Our call for presentations has now closed. Thank you to all who took the time to submit.
To review our 2022 EHS Seminar & Tradeshow Schedule, click HERE.
Scroll down to review the confirmed education sessions. You can click on Day, then Track and review sessions in that Track. The website is updated regularly as the speakers and sessions are confirmed.
For questions, contact:
Paula Lerash, CEM
Director of Education & Exhibits
Email: lerash@texaschemistry.org
Direct: (512) 646-6404
Track A - Focus on Safety - Sponsored by INEOS Oligomers
June 6, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Benefits of a Behavior-based Safety Program
Thomas Baylis, VP, HSSE, Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc.
Expo A1
GES will share tools and practices that it has used to implement and improve BBS within its own organization, and the results achieved through basic steps and continuous improvement. It will also review measures taken to help several of our clients in the petrochemical industries at various job sites ranging from new plant and pipeline construction to product release and remediation responses. The measures that were of most value to these organizations consisted of conducting field observations, assistance with project/staff risk evaluation tools and mitigation steps as well as incident investigations.
June 6, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
It's Your Safety, Don't Give it Away!
Kina Hart, Safety Speaker, Hart to Heart Safety
Expo A1
Kina Hart is a woman whose dramatic story about the traumatic amputation of her left arm will change forever the way you do your job. She will tell you why she is on a lifelong mission to make sure that what happened to her one sunny summer day never happens to you or anyone you know. Kina has dedicated her life to sharing the importance of workplace safety, and educating employees and employers about safety responsibility. Every moment of every day she is reminded there are significant, life-changing consequences when safety is not a priority. In just a matter of minutes, her life dramatically changed, as did the lives of her co-workers, family and friends.
June 6, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Flame Resistant Clothing
Steve Mata, Regional Manager - TX Gulf Coast, LA, DuPont Personal Protection
Expo A1
Flame resistant clothing is a commonplace throughout the Texas and Louisiana Chemical Industry and as such can easily have its merits and limitations taken for granted. This presentation provides a grounding on NFPA 2112 and NFPA 2113. The session will help to understand the science behind different flame-resistant fabrics and how that may affect their performance. Attendees will understand how body burn percentage corelates to a person’s chance of survival and how duration and intensity of the fire corelates to total body burn. Recognize how improper care and maintenance of your FR garments can compromise protection. Dual hazards are also a frequent occurrence in the Chemical Industry and as such present an added challenge. Finally, learn about NFPA2112’s recent addition to include hand protection with FR Gloves.
June 6, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - The History of Safety Councils
Luis Aguilar, CEO, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Moody Ballroom
Join us for our luncheon keynote presentation! The Health and Safety Council is now in its 32nd year and Luis will provide a history of Safety Councils and how they have helped promote safety throughout industry over the years.
June 6, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Safety From A Different Perspective
Dana Hawkins, CMD Safety Coach, Eastman
Expo A1
Join this session as we shine a new light on Safety by using several illustrations and visual aids to make you rethink your opinion about how to approach safety in your workplace. This is an inside look at how safety is perceived and how you can better understand why it is important to see safety from a different perspective.
June 6, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Beyond Compliance: Evidence-based Strategies for Leading a Decentralized Safety Culture
Phillip Ragain, Partner, and Kevin Pope, The RAD Group
Expo A1
This presentation explores the benefits of creating a decentralized safety culture, in which individuals are responsible for their own and others’ safety. Attendees learn evidence-based steps to create this culture, and current research about the effects of specific leadership practices on organizations’ cultures. The presenters draw from decades of experience creating cultures of “extreme ownership” and “emergent leadership” in areas as diverse as Navy SEALs Teams, chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical laboratories and oilfield crews. Attendees leave the session with a practical roadmap for moving their organizations beyond a culture of compliance.
Track B - Industrial Incidents and Lessons Learned
June 6, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Clearing the Procedural Compliance Hurdle
Michael Wood, QHSE Vice President, TEAM
Expo A2
After analyzing the causes of Significant Incidents, Significant Near Misses and Client Issues, we determined that failure to follow procedures was a common cause in many of these incidents. Based on this information, it was clear that the operating discipline needed an overhaul, with a specific focus on procedural compliance. TEAM approached this from a human factors perspective, focusing on a redesign of the documents and processes used in the chain of job execution. The project delivered a clear and simple operating discipline that covers all aspects of the Plan-DO-Check-Act cycle, resulting in improved procedure use, safety of the service, and quality of the work.
June 6, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Ambient Air Monitoring Following Natural Disasters and Industrial Accidents
Dr. Sabine Lange, Toxicology Section Manager, TCEQ
Expo A2
Natural disasters and industrial accidents have the potential to lead to the release of excess emissions of chemicals into the air For natural disasters, these emissions can be caused by facility shutdown, facility startup, or by damage to the facility. These chemical emissions have the potential to affect air quality in a way that could adversely affect human health or could lead to nuisance odor conditions.
June 6, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Reverse Flow of High Pressure Steam to Furnace Steam Drum Affecting Piping
Michael Polasek, Eastman
Expo A2
A steam cracking furnace was being started up after shutting down due to the electrical issues at the facility. The steam drum vents were opened to vent steam as well as the superheater vent valve, and high pressure steam from the main header was bypassed around the nonreturn valve to warm up the heater steam header. The control valve on the superheater vent was slowly closed to increase the steam drum pressure as the heater temperatures increased. The steam drum vent was left open and the warmup steam started flowing backwards through the convection section to the steam drum as the superheater vent was closed further. This condition was heating up the steam line toward its failure point since fuel was being added to the furnace to get it up to decoking temperatures. The steam pressure was at the point where steam would be sold out to the plant header when an elbow from the steam sales line going from the steam drum to the firebox failed releasing high pressure steam to the atmosphere.
June 6, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - The History of Safety Councils
Luis Aguilar, CEO, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Moody Ballroom
Join us for our luncheon keynote presentation! The Health and Safety Council is now in its 32nd year and Luis will provide a history of Safety Councils and how they have helped promote safety throughout industry over the years.
June 6, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Best Practices in Data Collection, Management and Communication during Emergency Operations
April Steger, Sr. Consultant, Major Projects Team, CTEH, LLC
Expo A2
Using Case Studies from events in the Houston area and beyond, describing the accurate collection of air monitoring data, quality control of data, data management through ICS, and communication of information also through the Incident Command System. Data collection and communication as needed during a crisis event and what to do to ensure data is available for claims and litigation that is likely to follow a release event. Air monitoring 101 to be included to improve understanding of emergency response data collection.
June 6, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Protecting Your Company’s Reputation During a Crisis
MaryJane Mudd, Executive Director, EHCMA
Expo A2
How would you speak on behalf of your company if a significant incident occurred? How would you interact with media, employees, family, colleagues and the community? MaryJane Mudd, Executive Director of the East Harris County Manufacturers Association and longtime crisis communications professional, will discuss how to use strategic, effective communication to help protect your company’s reputation during a crisis. Crisis communications basics will be covered as well as how citizen journalists and social media can help – or distort – our messages. The program will consist of lecture, a short role-play and Q&A.
Track C - Partnering for Safety
June 6, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
The Process of Selection: The Houston Safety Excellence Awards (HSEA)
Willie Wells, Executive Director, Houston Business Round Table
Floral A2
In its 35th year, this session will cover how HBR promotes collaboration through its awards process and how it has helped shape Industry.
June 6, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
How An Accident IMPACTS More Than Just You
Randy Royall, Retired Safety Specialist
Floral A2
Hear renown inspirational speaker, Randy Royall, share his personal story of struggles after being injured in an industrial accident. Randy will have you on the edge of your seats wanting more. Along the way, he will have you laughing and crying Hear renown inspirational speaker, Randy Royall, share his personal story of struggles after being injured in an industrial accident. Randy will have you on the edge of your seats wanting more. Along the way, he will have you laughing and crying all while learning How An Accident IMPACTS More Than Just You! Randy has spoken to millions of folks just like you. His goal is to change people’s lives by sharing his personal story so that everyone goes home to their loved ones. Don’t miss it!
June 6, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Revolutionizing Contractor Training and Onboarding
Cami Hysler, VP-Operations - Strategic Services, HASC
Floral A2
For over 30-years, industry has utilized a reciprocal training model to lessen the burden on the host and hiring employers to comply with OSHA requirements for contractor training. This successful model still faces challenges such as an employer’s proximity to a training facility, scheduling and cost. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit association, the Health and Safety Council (HASC) developed a revolutionary new contractor PSM compliance solution. In response to industry’s request for a standardized and scalable reciprocal option, HASC partnered with industry experts in safety, adult learning and design to create a cost-effective and efficient training program with Safety Essentials™.
This presentation will explain how HASC leverages best practices and emerging technology to change the landscape of traditional training and streamline the on-boarding process. Learn about what distinguishes this program and how it provides host and hiring employers with confidence through record integrity, flexible delivery options and best-in-class education.
June 6, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - The History of Safety Councils
Luis Aguilar, CEO, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Moody Ballroom
Join us for our luncheon keynote presentation! The Health and Safety Council is now in its 32nd year and Luis will provide a history of Safety Councils and how they have helped promote safety throughout industry over the years.
June 6, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Building a Cultural Partnership
Sean Hendry, Site Safety Manager, Zachry Group
Floral A2
This session will touch on Sean’s experience in building cultural partnerships. He will focus on foundation aspects, industry barriers and common benefits.
June 6, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Enhancing Process Safety through ACC’s Codes
Danny Forest, Director, Data Analytics, American Chemical Council
Floral A2
This presentation will explore how ACC is helping its members improve their process safety performance with enhancements made to our Process Safety Code. Takeaways include a better understanding of changes made to the Process Safety Code and examples included in the Code Guidance Implementation Guide.
Track D - OSHA
June 6, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Understanding and Review of OSHA’s Regulatory Agenda
Speaker: OSHA Houston Area Offices
Expo A3
Session description coming soon!
June 6, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
OSHA’s Focus Four Hazards
Speaker: OSHA Houston Area Offices
Expo A3
This session will cover the agency's focus on renewing this initiative.
June 6, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Managing OSHA’s Training Requirements During COVID
Speaker: OSHA Houston Area Offices
Expo A3
Session description coming soon!
June 6, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - The History of Safety Councils
Luis Aguilar, CEO, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Moody Ballroom
Join us for our luncheon keynote presentation! The Health and Safety Council is now in its 32nd year and Luis will provide a history of Safety Councils and how they have helped promote safety throughout industry over the years.
June 6, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
OSHA Case Reviews
Speaker: OSHA Houston Area Offices
Expo A3
Session description coming soon!
June 6, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Preventing Falls in Construction and General Industry
Speaker: OSHA Houston Area Offices
Expo A3
Session description coming soon!
Track E - Environmental Compliance
June 6, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
How EPA’s Next Gen Enhanced Monitoring Campaigns Could Affect your Facility
Gary Daves, TRICORD
Floral A1
This presentation will provide an overview of the GMAP technology, how U.S. EPA is utilizing the technology, and how industrial facilities are utilizing GMAP technology independently to proactively reduce their company’s risks and potential environmental liabilities.
June 6, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Environmental Justice Implications for Chemical Manufacturers
Brian Burdorf, Trinity Consultants
Floral A1
In 2021, environmental justice (EJ) transformed from political rhetoric to an Administration cornerstone driving policy changes and enforcement actions warranting not only awareness but also action by chemical manufacturers. This presentation will provide an overview of key aspects chemical manufacturers need to know about EJ, including: recent EJ federal and state developments and the way these policies are shaping environmental enforcement cases in Texas and Louisiana. We will provide a brief EJ assessment demo using EJSCREEN and will give EJ recommendations for chemical manufacturer professionals.
June 6, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Part 60 Appendix F CEMS QA/QC Requirements - Common Compliance Issues
Eric Wiley, VIM Technologies
Floral A1
US EPA 40 CFR Part 60 Appendix F Procedure 1 CEMS QA/QC Requirements is applicable to wide array of facility types. We will discuss the specific QA/QC activities that Part 60 requires, such as daily calibration drift (CD) checks, quarterly cylinder gas audits (CGA), annual relative accuracy test audits (RATA) and CEMS QA/QC plan content requirements. As part of this discussion we will present some common issues leading to non-compliance for Part 60 CEMS applicable facilities and some best practices to avoid non-compliance.
June 6, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - The History of Safety Councils
Luis Aguilar, CEO, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Moody Ballroom
Join us for our luncheon keynote presentation! The Health and Safety Council is now in its 32nd year and Luis will provide a history of Safety Councils and how they have helped promote safety throughout industry over the years.
June 6, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Emission Banking & Trading 201: Understanding Driving Forces
Kyle Breeze, Element Markets
Floral A1
This presentation will go beyond just the environmental headline topics we all see come across our emails as ‘FYI messages’ and instead we’ll spend some time diving into these topics to provide a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of why these headlines are important in the emission credit world and how they can impact your company’s emission credit strategy. We’ll look at questions such as: What actually drives emission reductions? How do markets behave in growth cycles? How do markets behave in regulatory cycles? What are the air monitors actually telling us? What risks are hidden in plain sight when looking at air monitoring data? What impact will Covid-19 have on the emission credit market(s)? How are future regulatory changes going to affect emission credit supply/demand dynamics? What emission reduction strategies are available to TCEQ for the next Attainment Demonstration SIP Revision(s)? This presentation will outline the risks and opportunities that the chemical industry may need to be strategically thinking through right now, as well as analyze Emission Reduction Credit availability and how this could affect your company’s future growth and operations.
June 6, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Best Practices in Evaluating Environmental Compliance and Permitting Obligations for Changes at a Chemical Facility
Inaas Darrat, Trinity Consultants
Floral A1
Managing environmental compliance at chemical facilities is full of challenges. We have seen several chemical regulations be revised recently. Additionally, chemical facilities frequently evaluate changes to their process to accommodate ever changing technologies and customer demand. Facility changes can trigger many questions including, will emissions be impacted, effect on notifications, potential triggering of NSPS or MACT standards, does retesting need to be completed, etc. This presentation will discuss recent chemical rule changes and what subject facilities should be doing to manage compliance with the revised rule(s). Additionally it will feature best practices for managing facility and process changes from a permitting and regulatory perspective
Tools for Leadership
June 6, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Leaving a Safety Legacy
Wiley Davidson, Wiley Davidson, LLC
Floral B
Leaving a Safety Legacy is a refreshing look at a presentation designed for attendees to put a stronger value on what matters most; their own personal safety as well as the people around them, both on the job and at home. This message is not designed to lower mod ratings or to get a better insurance premium, those hopefully come as a result of this message. Nor is it a victim story, which can be a refreshing change to what we may normally expose our teams to. In fact, it’s actually a survivor story, it's your survivor story, with built-in reminders designed for the attendee to refer back to long after the presentation has been delivered. One of the best takeaways of this presentation is that every attendee can relate to it at some point on a personal level. By challenging the “What’s in it for me” mentality, which is just part of our human nature, attendees discover what and who those pieces represent and as a result close the gap between having to be safe and wanting to be.
June 6, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Crushing It: How The Extraordinary Become That Way
Mark Hernandez, MarkSpeaks
Floral B
Every organization desires their team to win and be successful. In order to create sustained results, leaders must possess the high-performance skills to shift organizations from strategy to execution. Crushing It combines neuroscience, positive psychology, behavioral psychology, and high-performance principles that will help you sharpen vital skills and build new habits for sustained success. Crushing It provides a road-map for living a fulfilled life, accelerating performance, and building sustainable results. Crushing It is delivered with high energy and highly engaging exercises that creates a fun learning environment as well as provides practical applications that can be immediately applied to help you Crush It.
June 6, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
How to Energize a Stale or Struggling BBS Process
John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting
Floral B
Is your BBS process getting old and tired? Do your employees go through the motions and lack energy about the process? Attend this session if your BBS process needs a renovation. We will discuss methods to get people energized as well as different approaches to abandon or change. We may slaughter some sacred cows so come ready to be challenged. If you are looking for a BBS process, you will learn what to look for in a system that works.
June 6, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - The History of Safety Councils
Luis Aguilar, CEO, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Moody Ballroom
Join us for our luncheon keynote presentation! The Health and Safety Council is now in its 32nd year and Luis will provide a history of Safety Councils and how they have helped promote safety throughout industry over the years.
June 6, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Using Emergency Response Principles to Overcome a Business Crisis
Chief Elgin Browning, Industrial Rescue Fire Training
Floral B
In this session we will discuss how firefighting at its core is just finding solutions to sudden problems that come up in an incident. Being a firefighter, is proof you care what happens to the business, to the team, to the industry in which you work. Too often businesses ignore growing fires or quickly settle the issue, but never plan for flare ups.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Conflict Management
Mae Francis, Owner, Lookin' Up
Floral B
In this session, we will explore the topic of conflict and its most common causes and effects. Participants will learn to map conflict in an effort to dissolve its source as well as discover best conflict resolving strategies for their communication styles; ultimately becoming better equipped to prevent and manage conflict in every area of their lives.
Track A - What is New in Process Safety
June 7, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Improving Industry Process Safety Performance Through Responsible Collaboration
Lawrence Moreaux, LyondellBasell
Expo A1
Since 2012, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) have been working together on industry process safety programs under the umbrella of Advancing Process Safety (APS) programs. This presentation will provide learning from experience case studies from participants on how they are using the APS programs, what changes they have implemented at their sites, and what improvements have been achieved by those changes. Examples include practice sharing documents, training, industry safety bulletins, and Walk the Line. Ultimately, this presentation will discuss a variety of practical takeaways that highlight the application and sharing of industry lessons learned.
June 7, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Behavior-Based Process Safety
Gregg Kiihne, Director of Process Safety, BASF and Kim Urie, Team Leader, BASF
Expo A1
The aim of behavior-based safety (BBS) programs is to continuously improve safety culture or, “the way we do things around her.” The ties to occupational safety are easily recognizable – but doesn’t safety culture also impact process safety performance? This presentation explores opportunities and limitations of BBS programs for influencing process safety performance and what you as a formal or informal leader can do to bring about change.
June 7, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Common Process Safety Issues from Major Industrial Accidents
Mark Farley, Farley & Partners, LLP
Expo A1
The specific facts and circumstances surrounding low frequency, high consequence process safety incidents are always different. These events often share similar contributing factors, however, including lack of hazard awareness, barriers to communication, and a false sense of confidence. This presentation will review five major industrial accidents and discuss how similar process safety system failures contributed to the catastrophes. It also will provide practical advice on how organizations can identify these common deficiencies.
June 7, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - Step Up Your Workplace Safety
Candace Carnahan, Motifational Speaker
Moody Ballroom
This Keynote speaker is brought to you by the generous sponsorship if BASF Freeport!
Having experienced a traumatic injury at the age of 21, Candace knows not only how this impacts the worker, but everyone around them. Join us for her riveting presentation as she discusses what happened to her and how to step it up in the name of safety!
June 7, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Addressing Common PSM Audit Findings on Limits, Procedures, Training and Safe Work Practices
Jim Thompson, CPSA,, ABS Consulting
Expo A1
Process safety audits are conducted for three main reasons: (1) feedback on process safety program implementation and effectiveness to identify potential improvement opportunities for improved performance, (2) compliance with applicable process safety regulations such as the U.S. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) standard, the U.S. EPA 40 CFR 68 Risk Management Program (RMP) rule, and other similar federal, state and/or local regulations, and (3) adherence to any internal company process safety programs/requirements. If a facility has a process covered by the above OSHA/EPA regulations, compliance audits must be conducted every 3 years. Since the OSHA standard was promulgated in 1992, this means that facilities in existence at that time are approaching having conducted 10 compliance audits. Newer processes obviously have had fewer audits, but a review of recent audit findings suggests certain issues continue to be commonly identified. This paper addresses some of the most frequent audit findings observed, specifically related to operating limits and safe limits and the associated consequences of deviations. Guidance is also provided on how these findings can be avoided through appropriate design and implementation of limits tables.
June 7, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Things You Wanted to Know about Shelters-in-Place and Safe Havens
Kevin Sweeny, ABS Group
Expo A1
A plant’s emergency response plan may require some occupied buildings be designated as Shelter-In-Place (SIP) to mitigate potential exposure risks from toxic and/or flammable vapor cloud hazards to personnel within the building. Typically, the severity of these hazards is quantified as part of a facility siting study performed in accordance with API RP 752.
It is common to have buildings that were not originally designed for such a purpose performing as a SIP. The buildings have been adapted for the function and their performance subject to these hazards is not documented. Beyond SIPs, the API is currently developing guidance on additional requirements for a building to be designated as a Safe Haven.
This presentation will outline the three-stage process to qualify a building as a Shelter-In-Place. The first stage is understanding the hazards and ensuring an appropriate level of analysis has been done to quantify the flammable/toxic environment both inside and outside the building. The second stage is understanding the building’s potential to function as a SIP through fan pressurization testing (also known as “blower door testing”) and gas infiltration calculations. The third stage involves identifying opportunities to improve the building’s SIP performance, qualifying their effectiveness, and implementing potential mitigation measures to reduce the hazard exposure to personnel. In addition, the presentation will briefly discuss Safe Havens and what requirements are likely to be for them.
Track B - Safety Under the Hat
June 7, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Effective On-the-Job Training
Earl Brown, President & CEO, Industrial Psychologists
Expo A2
During this session, we will cover the three (3) elements of effective OJT, observation, performance with coaching and evaluation. During the observation element, the trainer will demonstrate correct performance of all performance requirements for each job position. The trainee does not perform any work during this element. They concentrate of observing correct task performance. During the performance with coaching element, the trainee performs each performance requirement while the trainer is constantly observing and coaching the trainee through correct performance of the tasks. This element should continue until the trainee feels comfortable in performing each task independently. During the evaluation element, the training process is stopped. Evaluation is not training. It is evaluating whether the trainee is ready to perform job tasks independently. 100% correct performance is required. You either can operate a dozer or you can not. You can not operate it 90% correctly.
June 7, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Contractor Engagement – Why Is It Important?
Tony Amador, Contractor Safety Coordinator, Chevron Phillips
Expo A2
This session explores the connection between contractor engagement, the path to heighten safety culture and performance.
June 7, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Urgency Overlap and its Effect on Occupational Safety
Richard Saizan, Consultant, Occupational Safety, Training and Organizational Development
Expo A2
Urgency is ubiquitous in corporate America. Tin this presentation, we will show how a high degree of urgency may be appropriate for certain corporate functions but, regarding other corporate functions related to safety, it becomes an inappropriate sense urgency that can lead to accidents.
We will explain the relationship between urgency and importance, identify some of the drivers of an inappropriate sense of urgency, discuss how an inappropriate sense urgency can be managed, and how to observe urgency.
June 7, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - Step Up Your Workplace Safety
Candace Carnahan, Motifational Speaker
Moody Ballroom
This Keynote speaker is brought to you by the generous sponsorship if BASF Freeport!
Having experienced a traumatic injury at the age of 21, Candace knows not only how this impacts the worker, but everyone around them. Join us for her riveting presentation as she discusses what happened to her and how to step it up in the name of safety!
June 7, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Managing Fatigue Risk in a 24/7 Workplace
Brad Jones, , Industrial Hygienist, LyondellBasell
Expo A2
This presentation will provide a brief overview of the evolution of fatigue risk management practices and provide insight about active defenses companies should consider implementing to create a comprehensive fatigue risk management system.
June 7, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Effective Refresher Training
Earl Brown, President & CEO, Industrial Psychologists
Expo A2
Is “Once Trained – Always Trained” the way to go or is Refresher Training Needed? This workshop will address why we need refresher training. Also addressed will be when would we need refresher training. Signs refresher training is needed will be discussed. Methods for identifying refresher needs will be explained. One method of providing the OSHA PSM required refresher training will be presented and discussed.
Track C - Crisis Management and Security
June 7, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
EHCMA Initial Notification Process and Future Growth
Jeff Suggs, Corporate Emergency Services and Security Manager, Kuraray
Expo A3
The initial notification process in the Houston region has become a normal process when facilities need to communicatee to the community and responsible agencies in the Houston Area. This presentation will review why we communicate the way we do and the regulatory requirements to do so. We will also look at new features that will be added in 2022 and beyond.
June 7, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Community Notifications During Emergencies
Johnny Morales, Emergency Management Coordinator, City of La Porte
Expo A3
Communication during an emergency is most critical. Yet, communications continue to be at the top of every after-action report and critique across all incidents locally and abroad. The general public does not hesitate to make this fact apparent to community leaders and emergency managers. The City of La Porte faced several challenges in 2021 due to industrial incidents, including but not limited to a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), a Potential Tank Explosion requiring evacuation, and an Odor Incident with far-reaching impacts resulting in a shelter in place. All of which allowed the City and Local Emergency Planning Committee to review processes for improvement. The local emergency manager will share lessons learned and explain the importance of having strong relationships between industry and your local jurisdiction.
June 7, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Best Practices in Data Collection, Management and Communication during Emergency Operations
April Stegar, CTEH
Expo A3
Using Case Studies from events in the Houston area and beyond, describing the accurate collection of air monitoring data, quality control of data, data management through ICS, and communication of information also through the Incident Command System. Data collection and communication as needed during a crisis event and what to do to ensure data is available for claims and litigation that is likely to follow a release event. Air monitoring 101 to be included to improve understanding of emergency response data collection.
June 7, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - Step Up Your Workplace Safety
Candace Carnahan, Motifational Speaker
Moody Ballroom
This Keynote speaker is brought to you by the generous sponsorship if BASF Freeport!
Having experienced a traumatic injury at the age of 21, Candace knows not only how this impacts the worker, but everyone around them. Join us for her riveting presentation as she discusses what happened to her and how to step it up in the name of safety!
June 7, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Crisis Management: A Public-Private Partnership
David Wade, Industrial Liaison, Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Mgmt.
Expo A3
The Texas Golf Coast has experienced multiple natural and manmade crises in recent years which have epitomized all-hazards crisis management for industry and both local and governmental agencies. Home to the largest port and petrochemical complex in the nation, the Houston Ship Channel industrial complex is considered by some as the national model for transparency and agency relationships. Public and private sector partners engage in joint emergency planning and exercises to help ensure coordinated prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery efforts. This session will discuss crisis management best practices that institutionalizes a true Public-Private Partnership.
June 7, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
The Ever Changing Landscape of Emergency Readiness
John Barth, inFRONT
Expo A3
Severe weather events, pandemics, new risks due to changes in process, delayed turnaround activity, even more new construction etc. John will discuss these changes and some of the corresponding developments in emergency response technology that provide some options to address these new challenges.
Track D - Occupational Safety/Occupational Health - Sponsored by the Health and Safety Council (HASC)
June 7, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Common Workplace Hand Injuries
Dr. Maneesh Verma, Gulf Coast Orthopedic & Hand Surgery
Floral A2
This interactive presentation will showcase common hand injuries at the work place, proper first aid and definitive management, and the need for recognizing more severe injuries may be present in an otherwise innocuous injury where follow up with a hand surgeon would be beneficial for patient outcome.
June 7, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Covid -19: What the Heck?!
Dr. Tommy Hysler, Chief Medical Officer, Health and Safety Council (HASC)
Floral A2
An update on covid-19 from where we've come from, where we are currently, and what the horizon looks like. Updates on employment legal issues and what employers should know.
June 7, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Workforce Health and Safety
Jared Fabre, Prime Occupational Medicine
Floral A2
A unique and innovative partner in occupational medicine will foster a healthier workforce which in turn will decrease the overall financial risk and appropriately address regulatory concerns while improving productivity.
June 7, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - Step Up Your Workplace Safety
Candace Carnahan, Motifational Speaker
Moody Ballroom
This Keynote speaker is brought to you by the generous sponsorship if BASF Freeport!
Having experienced a traumatic injury at the age of 21, Candace knows not only how this impacts the worker, but everyone around them. Join us for her riveting presentation as she discusses what happened to her and how to step it up in the name of safety!
June 7, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Yoga: Afternoon Stretch
Thomas Vinson, Zero Waste Enterprise
Floral A2
This smooth and soothing practice is the perfect thing to get the blood moving before and after sitting in a conference chair all day. We will go through a few gentle stretches to wake the body from the chair and then some Tai Chi movements to help with energy and balance.
June 7, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Building Your Drug Testing – Threats, Solutions, & Policy
Donnie Martinez, Owner Account Manager, DISA
Floral A2
Join us as we dive into the most pressing employee screening challenges today. We will discuss threats to employee safety like marijuana legalization, CBD oil confusion, rising fentanyl abuse, and COVID-19 leading to increased drug use. We will also discuss how your company can reduce these risks by using the latest tools, technologies, and policy solutions available to build a culture of safety at your workplace.
Track E - Water and Waste - Sponsored by LyondellBasell
June 7, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Bridging Troubled Waters: The Course Ahead for Waters of the United States and How to Navigate It
Bryan Moore, Partner, Balch & Bingham, LLP
Floral A1
This presentation will provide a substantive review of recent and ongoing efforts by the federal government and the federal courts to clarify the test for defining "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. We will discuss the evolution of the WOTUS issue through rulemaking, policy changes, and court rulings; how the continuing uncertainty impacts the regulated community; and the potential future legal landscape that stakeholders may have to navigate. With the Biden administration moving forward with a proposed interim WOTUS definition and the Supreme Court agreeing to revisit the WOTUS test in the Court’s next term, this is a highly dynamic topic with multiple angles. Is a clear, durable definition of WOTUS within reach, or will the waters remain troubled? We will discuss the forecast and how best to chart a course through the muddied waters without running aground.
June 7, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Best Practices on Challenging Remediation Projects Near Residential Communities
Razmik Gozalians, Vice President, American Integrated Services, Inc.
Floral A1
A manufactured gas plant (MGP) located adjacent to a hospital, residential dwellings and a strip mall , operated from 1875 to 1930. MGP generated waste in the form of VOCs, PAHs, tar acids, creosote, and coal tar pitch. The cleanup challenges included strong odors and the potential release of harmful VOCs. To comply with guidelines regarding the PELs for Benzene and Naphthalene, air modeling mandated the remedial activities be performed in the confines of a large tent as well as negative pressured air treatment units to strip VOCs and odors. An onsite groundwater extraction and treatment unit was also used. A mandate limiting the number and timing of the truck trips and complete decontamination of the trucks was followed. This presentation will detail best practices that were implemented to allow for the excavation, transportation and disposal of impacted soil as well as importing and compacting clean fill with no community complaints or notice of violations from any regulatory agencies.
June 7, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Avoiding Waste Over-Classification: Case Studies.
David Robinson, Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.
Floral A1
This presentation will provide guidance on common waste over-classification scenarios, and use real-world examples to demonstrate how waste generators can save time and money through proper classification. Because of the complexity of RCRA regulations, as well as the severe consequences associated with under-classification of industrial waste streams, many facilities (and consultants) will choose to over-classify their waste streams in order to protect themselves from incorrect interpretations. Industrial waste over-classification results in increased regulatory burdens, operational restrictions, and higher costs for generators, as well as consumption of limited hazardous waste disposal capacities at authorized facilities. The presentation will provide case studies for waste classification including U and P listed chemicals, Oil Water mixtures, use of TCLP vs total constituent analysis, and use of recycling exclusions in the context of the recently adopted RCRA rule changes in Texas.
June 7, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - Step Up Your Workplace Safety
Candace Carnahan, Motifational Speaker
Moody Ballroom
This Keynote speaker is brought to you by the generous sponsorship if BASF Freeport!
Having experienced a traumatic injury at the age of 21, Candace knows not only how this impacts the worker, but everyone around them. Join us for her riveting presentation as she discusses what happened to her and how to step it up in the name of safety!
June 7, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Operation Clean Sweep – Verification for OCS Blue
David Sandidge, Operation Clean Sweep
Floral A1
Operation Clean Sweep is an international program designed to prevent resin pellet, flake and powder losses to the environment. The focus of OCS is on resin manufacture, transportation and conversion into plastic products and the aspirational goal is to have Zero Losses to the environment. Each segment of the industry has a role to play. Those companies wanted to demonstrate additional commitment to the initiative can participate in OCS Blue. This advanced program includes additional requirements, including mandatory metric report and the opportunity to participate in a voluntary Verification of OCS / OCSb Management Practices. This session will provide an overview of the Verification Program, along with examples of pilot verification activities and likely future direction. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the latest OCS initiative and next step in the Drive to Zero.
June 7, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Meeting the Challenges of Aqueous Waste with PFAS
Frank Marine, Marketing & Communications Consultant, Texas Molecular
Floral A1
In recent years, the management of wastewaters and firefighting waters with PFAS has become an area of increased focus for safety and environmental regulation. In the absence of Federal action, there are State and local regulations as well as non-regulatory drivers which have influenced disposal of water with PFAS. There are a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives which will shape future regulations to manage wastewater. The future of regulations can be ascertained by examination of the totality of recent EPA programs and proposals. This would include the current listing of PFAS chemicals in the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI), the potential listing as Hazardous Substances (CERCLA/Superfund), and as hazardous wastes. Many of these programs will be reviewed to assist the companies with these chemicals to determine a plan of action based on their own risk profile. The range of available disposal options will be reviewed with the benefits and limitations of each. The presentation will also cover important non-regulatory drivers including environmental justice.
Track F - Leadership: Professional Development
June 7, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Safety Origami – A Mind Puzzle for the 21st Century
Michael Fleming, President, Decision Point
Floral B
Industrial safety has evolved with a blend of models, eras, programs, investments, regulations, and societal expectations in pursuit of incident prevention. Collectively these are akin to “safety origami” – a multi-dimensional “mind puzzle.” Today’s work teams benefit from past thought leaders through implementation of game-changing puzzle pieces. Creating smooth job performance with minimal or “no” harmful incidents requires alignment of organization leaders and front-line workers with jointly understood values that promote astute decision-making during job planning and job execution processes. From technical safety to worker mental health the span of these “human” process needs is wide. No human process is more fundamental than hazard recognition because workers cannot manage what they do not recognize. Like the fundamental “fold” in origami that connects all elements of a complex three-dimensional design - hazard recognition informs the decision-making elements within interconnected workplace systems. High-level individual and team hazard recognition competency drives informed risk-based job planning, system error identification, and large-scale warning signs and transcends an organization’s job performance from the “point-of-the-spear” to the C-suite. This presentation provides a brief view of how safety and health evolved over the past century and challenges us to think about the interconnected “fold” we are searching for to intensify smooth job performance and advance our wholistic pursuit of health, safety, environmental, and high-hazard process risk reduction and harmful event avoidance.
June 7, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Cajun Candor: Straightforward Dialog that Improves Performance
Billy Arcement
Floral B
Growing employee performance means you speak truth and have candid conversations are the mantra of superior leaders. In this session you will learn how nothing improves without an honest straight-forward approach to leading. You will learn that the ‘Candid Cajun’ is a type of management style of leadership and can be the bedrock of training from now on.
June 7, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Teach Your Supervisors to Lead Safety on the Job
John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting
Floral B
Here is a secret. Safety is leadership. Any credible definition of leadership must contain the word influence-We should influence people to be safe on the job. I will share insights about behavioral economics and nudge theory to help supervisors and managers get people to stay safe without forcing them to do so. “Managers” demand safety while “leaders” influence safety on the job. Attend this session to learn the difference.
June 7, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation - Step Up Your Workplace Safety
Candace Carnahan, Motifational Speaker
Moody Ballroom
This Keynote speaker is brought to you by the generous sponsorship if BASF Freeport!
Having experienced a traumatic injury at the age of 21, Candace knows not only how this impacts the worker, but everyone around them. Join us for her riveting presentation as she discusses what happened to her and how to step it up in the name of safety!
June 7, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
3 Secrets of Effective Leaders
Rachel Williams, Sr. Projfect Manager, Tetra Tech
Floral B
These days, many leaders are overwhelmed, battling imposter syndrome, and burning out. They want to take their career and leadership to a higher level but are afraid to do so at the expense of their self, health, or relationships. After temporarily leaving the industry in 2017 due to burnout, it took me several coaching certifications and a few years of trial and error to figure out what really allows leaders and teams to be sustainably successful. An individual working in alignment with their highest values and utilizing their unique strengths is the key to unstoppable growth. Additionally, the strongest teams are built of individuals collectively working in complementary opposites. Learning the individual and collective strengths of yourself and your team sets a sturdy foundation and having a balanced strategy for fulfillment at both work and home allows the team to scale.
June 7, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Believe in Safety
Brandon Schroeder, Motivational Speaker
Floral B
Listen to Brandon as he recounts the events of the tragic day that nearly took his life, outlays the contributing factors, and informs your audience regarding retrospective avoidance techniques. Brandon brings safety in to real world application, so your audience walks away with techniques on how to make safety a priority in their daily lives. Brandon discusses the “small decisions” which can be a change agent for the safety culture on the job site. He walks through how his decision during that one moment, of that one day affected not only him, but every person on the job. He leaves the audience with a stronger understanding and respect for doing every job correctly and safely.
Track A - Process Safety Management
June 8, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Maintaining Your PSM Culture in the Midst of Change
Nelson Rodriguez-Garcia, Plant Manager, Kuraray
Expo A1
PSM has been, is and will continue to be one of the most important items we work on in our industry. As the global economy continues to evolve and manufacturing headwinds force companies to rationalize certain parts of their portfolio; we will continue to see mergers and acquisitions. In-spite of the excitement and stresses that these changes bring, PSM must remain a priority. This presentation will provide some recommended strategies, activities and lessons learned during the transition to a new owner company. The case discussed describe recommended do’s and don’ts in a specific instance where an organization was moving from a large and traditionally established company with prescribe systems and processes to a smaller more open and non-prescribed company that allowed each Plant certain level of independence to create their own systems. During this presentation you will have the opportunity to share your own experiences with such transitions and also ask questions to support you. This presentation is ideal for Site/Corporate PSM leaders, Managers and PSM Element Champions.
June 8, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Employee Participation or Buy-In?
Tekin Kunt, Director, EMEA, PSRG and Aaran Green, Process Safety Project Manager, PSRG
Expo A1
The first element of OSHA PSM Standard is Employee Participation. It is arguably one of the simplest elements indicating that employees will be able to access Process Safety Information (PSI) and provide information to build the PSI. On the other hand, experience shows that without a full buy-in from all employees, having a reliable and sustainable PSM system is very difficult. In this talk, we will share various case studies and provide potential means of closing this gap.
June 8, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Preparing AST Floating Roofs for Entry, Inspection and Repair
Jarod Williams, Projfect Manager, PAT Tank
Expo A1
This session will include the following:
Discuss potential causes for a floating roof collapse.
Review methods for inspecting and safely secure a floating roof in an above ground storage tank.
1. Review Design of Floating Roof Supports.
2. Inspection process and what to inspect.
a. Support legs, sleeves and pins.
b. Bent or damaged legs.
c. Severally corroded outer rim and pontoons covers.
d. Accumulation of water on floating roof and in pontoons
3. Preparation and installation of safety devices.
a. Vertical supports
b. Lateral supports
c. Anti-rotation cables or chains.
4. Precautions
a. Mobile equipment under the floating roof.
b. Daily checks on previously installed safety devices.
c. Modifications to the floating roof.
d. Weather
June 8, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation: Decision Making 'Living with a Passion'
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Founder/Vice President/COO, Fantail Services
Moody Ballroom
As a former United States Navy 15th Fleet Master Chief, John led over 140,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians before retiring with honorable and faithful service in 2013. John now uses those skills as a Project Manager and Coach to help organizations fine tune operational methods, resulting in saving lives.
The decisions we make each day have an impact, not only on you but each person you meet. How they affect both our personal and professional lives. This discussion will look at decision traps and errors and ways to combat these mistakes. Part of the discussion will be around human factors and ways to get a better work -life balance and will challenge leadership to look at different approaches to build a better culture and improve work life balance based on the decisions we all make.
June 8, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Preventing Incidents in Unloading and Loading of Bulk Chemicals
Wayne Garland, Sr. Technical Association, Eastman Global Process Safety Management
Expo A1
Loading and unloading operations for bulk chemicals have multiple types of risks with potentially high consequences. Yet these operations tend to be dependent to a large extent on administrative controls and human reliability. These characteristics make risk analysis challenging with tools such as PHA and LOPA. Several minor incidents plus inconsistencies in our PHAs led us to develop an internal company standard based on best practices. This paper will explain how we identified the major hazards and developed the standard, as well as some of the best practices that we are utilizing to address the risks.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
If You Aren't Air Leakage Testing Your Shelter-In-Place - You Aren't Safe
James Rau, General Manager MineARC Systems and Meghan McDermott, President, High Performance Building Solutions
Expo A1
Working at a chemical facility or a manufacturing facility that stores hazardous chemicals one becomes familiar with the signs for shelter-in-place (SIP) locations. One of the first things reviewed when going through the safety orientation are the locations of the SIP in case of an accidental release of hazardous chemicals. Join us for this session to learn who is checking the SIP’s locations and the 3 main factors that determine the effectiveness of the SIP locations.
Track B - Leading Trends in Training and Technology
June 8, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
The Future of Workforce Development and Practical Assessments using Virtual Reality and Simulation
Amanda Long, VP of Sales, Industrial Training Intl.
Floral A2
This presentation will explore how Simulation and Virtual Reality are enhancing workforce development and high-stakes practical assessments. Amanda will discuss the growing reliance on standards like ANSI (now ANAB) and IACET in the development and delivery of quality training and certification. Amanda will showcase examples of how organizations like Bechtel, DPR Construction, and the NSC are implementing programs which task students with practical scenarios that they are apt to encounter on an actual construction site. She'll explain how immersing users in a rich VR experience, not only brings interaction and engagement to what is typically a situation that is purely one-way communication, but also offers the business case of scalability and efficiency. ITI's Construction Hazard Awareness Certification will be featured with Amanda describing how the assessment challenges candidates to inspect a job-site and identify several risk domains including hand tools, lock out/tag out, lifting and rigging, dropped objects, -and more.
June 8, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Standardized Hydroblasting Training and Certification
Frank Romito, WJTA Master Trainer
Floral A2
The WaterJet Technology Association (WJTA) in partnership with the Health and Safety Council (HASC) launched a hydroblaster training and certification program consisting of a computer-based training (CBT) module and hands-on instruction. This session will discuss the benefits of a hybrid virtual/hands-on model in being able to scale, easily propagate curriculum updates and maintain standardized terms. This session will also look at the several hazards, incident case studies and best practices that motivate the need for standardized training in this industry.
June 8, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
The Importance of Leadership Training for “Step-Up” Leaders
Tommy Nipp, Director of Training, Health and Safety and Chuck Kennison
Floral A2
Turnaround in the petrochemical and oil refining industry consists of a large number of jobs completed in a very compact schedule, usually with a large number of contractors. In most cases, these contractors are new to the site and new to the environment within which they are working. The risks associated with the jobs performed during turnarounds are heightened due to the tightened time horizons and the number of workers and jobs being performed onsite at the same time. One way to help mitigate the risk of safety, health, or environmental incidents during these turnarounds is through strong and capable leadership, but often resident/maintenance workers and operators are pressed into being leaders for out of town crews (step-up leaders) without being given any of the tools or training for being an effective leader.
June 8, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation: Decision Making 'Living with a Passion'
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Founder/Vice President/COO, Fantail Services
Moody Ballroom
As a former United States Navy 15th Fleet Master Chief, John led over 140,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians before retiring with honorable and faithful service in 2013. John now uses those skills as a Project Manager and Coach to help organizations fine tune operational methods, resulting in saving lives.
The decisions we make each day have an impact, not only on you but each person you meet. How they affect both our personal and professional lives. This discussion will look at decision traps and errors and ways to combat these mistakes. Part of the discussion will be around human factors and ways to get a better work -life balance and will challenge leadership to look at different approaches to build a better culture and improve work life balance based on the decisions we all make.
June 8, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Colleges and Grnts Can Help Train Your Workforce
Anne Bartlett, VP, Industry & Community Resources, Brazosport College
Floral A2
Learn about grant programs available through partnerships with you local colleges that can help train your workforce for free. Specific success stories and next steps will be provided.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Designing and Delivering Memorable EHS Training
Adrienne Young, Sr. Consultant, BSI America Professional Services, Inc.
Floral A2
As an EHS professional, a vital part of your job involves facilitating learning for other adults in your organization, specifically focused on regulatory compliance topics. You are recognized as a subject matter expert, but you may struggle with transferring that knowledge to others in a way that is memorable for all the right reasons. Please join me in exploring how you can utilize the training design and delivery concepts outlined in ANSI/ASSP Z490 in combination with adult-learning principles – to maximize the positive impact of your training sessions, to build employee behaviors that will improve EHS performance within your company. This session will unpack the key elements of ANSI/ASSP Z490.1 and Z490.2 in a way that makes it easier for you to understand and apply them in-person and online. T
This session will also provide you with practical ideas for transforming your current lecture-style EHS curriculum into exciting materials that are sure to keep your audience engaged and actively participating in the learning process. These concepts will help you to be a more productive and valued collaborator as you work on training projects with the Learning and Development group within your organization
Track C - Human Factors
June 8, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Beyond Words: The Power of Nonverbal Communication
Alison Rico, MA, MCP, Operations Manager
Expo A2
When we communicate, the words we choose are important but there is so much more beyond that: how we say it, our body language, time, and space -- all comprise the full message. Miscommunication can occur when we choose the wrong words but also occurs when nonverbal communication is missing or contradicts the verbal message. How we communicate is expanding - social media, texting, online meetings, webinars, etc. These methods of communication sometimes pose additional challenges in communicating effectively because nonverbal communication is diminished or nonexistent. Learn more about the spectrum of what defines Nonverbal communication and the power it has to help us understand and face our communication challenges.
June 8, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Admitting Human Error in the Workplace
David Wilbur, Managing Member and CEO, Vetergy Group
Expo A2
Human error is inevitable and serves as a symptom of systemic failure. As with all symptoms, it becomes a signal spurring systemic change. The idea is to welcome error as an indication that leadership should investigate the dark, murky, uncomfortable cultural issues that made the error seem like a good idea at the time. Instead of blaming individuals for error, ask why the system responded the way it did. In this interactive session, participants will use an on-screen response system to experience a developing investigation as facilitators of a real-world example. We will study an organization’s emergent behavior through the actions of two operators. As a rule, these operators did not set out to cause failure; rather, they intended to contribute to the larger success of the organization. Nevertheless, as part of a multi-dimensional operating framework, they were shepherded by complex events into making decisions that instead caused an incident.
June 8, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Lessons From the Flight Deck
Patrick Browne, President & Founder, Flightdeck Safety Initiatives
Expo A2
Stress, poor communication, error chains and a culture of blame, often lead to poor outcomes in the Chemical industry. Aviation addressed these same issues several decades ago, realizing that Human Factors account for approximately 70-80% of all aviation accidents. The industry developed human skills training called Crew Resource Management (CRM). CRM - Human Factors is a program that trains multiple disciplines to work together in a coordinated and safety-conscious environment. These techniques have also been applied to other high-risk areas, such as maritime, medical, mining, NASA, petrochemical, railroad, first-responders, and nuclear power industries. With increasing awareness of the similarities, hazards and risk recognition between the Chemical and Aviation industries, programs have been created to introduce CRM - Human Factors to the Chemical Industry to assist in the reduction of incidents and accidents through the improvement of Human Factors in the workplace. Courses are typically co-facilitated by industry experts and are designed to address the unique challenges faced in today’s Chemical Industry environments.
June 8, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation: Decision Making "Living with a Passion"
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Founder/Vice President/COO, Fantail Services
Moody Ballroom
As a former United States Navy 15th Fleet Master Chief, John led over 140,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians before retiring with honorable and faithful service in 2013. John now uses those skills as a Project Manager and Coach to help organizations fine tune operational methods, resulting in saving lives.
The decisions we make each day have an impact, not only on you but each person you meet. How they affect both our personal and professional lives. This discussion will look at decision traps and errors and ways to combat these mistakes. Part of the discussion will be around human factors and ways to get a better work -life balance and will challenge leadership to look at different approaches to build a better culture and improve work life balance based on the decisions we all make.
June 8, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Rethinking Risk Assessment: Adding Human Factors
Gary Higbee, Higbee & Associates
Expo A2
Risk assessment is not only about safety, risk assessment is about safety risk, productivity risk, quality risk and profitability risk. While we will be looking at primarily safety risk, the view of risk is much broader than just safety. Our view of risk is often influenced by our job responsibilities, so therefore our view of risk is influenced by other factors. Risk assessments have been around a long time and have had a varying degree of success. It is hard to argue with the concept of assessing risk by determining the amount of energy present (hazard level) and the likelihood of coming in contact with that energy. This session will help you take the guesswork out of the process.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
High Performance - High Value Organizations
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Owner, VP & COO, Fantail Services
Expo A2
What makes a team always perform at their peak? What makes organizations valuable? We will briefly discuss what high reliability organizations are and how human performance and leadership play key roles in building a culture that not only is high performance, but puts high values on the team and organization to create a High Reliability Organization
Track D - Industry Best Practices
June 8, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Unconscious Bias in Safety Investigations
Lewis Chambers, HSE Manager, Georg Fischer Central Plastics
Expo A3
This presentation will help improve incident investigations by identifying bias vs. unconscious bias in and out of the workplace. This presentation will identify and discuss the most common unconscious bias that have been identified during EHS investigations. The presenter will take a unique look at the mistakes that have been made over his 20 year career in safety due to unconscious bias in hazard identification audits and incident investigations.
June 8, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Improving Hazard Recognition and Management
Bill Chidester, HSE Manager, Lauren Terry, Occupational Safety Specialist and Matt Tuggle, Site raining Program Mgr., Ascend-Choclate Bayou
Expo A3
A new approach to identifying and eliminating hazards and permanently blending it into our safety culture was recognized as necessary to make a step-change in Ascend Performance Material's injury performance and drive towards our Commitment to Zero. After identifying Hazard Recognition Plus (HRP) as process to help drive improvements in these skills, we embarked on a multi-phased approach to introduce and implement HRP throughout our organization. This session will share learnings from our journey towards achieving and sustaining zero injuries.
June 8, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Virtual Gemba Walks - The Path to Success in the Virtual World
Kirk Madere, onePSS Luling Site Coordinator, & Ashley Griffin, Site Improvement Leader, Bayer Crop Sciences
Expo A3
Gemba-the real place, where the work happens. We all heard the term used but what does it mean in a virtual world? How do we “Gemba” if we cannot actually go to the real place, where the work actual happens? With COVID, most companies were left to try to manage shop floors remotely. We will review what a virtual Gemba is for Bayer. At one of Bayer’s largest global manufacturing sites, the Gemba walk is vital for creating site alignment in manufacturing and most importantly, SAFETY. We will share the top to bottom structure and how to support accountability. With any new concept, there is always a learning curve. We will also share some of the limitations and pitfalls we discovered along the journey. In the end, we will leave the group with some key ideas to bring back to their workplaces on how to be more effective in the virtual world of Gemba walks. With minimal efforts, these key ideas will be value adding as they put teams on the path to continuous improvements to safer work environments.
June 8, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation: Decision Making 'Living with a Passion'
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Founder/Vice President/COO, Fantail Services
Moody Ballroom
As a former United States Navy 15th Fleet Master Chief, John led over 140,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians before retiring with honorable and faithful service in 2013. John now uses those skills as a Project Manager and Coach to help organizations fine tune operational methods, resulting in saving lives.
The decisions we make each day have an impact, not only on you but each person you meet. How they affect both our personal and professional lives. This discussion will look at decision traps and errors and ways to combat these mistakes. Part of the discussion will be around human factors and ways to get a better work -life balance and will challenge leadership to look at different approaches to build a better culture and improve work life balance based on the decisions we all make.
June 8, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Augmented Reality in a Chemical Plant
Victor Mora Turrion, Des W Plant Manager, Covestro and Matthew Sudeesh, Lead Digital Transformation, Covestro
Floral A2
In last years, working from home only allowed essential personnel to be on Site. Sustaining safety standards while less people in the units due to global pandemic is a must. Also we have been experiencing a generational change in production units. Altogether makes our support to the business unit more challenging and consequently might get an undesirable negative effect on the safety and the health of our employees.
By using digital safety program to transform the way we do business in our organization and fully embrace digital transformation.
By using HoloLens glasses or known as augmented reality you can Increase Safety and Efficiency by having experts guiding technicians or by applying the digital 4 Eyes principle on any production activity in just few minutes.
By using the augmented reality (AR), we can train employees to be more productive. It is currently used by companies that have high chances of Occupational Hazards and has been shown to increase the retention and recalling of events by the Human Brain as well.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Implementing RCMS: One Site's Approach
Seth Brooks, HSE Manager, Solvay
Expo A3
Implementing the Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) can be challenging and fulfilling. Hear how a Texas Solvay site implemented the RCMS program and the impact it had on the site. Learn about implementation teams, strategies, benefits and challenges.
Track E - Air
June 8, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
New Developments on PM2.5 – Should Industries in Texas Be Concerned?
Arijit Pakrasi, Technical Lead Edge Engineering and Science, LLC
Floral A1
USEPA is reviewing the PM2.5 NAAQS and plans to have a proposed rule in Summer of 2022, potentially further lowering of the annual NAAQS. Such an action, if finalized, would result in new air permitting and compliance burdens on industrial facilities. Additionally, a new Climate Bill titled” CLEAN Futures Act” (H.R. 8271), introduced in the House in March 2021, proposed to use annual average PM2.5 ambient concentration as an indicator of identifying the area as an “Overburdened Census Tract”. Once designated as such, these areas could face major air permitting issues for new construction and renewal of existing air permits in future. The directions of either of these developments are unclear at this time; however, there are some scenarios that could be of importance to facilities in the industrial areas of Texas, mainly in Houston Galveston Brazoria (HGB), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Beaumont – Port Arthur (BPA), and Corpus Christi. This presentation will first provide a background on these new developments and discuss some of the likely scenarios. Next, the PM2.5 air quality in these industrial areas of Texas will be presented to discuss the impacts of these scenarios on future new construction and operation of existing facilities. Finally, the presentation will cover tips for contingency planning for planned growth or change in operation of industrial facilities in the potentially affected areas for some of the more likely scenarios.
June 8, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
New HAP: 1-Bromopropane (1-BP)
Inaas Darrat, Trinity Consultants
Floral A1
This presentation will go over the addition of 1-bromopropane (1-BP) to the Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) List . For the first time since the genesis of the national HAP list, US EPA has added a chemical effective February 4, 2022. The chemical is 1-bromopropane (1-BP), a powerful solvent used in a wide variety of industries. Please feel free to join us at the upcoming webinar to discuss the impacts of adding 1-BP to the HAP List, including potential impacts for maintaining HAP area source status, compliance with existing major and area source NESHAP regulations, and the potential for new regulations.
June 8, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Ozone Nonattainment Status Update
Johnny Vermillion, Program Manager, Air Quality, Spirit Environmental
Floral A1
This presentation discusses the upcoming ozone nonattainment changes for Houston-Galveston-Brazoria and Dallas-Fort Worth. Ozone nonattainment classification bump-ups are expected under both the 2008 and 2015 ozone standards; however, classification changes under the 2008 standard will have the greater affect regarding ozone nonattainment air permitting. These bump-ups are expected to be finalized in 2022 and will affect nonattainment new source review (NNSR) permitting (i.e., Think major source and major modification thresholds, offset ratios, etc.). This presentation provides information regarding the upcoming ozone nonattainment changes for Houston-Galveston-Brazoria and Dallas-Fort Worth and how these changes could affect your facilities’ future permitting requirements. Topics discussed in this presentation will include the following: Where do we currently stand? (2008 and 2015 ozone standards). How did we get here? What may happen next? Additional/expanded ozone nonattainment counties in Texas (El Paso County).
June 8, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation: Decision Making "Living with a Passion"
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Founder/Vice President/COO, Fantail Services
Moody Ballroom
As a former United States Navy 15th Fleet Master Chief, John led over 140,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians before retiring with honorable and faithful service in 2013. John now uses those skills as a Project Manager and Coach to help organizations fine tune operational methods, resulting in saving lives.
The decisions we make each day have an impact, not only on you but each person you meet. How they affect both our personal and professional lives. This discussion will look at decision traps and errors and ways to combat these mistakes. Part of the discussion will be around human factors and ways to get a better work -life balance and will challenge leadership to look at different approaches to build a better culture and improve work life balance based on the decisions we all make.
June 8, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Achieving a Net-Zero Carbon Economy by 2050, Industries Contribution - A Dis-proportioned Target
Doug Wolf, Director, Air Quality Services, Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc.
Floral A1
Pledges for a net-zero carbon foot print by 2050 will require an immediate and massive deployment of all available and new clean and efficient energy technologies, requiring global participation and cooperation. Even if we can get there by then will it be enough? This presentation will provide a look forward to what scientist expect including shortfall consequences.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Risk and Technology Review (RTR) and Consent Decree Implementation Lessons Learned
Larry Poche, Sr. Project Regulatory & Technical Specialist, TRICORD
Floral A1
This presentation will outline key rule revisions and provide useful insights learned during the implementation phases for the Refinery Sector Rule (RSR), EMACT, MON, and chemical consent decrees.
Track F - Leadership and Communication
June 8, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
When Your Worst-Case Scenario lasts more than Three (3) Days
Chief Elgin Browning, Industrial Rescue Fire Training
Floral B
In this session we will describe the common mistakes and their root causes that Incident Commanders and Site Leadership may encounter with multi-operational period events.
June 8, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
5 Tips for Effortless Networking (Even for Introverts!)
Rachel Williams, Sr. Projfect Manager, Tetra Tech
Floral B
Everyone can be a fantastic networker, even if they’re an introvert! It’s all about reframing mindset, getting clear on WHO you are and WHAT you offer, and taking the focus OFF of YOU (thank goodness, right?!). In this presentation we will share the 5 best tips (and a bonus) of how to make networking easy AND effective, with no "sleazy" feelings required!
June 8, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Responding to Safety Incidents – The Wrong Way and The Best Way
John Grubbs, Grubbs Consulting
Floral B
Accountability and responsibility are confused by modern definitions. By doing so, we confuse these terms with blame. Discover leadership insights to respond the best way when incidents happen. Avoid the pitfalls of blame that prevent true cause identification and prevention of future events. People will not share the truth if they will be punished for being honest. In this session, you will learn a different approach for responding when undesired events occur.
June 8, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Luncheon Keynote Presentation:"Decision Making 'Living with a Passion"
John Minyard, Veteran, Co-Founder/Vice President/COO, Fantail Services
Moody Ballroom
As a former United States Navy 15th Fleet Master Chief, John led over 140,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians before retiring with honorable and faithful service in 2013. John now uses those skills as a Project Manager and Coach to help organizations fine tune operational methods, resulting in saving lives.
The decisions we make each day have an impact, not only on you but each person you meet. How they affect both our personal and professional lives. This discussion will look at decision traps and errors and ways to combat these mistakes. Part of the discussion will be around human factors and ways to get a better work -life balance and will challenge leadership to look at different approaches to build a better culture and improve work life balance based on the decisions we all make.
June 8, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Game Day: 4 Principles & Practices for Accelerating Performance
Mark Hernandez, Motivational Speaker
Floral B
Every organization desires their team to win and be successful. In order to create sustained results, leaders must possess the high-performance skills to shift organizations from strategy to execution. Crushing It combines neuroscience, positive psychology, behavioral psychology, and high-performance principles that will help you sharpen vital skills and build new habits for sustained success. Crushing It provides a road-map for living a fulfilled life, accelerating performance, and building sustainable results. Crushing It is delivered with high energy and highly engaging exercises that creates a fun learning environment as well as provides practical applications that can be immediately applied to help you Crush It.
June 8, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Why Leadership Development Fails
Steve Skarke, Vice President, Kaneka
Floral B
Companies spend billions of dollar each year on leadership development yet CEOs claim they are not getting what they need from their leaders. What's wrong with what we are doing? How can we overcome the failures? My session will focus on some of the leading failures of leadership development and how we can overcome them. It will also open up discussion form the group of their experience and challenges.
Track A - PSM Current and Emerging Issues - Sponsored by Indorama
June 9, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Soft Skills for Effective Design and Evaluation of Changes
Tanner Martin, Process Safety Engineer, Indorama Ventures
Expo A1
Our Management of Change programs are the backbone for many activities happening at our sites and are framed and given direction by our written procedures. MOCs can require the involvement of many disciplines and many different people, which can challenge the ability of our MOC framework to identify the potential risks with each change. How can we influence the effectiveness of our programs outside of these procedures? In this session, we will delve into the importance of our professional soft skills and how they can increase the effectiveness of the MOC design and risk evaluation process. How we conduct ourselves and interact with others plays a pivotal role in our programs and is not included in ours procedures. Employee participation is critical and needs a proper stage to be identified, included, and heard.
June 9, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Effective Safety Reviews for Capital Projects
Armando Hernandez-Garcia, Process Safety Manager, Indorama Ventures
Expo A1
Capital Projects in the Chemical Industry are a key element for business strategies in so many ways. Chemical plants cannot be successful without continuous change for improvement, and most of those changes require capital investment, construction, and planning. This presentation discusses an effective and methodical process that can be used to prevent project team frustrations, support the efficient use of resources, provide the ability to engage the key EHS disciplines at the appropriate time, the use inherently safety design, comply with PHA, MOC, PSSR and training requirements, and at the same time support Project Management at the different stages
June 9, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Facility Siting for Temporary Structures
Jodi Kostecki and Thomas Mander, BakerRisk
Expo A1
Since the 2005 Texas City Refinery explosion, updates to facility siting requirements have resulted in owners/operators seeking blast resistant buildings to house essential personnel near operational units. While many facilities have invested in permanent buildings to achieve this, owners/operators often seek alternative “temporary” solutions such as blast resistant modules (BRMs) and tents to comply with API 752/753/756. This presentation will discuss the ability of these alternative structures to protect personnel as well as key things to consider from a facility siting perspective before ultimately selecting your protective solution. Examples will be provided from full-scale tests of BRMs and tents to highlight key aspects of structural response to the audience.
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Luncheon
Exhibit Hall B/C
This is you last chance to shop 'till you drop in the exhibit hall and network with partners and colleagues. The exhibit floor closes at 1:30. Lunch will be served buffet style so you can walk, talk and shop.
June 9, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Being Scientific in Incident Investigations
Quentin Baker, President, BakerRisk
Expo A1
Incident investigations can be very challenging and require an objective methodology to determine the contribution causes. The revised CCPS investigation book, NFPA 921 and other references include the Scientific Method to provide a systematic approach that includes testing of hypotheses. The Scientific Method is age old and easily understood and practiced. Yet, investigation teams often rely on judgements to justify their final hypothesis without objectively testing their hypothesis. Unfortunately, they may not have found the real contributing causes. The danger is that corrective actions will not address the real root causes. The presentation will describe and demonstrate the use of the Scientific Method.
June 9, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Process Safety Health: How Should We Approach Metrics and Monitoring?
David Drerup, President & CEO Operational Sustainability
Expo A1
Process Safety Metrics and Benchmarking are concepts that have been discussed for more than a decade. Yet, while there have been attempts to do benchmarking and establish incident reporting practices like API 754, there are still no suggested standard for metrics and reporting that have been widely adopted. With many companies viewing process safety performance reporting as being specific to their established practices and culture resulting in great difficulty with the generation of any meaningful comparative industry-wide performance evaluations. One of the key aspects of Process Safety Health (PSH) is the ability of an organization to achieve and sustain high levels of performance. Accepting that PSH is defined as a holistic and continuous monitoring methodology covering all functional process safety reporting to provide a clear picture of an organization’s overall health. It appears that the industry and its collective members would benefit greatly from the ability to compare themselves against a set of defined standard performance metrics. This presentation discusses how organizations can develop a meaningful risk profile and move beyond traditional lagging indicators to capturing predictive trends and actionable insights in a timeframe where risks can be mitigated before becoming real issues.
Track B - Leading EHS - Sponsored by Sasol
June 9, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Stress Management: Less Stress = More Job & Safety Focus
Vickie Irvine, Total Development Partners
Expo A3
The Stress Management session shares information on managing the stress we all face every day at home and at work so that we can be the most effective people (parents, spouses, children, volunteers, employees, etc.) possible. In the session we talk about what causes us stress and how to work through those stressful situations. The better we manage stress at home and at work, the more productive we are and the more fulfilling our lives are. Less stress allows us to better focus, thus has a definite impact on the safety of employees at work.
June 9, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
How to Make Employees Make the Right Decisions in Safety
Jim Spigener, Chief Client Officer for DEKRA OSR
Expo A3
Safety leaders are responsible for all aspects of safety within their organization. Everything from the environment to the processes matter in strengthening the safety culture One of those factors is decision-making — How workers respond to exposure. What can be done every time to make sure they are making the decision that will protect themselves and others?
This session will present a new methodology for helping employees make better decisions about handling exposure they encounter in the field. In almost every case when an employee has an injury they only recognize the exposure after the incident. The reactive problem needs to be addressed. Workers need to know, when they encounter that exposure, which decision is best for safety. This session will explore a more practical approach that will move the needle on decisions made at the front line.
June 9, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Partnering for Success
Jenee Olivier, Owner, Business Boutique
Expo A3
In today’s world of safety no one can do it alone. But where and how do you look for support and help. The goal in any partnership is a successful outcome for both parties. Understanding themes such as collaboration and what it means to be a good partner. What are the keys in forming and maintain successful partnerships as well as collaborations. We will further explore how partnerships help to develop you as a leader and professionally.
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Expo Hall
Don' miss out on this last chance to shop the exhibit hall, learn what's new in industry and network with friends and colleagues. Lunch is provided while you shop!
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Luncheon
Exhibit Hall B/C
This is you last chance to shop 'till you drop in the exhibit hall and network with partners and colleagues. The exhibit floor closes at 1:30. Lunch will be served buffet style so you can walk, talk and shop.
June 9, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Engagement Leadership in Safety
Joann Delao, Hunter Site Services
Expo A3
In this presentation, we will cover the importance of leading with engagement for a safer work environment.
June 9, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Managing Risk Where It Matters Most
Tom Harvey, Allied Safety
Expo A3
Session description coming soon!
Track C - Industrial Hygiene
June 9, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Chemical Protective Clothing: What You Don't Consider Can Hurt Them!
Steve Mata, DuPont
Floral A2
The use of chemical protective clothing is a commonplace throughout the Texas and Louisiana Chemical Industry and as such can easily have its merits and limitations taken for granted. This presentation provides a grounding on considerations for selecting the appropriate garment for the ultimate protection. The session will help to understand the key determinants of selecting a Fabric, Seam and Design for the hazard. Attendees will understand the differences in Degradation, Penetration and Permeation test data. The need for both chemical and flame protection is also a frequent occurrence in the Chemical Industry and how you handle the Dual Hazard environment. Finally, this session will cover some of the pitfalls to look for in misleading standards.
June 9, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Global Health Security and the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute: What Health and Safety Professionals Should Know and How to Become Involved
Dr. Robert Emery, VP for Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Mgmt., UTHSC at Houston
Floral A2
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the expectation that health and safety professionals understand infectious diseases risks and that they will, inevitably, become participants in response efforts. It’s likely that other serious threats to health loom on the horizon. This presentation will describe: The five key elements of the Global Health Security agenda, the steps being taken within our State (in the form of the Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute) to prepare for such threats, opportunities for health and safety professionals to become involved in preparedness activities.
June 9, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Legionella Sampling & Response
Jesse Bryant, Key Account Manager, Solenis and Blake Meredeth, Area Manager, Solenis
Floral A2
The procedures for testing for and respond to Legionella flare-ups are not well defined in US industries. OSHA only has general guidelines for Legionella response, whereas some European governments have strict and detailed response plans for their industries. For the most part, it is left up to each individual site’s EHS& S or IH reps to define and execute these procedures. In the field, there are many ways to test and treat for Legionella, specifically in open, recirculating cooling water systems. This conversation is aimed to educate the industry on some best practices. We will also share a testimonial of an industry partner who by adopting these best practices, was able to reduce the amount of positive Legionella tests by 70% while increasing the frequency of testing.
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Luncheon
Exhibit Hall B/C
This is you last chance to shop 'till you drop in the exhibit hall and network with partners and colleagues. The exhibit floor closes at 1:30. Lunch will be served buffet style so you can walk, talk and shop.
June 9, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Latest Digital Transformation Tools for the Industrial Hygiene Professional
Ben Chandler, GHD
Floral A2
This presentation will explore new technology developed for the industrial hygiene industry to evaluate the health hazards for the purpose of determining the risks to human health. The latest real-time air monitoring instrumentation will be discussed including remote equipment capable of providing lower detection limits and immediate data presentation. The presenter will describe the capabilities of using new platforms such as unmanned aerial systems to evaluate environments that are difficult to access where workers / members of the community may be present. This presentation will also detail unique digital visualization and virtual reality training tools designed to enhance EHS Programs. The presenter will describe all aspects of hazard recognition, evaluation, and control related to this technology. Information provided in case studies shall focus on how EHS Professionals are relying on this new technology to provide solutions in the digital age.
June 9, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
Performing Indoor Air Quality Investigations
Jan Koehn, President, JK, Inc.
Floral A2
Industrial hygiene consulting services have been performed for various Clients to address indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments for potential hazard identification within numerous workplaces along the Texas Gulf Coast. Specific proactive IAQ monitoring work was performed for multi- story office buildings and healthcare facilities involving implementation of defined airborne sampling strategies including primary determination of chemical and/or microbial agents. Reactive responses were often conducted for public facilities, tenant offices, and also school districts related to requests for consulting assistance or odors or other potential described harmful exposures. Industrial hygiene challenges were encountered to meet the needs of facility management Clients and impacted personnel involving strategy development, data interpretation, summary report with technical recommendations provided, and hazard communication needs addressed usually involving supplemental information. Client budget considerations must also be addressed to best meet defined workplace monitoring goals for anticipated resolution of personnel exposure concerns, nuisance issues, or other further outlined areas of investigation.
Track D - EHS Hot Topics - Sponsored by BGE
June 9, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
The Journey to 100% Accountability
John Barth, Director of Revenue, inFRONT and Bill Chidester, ESSH Manager, Ascend Performance Materials
Expo A2
It is generally accepted that maintenance turnarounds are the costliest projects in most industrial organizations. The opportunities for improvement in safety and productivity are many, but so are the risks. These risks are both financial and related to safety of personnel. This presentation will outline a technology deployment for a large turnaround at a major chemical facility and how both safety and productivity were improved exponentially through the application of the right technology and corresponding changes in process. This will be a presentation from an ESSH Manager in conjunction with one of the technology partners on the project.
June 9, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
The Sunset Review of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Richard Hyde, President, The HRC Group
Expo A2
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is currently undergoing a review by the Sunset Commission of Texas. This every 12-year review is an opportunity for all interested stakeholders to elevate important policy issues and encourage regulatory reform. Many hot-button issues, including environmental justice, emissions events, and public participation in permitting will be on the table. This presentation will analyze the issues raised so far during the review and look downrange at what to expect when the Legislature considers TCEQ’s Sunset Bill during the session that convenes on January 10, 2023.
June 9, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Legal Hot Topics: ESG and Environmental Justice Considerations
Stephen Fitzgerald, Laura Williams and Jamie Huffman, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius, LLP
Expo A2
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters and environmental justice (EJ) are two topics that are receiving increased attention from agencies, from industry, and from the general public. This session will discuss recent trends and agency actions related to ESG and EJ, and what they mean for regulated entities.
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Luncheon
Exhibit Hall B/C
This is you last chance to shop 'till you drop in the exhibit hall and network with partners and colleagues. The exhibit floor closes at 1:30. Lunch will be served buffet style so you can walk, talk and shop.
June 9, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
The Chronicles of Permitting Super Sleuths: Texas Air Permitting in the Modern World
Jean Leonard and Albert Kennedy, BGE
Expo A2
As a team, we’ve been brainstorming ideas for this presentation that will talk about some of the common issues we’ve seen recently when working with TCEQ on air permitting. We know we’re not alone in dealing with TCEQ and overcoming some of the issues created by young permit engineers and these electronic forms they believe simplifies the permit review process.
June 9, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
SB900 Implementation and Rulemaking (Aboveground Storage Vessel Safety Program)
Expo A2
Keith Sheedy, TCEQ
Discussion on the requirements found in SB 900, along with the proposed dates-of-interest for the 30 TAC Chapter 388: Above ground Storage Vessel Safety Program rule making.
Track E - Environmental Permitting - Sponsored by Texas Brine
June 9, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
EPA’s Reconsideration of the PM NAAQS
Johnny Vermillion, PE, Spirit Environmental
Floral A1
The EPA is in the process of reconsidering their decision to retain all Particulate Matter (PM) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) at their current levels. As reported in some technical articles, the EPA has not explicitly called for tighter PM standards, but their language seems to suggest that a tightening of the PM NAAQS is a very possible outcome. The EPA has proposed an ambitious timeframe regarding a reconsideration of the PM NAAQS, with a rule proposal expected in the summer of 2022 and a finalized rule being ready in the spring of 2023. A strengthening of the PM NAAQS will affect NSR authorizations along with state program regulatory guidelines and procedures. There will most likely be new PM 2.5 nonattainment areas and a more detailed project evaluation from environmental regulatory programs (both Federal and State). This presentation will discuss possible changes in the PM NAAQS, the ramifications of those changes, and how these changes may affect your facilities’ future permitting requirements. Topics discussed in this presentation will include the following: Terms, Background (What Is This All About?), Current PM NAAQS Values, Discussed/Possible PM NAAQS Values, What Does This Potentially Mean?, Possible Timeframe, Considerations, Extra: EPA – Ozone NAAQS Reconsideration.
June 9, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
Permitting Roulette – How to Authorize Texas PBRs Without Burning Out
Jean Leonard, Sr. Air Quality Project Manager, BGE
Floral A1
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has a long history of using historical Standard Exemptions (SE) and Permits by Rule (PBR) to authorize emissions from small, specific source types. These PBRs and SEs can often be used to quickly authorize new projects or modifications to existing processes under tight project deadlines. In various circumstances, they can even be used retrospectively to address existing yet previously unquantified emissions. Moreover, these PBRs can be difficult to get approved if you don’t provide all the necessary information for the TCEQ review process. BGE’s 30-year veteran will discuss and highlight some of the common pitfalls and how to avoid them to help your facility find a successful outcome.
June 9, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
TCC Legislative Priorities Update
Sam Gammage, TCC Vice President & Legal Counsel, and Chris Noonan, Director of Government Affairs
Floral A1
In this session we will have legislative update and discuss priorities for the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session and the TCEQ Sunset Review.
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Luncheon
Exhibit Hall B/C
This is you last chance to shop 'till you drop in the exhibit hall and network with partners and colleagues. The exhibit floor closes at 1:30. Lunch will be served buffet style so you can walk, talk and shop.
June 9, 2022
1:45-2:45PM
Environmental Justice and Air Permitting
Qi Zhang, Air Quality Technical Director, GHD
Floral A1
Sine the inauguration of Biden’s administration in January 2021, environmental justice (EJ) has become one of the forefront policies of the Administration. According to U.S. EPA, EJ is to seek “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.” This presentation will introduce the EJ's mission, current development, way of measurements, and its impact to air quality permitting for industry applicants.
June 9, 2022
3:00-4:00PM
TCEQ Air Permits Updates and Discussion on Proposed Nonattainment Designation Changes
Samuel Short, Deptuty Director, Air Permits Division, TCEQ
Floral A1
This presentation will provide updates on several hot topics affecting Air Permits in Texas. The discussion will include Title V petition updates; recent proposed updates to nonattainment designations and the potential implications of these changes on air permits; Title VI updates and the implications these changes have on the regulated community and air permitting; and updates on guidance tools available.
Track F - Plant Managers - Sponsored by Vetergy Group
June 9, 2022
8:15-9:15AM
Luck or Resilience? How 1% Will Occur 100% of the Time
David Wilbur, Managing Member and CEO, Vetergy Group
Floral B
Operational Resilience emerges when leaders discover that careful efforts to prevent faults and error at best get us 99% of the way there. Resilient leaders expect the remaining 1% will occur 100% of the time. Plus, the 1% involves uncertain, unpredictable, and dynamic events requiring behaviors informed as much by art and rhetoric as science. This simply means resilient leaders spend equal time guiding their organization to be just as adept at responding to disruption and restoring stable operations. Through this captivating case study of four US Marine F/A-18Ds and eight lives as they approach certain disaster, you will experience why resilient leaders constantly ask…” What are we not seeing?” Fortunately, your own system holds the answer, but perhaps not where you expect to find it. We will see how dramatic differences among leader behaviors produce more resilient, more competitive, higher performing, future industry leaders or not.
June 9, 2022
9:30-10:30AM
A Digital Roadmap to Maximizing Plant Performance
Jeremy Osterberger, President, BIC Alliance
Floral B
As the oil & gas market continues down the path toward Industry 4.0, there is much that leaders and managers can learn from each other. BIC Magazine’s panel of downstream plant experts shared their best practices for the digital transformation of maintenance and operations for safer, more efficient and more reliable facilities. The presenters gave insights on how to develop a digital strategy, get management buy-in, break down traditional silos, and improve asset reliability, along with recent case studies. Site and department managers, digital leaders, and implementation managers discussed some of these ideas during their roundtable which included Digitizing Work Management Processes, Achieving real-time decision making, enhanced productivity, flexibility and agility, Improving communication and collaboration between Maintenance and Operations, Facilitating environmental compliance, Standardizing permitting and digitizing Lock Out-Tag Out to mitigate safety risks, Extending the life cycle of assets and using AI to increase pipeline input of crude stock and the production and output of finished product.
June 9, 2022
10:45-11:45AM
Process Safety for Leaders
Bill Efaw, Process Safety Director, Dow Chemical
Floral B
Leadership plays an important role in establishing a positive Process Safety culture. Their action—or inaction—affects employee perception of safety, and employee perception of safety can make the difference between an accident-prone and an accident-free work environment.
Most of our Gulf Coast petrochemical companies understand the 3 key legs of the Process Safety performance triangle, but the multiple elements and implementation of all three legs of the triangle vary widely from company to company, resulting in very different Process Safety performance between companies. This presentation will discuss the key elements that Leaders need to understand in their organizations in order to have great Process Safety performance.
June 9, 2022
12:00-1:30PM
Networking Lunch in Exhibit Hall
Luncheon
Exhibit Hall B/C
This is you last chance to shop 'till you drop in the exhibit hall and network with partners and colleagues. The exhibit floor closes at 1:30. Lunch will be served buffet style so you can walk, talk and shop.
June 9, 2022
1:45-4:00PM
Plant Manager Round Table (For Plant Manger/Site Manager Only)
Tim Harris, Site Manager, Eastman - Facilitator
Floral B
This is an afternoon session of discussion and brain-storming for topics important to the Plant Manager. This is closed to all other attendees.