Calendar2014
Information for
our neighbours
The Solvay Group’s strapline, “Asking more from Chemistry”,
sets an ambitious, positive tone for the future which we are
embracing at Oldbury. The double rainbow arching over the
site was captured by our Site Director, Jean-Francois, on an
otherwise gloomy January day.
Neighbours of the Solvay Oldbury Site – which sits at the heart of the Langley community in the
West Midlands – will have noticed changes during 2013 as our old Rhodia signs were replaced
with the Solvay name and logo.
For us, this was more than just swapping one set of signs for another. Rhodia’s integration with Solvay
has proved to be a resounding success, and the Oldbury Site is now part of one of the leading chemical
companies in the world. During Solvay’s 150th anniversary year in 2013 the launch of a dynamic new logo
– now flying above the Oldbury Site – and a strapline, “Asking more from Chemistry”, set an ambitious,
positive tone for the future which we are embracing here at Oldbury as we look forward to the future.
Globally, Solvay is a company which employs around 29,000 people in 55 countries. Although it is a listed
company, the founding families remain major shareholders, providing stability and solidity. The Solvay
Group is firmly committed to sustainable development, operational excellence and innovation, and we and
our neighbours benefit from that here at Oldbury.
These qualities – along with Solvay’s stated ambition in its 150th year to ‘ask more from chemistry’ – also
continue to inform how we work here at the Oldbury Site: searching for continuous improvement, driving for
operational excellence and making sure we remain accountable to you, our neighbours, as we do so. This
year’s calendar is designed to give you an insight into the activities of the people who work here, as we aim
to share some of the ‘spirit’ of Solvay throughout the coming year.
The Oldbury Site produces intermediates for the manufacture of a wide range of products including
pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, water treatment chemicals and flame retardants.
We are committed to achieving high standards of health, safety and environmental protection and as
members of the Chemical Industries Association we endorse the Responsible Care programme. We are also
committed to an open relationship with our neighbours. Langley Residents’ Association, which meets four
times a year, provides an opportunity for anyone to find out more about our operations or raise concerns.
We also produce a community newsletter every six months which is delivered to over 5,000 households.
WHAT HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
DO WE HANDLE?
Toxic and very toxic – substances which may be poisonous
if inhaled, swallowed or come into contact with the skin in
sufficient quantities.
Highly Flammable – substances that will burn easily.
Dangerous to the environment – substances that would
damage the environment if they leaked into the ground or into
streams or rivers, or if they were released to the air.
Corrosive – substances which cause damage to skin, eyes or
other parts of the body on contact.
The information contained in this calendar is
important – please keep it in a safe place.
Occupiers of premises should ensure that everybody on the premises understands the instructions.
Responsible persons in business/community premises should also be familiar with the information so
that they may instruct occupants in the event of an incident.
The information should be kept in an accessible place and passed onto any subsequent occupier.
Additional copies may be obtained from Solvay at the site address below.
The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH) apply to the Oldbury Site. These
regulations aim to “prevent major accidents and limit their consequences to people and the
environment”. These regulations require us to:
• Haveanon-siteemergencyplan.
• Provideessentialsafetyinformationforthelocalcommunity.
• Prepareasafetyreportcoveringthemajorhazardsarisingfromouroperations.Thisreporthasbeen
assessed by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.
• Collaboratewiththeemergencyservicesinthepreparationofanoff-siteemergencyplan.Thisplan
has been prepared by the West Midlands Fire Service and has taken into account information from
our safety report.
This calendar contains essential safety information for the local community. It tells you about the
products we manufacture, the materials we use, the hazards that could arise from these substances
and the plans that are in place to protect you in the unlikely event of a major incident.
HOW COULD THESE MATERIALS
AFFECT PEOPLE AND THE
ENVIRONMENT?
The type of incidents which could be caused by the hazardous
materialson-siteinclude:
• Releaseoftoxicand/orcorrosivematerialsmayresultinthe
formation of a toxic/corrosive cloud, either at low level or at a
level above that of surrounding buildings.
• Inhalationoftoxicmaterialmayresultinshorttermorlong
term effects to the health of the person concerned.
• Contactwithcorrosivematerialmayresultinshorttermor
long term effects to the health of the person concerned.
• Releaseofahighlyflammablevapour,withsubsequent
ignition may result in an explosion with the potential
for damage both within the Solvay site and beyond its
boundaries.
• Areleaseofmaterialswhichfindsitswayintolocalwater
courses may result in the aquatic life being severely affected.
NOVEMBER2014
SAT
1
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WED 5
THU 6
FRI
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SAT
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TUE 11
In the unlikely event WED
of a major
12 emergency involving the release of a toxic
substance, the off-site
siren13
would be sounded for five minutes and the
THU
police would issue information
FRI
14 and advice via the local radio and television
channels and by anySAT
other means
deemed appropriate.
15
SUN
16
It is important that you
co-operate
fully with any instructions from the
MON
17
emergency services.
TUE 18
After any gas cloud WED
has passed,
the police, through local radio stations,
19
would broadcast advice
on
the
action
to be taken.
THU 20
21fumes and experiencing breathing difficulties,
Anyone affected by FRI
toxic gas
SAT
22 and chest raised, and kept warm until
should be kept at rest
with head
23 Advice can be sought from NHS Direct,
medical attention is SUN
available.
telephone 111.
MON 24
TUE 25
These radio stations would be used by the police to broadcast advice:
WED 26
Radio WM – 95.6 FM
THU 27
BRMB
– 96.4 FM
FRI
28
SAT
29
SUN 30
ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC
WHAT DO WE DO TO PREVENT
INCIDENTS?
All processes at Oldbury are designed and constructed to exacting
engineering standards and strict operating procedures are in
force on all operating units. The Health and Safety Executive, the
Environment Agency and our insurers assess all our processes
and procedures regularly. The company also has its own system
of internal safety inspections and we are proud to score in the top
10% of all Solvay sites. We can only achieve this by the expertise
and dedication of our employees.
If you require further information regarding COMAH, public copies
of the site safety report are available from the offices of the Health
and Safety Executive. You can also contact our Site Director:
Mr.Jean-FrancoisBerthiaume
Solvay Oldbury
POBox80
Trinity Street
Oldbury
WestMidlandsB694LN
Telephone: 0121 552 3333
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FRI
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SAT
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The off-site alarm
is tested annually. During the test the alarm siren will
SUN 14
be sounded
for approximately 60 seconds. You do not need to take
MON on
15these occasions. The alarm is designed to be heard up
any action
TUE
to 1km
from 16
the site.
WED
17
In 2014 the test will be carried out at 12 noon on 1st October.
THU 18
If you hear the off-site alarm at any other time, follow the instructions
FRI
19
on the
left entitled
“Advice to the Public”.
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TUE 30
WED 31
ANNUAL TEST OF
OFF-SITE ALARM
DECEMBER2014
SOLVAY OLDBURY: ASKING MORE FROM CHEMISTRY
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FEBRUARY 2014
JANUARY 2014
The Solvay Oldbury
gatehouse – and the
pretty black and gold
clock that sits above it
– is a familiar local
landmark. Behind the
window are friendly
faces such as Marvin
and Janice, who greet
visitors, help out delivery
drivers and keep an eye
on site security at the
same time.
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APRIL 2014
MARCH 2014
Solvay Oldbury is committed to keeping our neighbours up-to-date with
activities, including local MP Adrian Bailey who has visted the site several
times. Here, members of the Langley Residents’ Association take part in a site
tour for a ‘behind the scenes’ view! Mark is showing an interested visitor how
monitoring equipment is used to test for even minute weaknesses in pipework.
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JUNE 2014
MAY 2014
Regular monitoring and maintenance of complex equipment is vital
to the safe and successful operation of the Solvay Oldbury site. Our
maintenance and electrical teams continue the proud tradition of
mechanical engineering and manufacturing in the West Midlands.
Here, Alex, one of our young apprentices, is learning valuable skills
that will stand him in good stead for the future.
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AUGUST 2014
JULY 2014
All the products we make here have started their lives in a laboratory.
We’re currently developing ideas for new products at the Oldbury
Site for applications such as fertilisers and pharmaceuticals, which
could end up being sold around the globe if they make it through
rigorous tests. John here is making a product sample for a potential
customer in Canada who works in oilfields – getting the formulation
right is the first step.
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OFF-SITE ALARM TEST 12 NOON
OCTOBER 2014
SEPTEMBER 2014
Solvay Oldbury is a manufacturing site which uses a variety of
chemicals, and as such we take safety extremely seriously. We have
our own, highly trained, on-site fire crew which can swing into action
and provide first response in the unlikely event of incident – this crew
is underway with one of their weekly practice sessions. We also
undertake regular exercises alongside West Midlands Fire Service.
Remember we’ll be testing our off-site alarm on October 1st!
SOLVAY OLDBURY: ASKING MORE FROM CHEMISTRY
Neighbours of the Solvay Oldbury Site – which sits at the heart of the Langley community in the
West Midlands – will have noticed changes during 2013 as our old Rhodia signs were replaced
with the Solvay name and logo.
For us, this was more than just swapping one set of signs for another. Rhodia’s integration with Solvay
has proved to be a resounding success, and the Oldbury Site is now part of one of the leading chemical
companies in the world. During Solvay’s 150th anniversary year in 2013 the launch of a dynamic new logo
– now flying above the Oldbury Site – and a strapline, “Asking more from Chemistry”, set an ambitious,
positive tone for the future which we are embracing here at Oldbury as we look forward to the future.
Globally, Solvay is a company which employs around 29,000 people in 55 countries. Although it is a listed
company, the founding families remain major shareholders, providing stability and solidity. The Solvay
Group is firmly committed to sustainable development, operational excellence and innovation, and we and
our neighbours benefit from that here at Oldbury.
These qualities – along with Solvay’s stated ambition in its 150th year to ‘ask more from chemistry’ – also
continue to inform how we work here at the Oldbury Site: searching for continuous improvement, driving for
operational excellence and making sure we remain accountable to you, our neighbours, as we do so. This
year’s calendar is designed to give you an insight into the activities of the people who work here, as we aim
to share some of the ‘spirit’ of Solvay throughout the coming year.
The Oldbury Site produces intermediates for the manufacture of a wide range of products including
pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, water treatment chemicals and flame retardants.
We are committed to achieving high standards of health, safety and environmental protection and as
members of the Chemical Industries Association we endorse the Responsible Care programme. We are also
committed to an open relationship with our neighbours. Langley Residents’ Association, which meets four
times a year, provides an opportunity
for anyone
find out
more
about our
operations
or raise
concerns. does
Christmas
is atotime
for
giving
– but
Solvay
Oldbury
We also produce a community newsletter every six months which is delivered to over 5,000 households.
The information contained in this calendar is
important – please keep it in a safe place.
Occupiers of premises should ensure that everybody on the premises understands the instructions.
Responsible persons in business/community premises should also be familiar with the information so
that they may instruct occupants in the event of an incident.
The information should be kept in an accessible place and passed onto any subsequent occupier.
Additional copies may be obtained from Solvay at the site address below.
The Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations (COMAH) apply to the Oldbury Site. These
regulations aim to “prevent major accidents and limit their consequences to people and the
environment”. These regulations require us to:
• Haveanon-siteemergencyplan.
• Provideessentialsafetyinformationforthelocalcommunity.
• Prepareasafetyreportcoveringthemajorhazardsarisingfromouroperations.Thisreporthasbeen
assessed by the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.
• Collaboratewiththeemergencyservicesinthepreparationofanoff-siteemergencyplan.Thisplan
has been prepared by the West Midlands Fire Service and has taken into account information from
our safety report.
This calendar contains essential safety information for the local community. It tells you about the
products we manufacture, the materials we use, the hazards that could arise from these substances
and the plans that are in place to protect you in the unlikely event of a major incident.
it all year round through payroll giving. We’ve been
awarded a Gold Payroll Giving Quality Mark by the Charities Aid Foundation in recognition of our employees’
commitment
to regular charitableHOW
giving,COULD
with the THESE
majority of
funds going to local causes.
Glenn,
WHAT HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS
MATERIALS
WHAT DO
WEVic,
DOSue
TO PREVENT
and
Janice
(above)
sit
on
our
Give
as
You
Earn
committee
and
get
a
lot
of
satisfaction
out
of
arranging
for
DO WE HANDLE?
AFFECT PEOPLE AND THE
INCIDENTS?
donations to be made to our 12 chosen
charities – as does Steve, who’s pictured (below middle) on a
ENVIRONMENT?
Toxic and very toxic mountain
– substances which
may
be
poisonous
All processes
top after one of the major fundraising activities he carries out in his ‘spare’
time. at Oldbury are designed and constructed to exacting
The type of incidents which could be caused by the hazardous
materialson-siteinclude:
Highly Flammable – substances that will burn easily.
Dangerous to the environment – substances that would
damage the environment if they leaked into the ground or into
streams or rivers, or if they were released to the air.
Corrosive – substances which cause damage to skin, eyes or
other parts of the body on contact.
• Releaseoftoxicand/orcorrosivematerialsmayresultinthe
formation of a toxic/corrosive cloud, either at low level or at a
level above that of surrounding buildings.
• Inhalationoftoxicmaterialmayresultinshorttermorlong
term effects to the health of the person concerned.
• Contactwithcorrosivematerialmayresultinshorttermor
long term effects to the health of the person concerned.
• Releaseofahighlyflammablevapour,withsubsequent
ignition may result in an explosion with the potential
for damage both within the Solvay site and beyond its
boundaries.
NOVEMBER2014
• Areleaseofmaterialswhichfindsitswayintolocalwater
courses may result in the aquatic life being severely affected.
SAT
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engineering standards and strict operating procedures are in
force on all operating units. The Health and Safety Executive, the
Environment Agency and our insurers assess all our processes
and procedures regularly. The company also has its own system
of internal safety inspections and we are proud to score in the top
10% of all Solvay sites. We can only achieve this by the expertise
and dedication of our employees.
If you require further information regarding COMAH, public copies
of the site safety report are available from the offices of the Health
and Safety Executive. You can also contact our Site Director:
Mr.Jean-FrancoisBerthiaume
Solvay Oldbury
POBox80
Trinity Street
Oldbury
WestMidlandsB694LN
Telephone: 0121 552 3333
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DECEMBER2014
if inhaled, swallowed or come into contact with the skin in
sufficient quantities.
ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC What you should do in the event of an emergency:
Go indoors.
Passers-bywillalsobe
at risk, consideration
should be given to
inviting them indoors.
Close all windows and
doors.
Switch off ventilation fans
and gas appliances.
If possible go to an upper
floor room.
Blockincomingdraughts.
Stay calm and rest.
Listen to local radio for
further information.
Co-operatefullywith
instructions given by the
Emergency Services.
Wait indoors until the all
clear message is given.
Do not collect children
from school. They will be
properly cared for.
Do not light matches or
other naked flames.
Do not use the
telephone.
Keep the lines free for
emergency use.