Title: Chemical
Course: Critical Infrastructure: An Overview > Section: Course Content

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Chemical

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated the Chemical sector as one of the 16 sectors of critical infrastructure. The sector is tasked with reducing the vulnerability of chemical manufacturing and distribution in the United States [1]. The Sector Specific Agency (SSA) for the Chemical Sector is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The Chemical Sector has many aspects and encompasses more than one might first realize. There are five main chemical segments:

1. Basic Chemicals
2. Specialty Chemicals
3. Agricultural Chemicals
4. Pharmaceuticals
5. Consumer Products

[2]

This sector is usually thought of in terms of the chemical industry supply chain. “The chemical industry supply chain encompasses activities associated with the procurement of raw materials and with the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, transport, customer support, use, recycling, and disposal of chemical products” [1, p. 11].

The Chemical sector is divided into four key functional areas by DHS. These four functional areas are:

  1. Manufacturing Plants
  2. Transport Systems
  3. Warehousing and Storage Systems
  4. Chemical End Users

[1]

The chemical sector is very important. It interacts with many other sectors, in fact, it is dependent on many other sectors to remain fully functional. The transportation sector makes it possible for chemical products to be delivered to end users, the Information Technology sector is necessary because many parts of production, storage, and delivery are based on technology and networked components. The healthcare sector is dependent on the chemical sector because it supplies needed chemicals to pharmaceutical companies for medicines. Chemicals are also a necessary part of agriculture and food production, because chemicals make up our pesticides and fertilizers. Chemicals are used in the purification of our drinking water. Chemicals create the explosives needed to mine coal used in the energy sector.

Why is Chemical Infrastructure Considered Critical?

The chemical sector produces products that are, “…essential to many facets of modern life, including a safe water supply, energy production, increased food production, housing, healthcare, computer technology, and transportation. Our national and economic security, as well as our present standard of living, depends on the vitality of the Chemical Sector and the continued production and transportation of chemicals” [1, p. 11].

Dangers to Chemical Infrastructure

Cyber Threats

The chemical industry uses Information Technology, has networked machinery and computers, and is therefore at risk to cyber security threats.

Terrorist Threats

The explosive qualities of many chemicals means that terrorists are a concern for some chemical plants, storage facilities and transporters. In fact, the DHS has devised specialized “Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards” to help mitigate terrorist threats. Security is a huge determining factor in the safety of chemical facilities from terrorist activities.

Accidents, Et Cetera

The volatile nature of chemicals also means that those who handle and produce chemical products must be diligent in handling, maintenance, security, and emergency procedures. The DHS has information readily available to help those in the industry stay up-to-date on best practices, and those in the industry can get assistance in complying with rules, regulations, and best practices. Natural disasters also pose a threat to the chemical sector, but these threats can be lessened with careful planning, adherence to best practices, and compliance with regulations.

Often occupational safety and health organizations (like OSHA, MSHA, or similar) as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation or other organizations may work with the chemical sector in addition to DHS. Together these organizations help oversee the security and safety of those in and around the chemical sector.