Chemical security is certainly not an everyday topic, so getting the most updated information on CFATS isn't always easy. But there are some good resources out there. Here are a few places to look for good info:
- DHS (Department of Homeland Security) - the department has put on its website a lot of information about CFATS. There are a number of guides for navigating the process and a list of frequently asked questions. There is also a helpline openfrom 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. eastern and a help desk where you can submit a question and have it answered by someone at DHS.
-Webinars and seminars - a number of industry associations and security providers and suppliers hold seminars featuring experienced CFATS consultants and experts and in many cases these events also feature a speaker from DHS. Some are even held online as Web events and let you sit at your desk while you learn. Look for these on the websites of industry organizations or magazines like this one.
- Industry organizations - There are number of organizations dedicated to the chemical industry that are trying to keep their membership and others in the industry informed. You might want to look into the website for the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) and National Petroleum & Refiners Association (NPRA) to name a few.
Another good place to get educated about chemical security and CFATS is through trade magazines and blogs. I'm going to do my best to get as much information out there as possible, but there are other good sources that you may want to check out.
- Trade magazines- Magazines like this one offer a number of excellent articles on CFATS providing important backgroundand "how to" advice. Look for magazines with a focus on the chemical industryor security.
- Chemical Facility Security News blog, written by PJ Coyle, is all things chemical securityand covers the topic in depth. Accordingto the blogger's bio, he spent 12 years working as a process chemist in aspecialty chemical company and knows the industry.
- Homeland Security Law & Regulation blog is put out by The Roberts Law Group PLLC, a niche law firmout of Houston.It covers Homeland Security and Policy issues.
There are more good sources available, but these are a few that I have seen that I think are particularly good and can be very helpful for learning about chemical security and specifically the CFATS regulations. If there are others out there that you like let me know. As I have said before we can all benefit from sharing information.
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