American Coatings Association

Security within the chemical sector remains an important state and federal issue in light of potential adverse effects that might arise from a terrorist attack at chemical manufacturing, storage, or transportation facilities. As a result of the passage of legislation known as the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has jurisdiction over chemical sector security and has been steadily implementing CFATS since 2006.

In the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, ACA created the Security Code under Coatings Care®, which seeks to assist member companies in their efforts to conduct their day-to-day plant operations in a manner that is consistent with established health, safety, and environmental practices. An accompanying Implementation Guide is designed to help members manage the risks associated with terrorist actions directed against their sites and resources.

Although there is no formal association committee with responsibility to monitor and address security issues, ACA has created an ad hoc security group that identifies concerns and assists staff in developing appropriate industry responses on key issues. Several ACA committees routinely address certain regulated security issues, including the Occupational Health and Safety Committee (workplace security, including site access), the Transportation and Distribution Committee (transport security requirements under DOT), and the Product Stewardship Committee.

Additionally, ACA participates in the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) as a member of the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council (CSSC). CIPAC is a Congressionally-established mechanism to facilitate interaction between government officials and each of the critical infrastructure or key resources (CIKR) sectors identified in the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP). ACA, along with other trade association members of the CSCC, works in partnership with DHS in order to develop more effective ways to enhance chemical security.

For more information on this subject, please contact ACA’s This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit the DHS Chemical Security/Critical Infrastructure website.