with Oc =ADcupational Safety & Health Administration and state standards. Are there ways to mea =ADsure various institutions' underlying safety cultures as well?
=B7 Can ACS partner with other organi =ADzations to promote tools that will help institutions strengthen their safety pro =ADgrams? The Society of Chemical Manufac =ADturers & Affiliates (SOCMA) provides its ChemStewards technology to industrial laboratories. Does it have applicability in academic labs?
=B7 Should ACS include safety explicitly within its core values? This step will be con =ADsidered formally by our board during the preparation of our 2017 strategic plan.
