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Topics on this page:
Transportation accidents
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Safety through checks and training
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Responding to accidents swiftly
What customers expect from our logistics operations is clear: They want the products they have ordered to be delivered punctually and in the correct amount and quality. Products therefore have to be transported, handled and stored safely. By ensuring this, we fulfill our obligation to society when bringing products to our customers.
Last year, we came another step closer to achieving our goal of reducing transportation accidents. In 2007, there were 0.28 transportation accidents per 10,000 shipments (2006: 0.45). This value is based on the accidents reported to us by our logistics partners. Thanks to an improvement in our database, we will, as of 2008, also be able to report on the frequency of product emissions during shipping.
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Transportation accidents
Per 10,000 shipments (reduction compared with baseline 2003: -50%)
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We attribute the clear improvement compared with the previous year to our ongoing checks and assessments. However, we will have to continue making a substantial effort to ensure that our successes are sustainable. We are particularly committed to emerging economic regions in which the necessary infrastructure is only now being established. For this reason, we will be continuing to follow our transportation safety goal into the year 2020. We intend to achieve this goal through global standards, a powerful organization and reliable logistics partners. We outlined the existing rules and guidelines regarding transportation and distribution safety (TDS) Group-wide in a BASF directive in 2007. It determines responsibilities, requirements and assessment methods.
A key role is also played by our hazardous goods representatives, who ensure that internal, national and international regulations are adhered to in all transport operations. If an accident occurs, they collect and evaluate all the relevant information. Their reports help us to develop strategies and measures in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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Safety through checks and training
Internally, we continually assess and evaluate our performance using a globally coordinated procedure. Collaboration with our external logistics service providers is also oriented toward safety. To assess the performance of our carriers, we use recognized assessment systems such as the Safety Quality Assessment System (SQAS). This verification system was developed under the leadership of the European Chemical Association (CEFIC) and provides information regarding issues such as the training level of carrier employees, accident response times and equipment carried by vehicles.
BASF introduced a similar system for checking transportation companies in Asia back in 2005, the “Road Safety Assessment” (RSA). In 2007, we successfully established a process in China by independent reviewers assess carriers, the results can be used throughout the industry. A counterpart to the European SQAS has been set up under the patronage of the Association of International Chemical Manufacturers in China. In a move to promote distribution safety in Asia Pacific, BASF has been organizing special roadshows in various countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and Korea since October 2007.
Safety and quality assessment of marine transportation using tankers is organized on a global scale by the “Chemical Distribution Institute” (CDI). Independent specialists assess ship condition, equipment and operation. As a CDI member, BASF evaluates these safety reports and uses the results as a basis to decide which tankers to use for transportation.
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Responding to accidents swiftly
A swift and appropriate response is essential whenever accidents occur while chemicals are being transported. This is why we belong to networks that supply information and help in emergencies. These include TUIS and the International Chemical and Environmental (ICE) initiative. In addition, we have established a global network of emergency contact numbers and control centers that we plan to expand. These systems exist primarily in Europe as well as in North and South America. Regular training exercises ensure that the necessary standards are maintained and help to improve processes. We are also establishing similar networks in Asia.
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