HOUSTON, March 31, 2009 – LyondellBasell Industries today announced it received Union Pacific Corporation’s Pinnacle Award for chemical transportation safety because of safe loading techniques, secured shipments and zero non-accident releases (NARs) during 2008. LyondellBasell transported approximately 86 percent of its total U.S. rail chemical shipments on Union Pacific lines.
The company was one of only seven Union Pacific chemical and petrochemical customers in the U.S. recognized for superior safety performance for transporting more than 3,000 shipments of products classified as hazardous without incident. LyondellBasell manufacturing facilities transporting chemicals on Union Pacific lines include plants located in Pasadena, Channelview and La Porte, Texas, and Clinton, Iowa.
"This recognition acknowledges our employees’ commitment to the safe transportation of the company’s products during the entire delivery process, from the manufacturing sites to our customers," said James W. Bayer, senior vice president of U.S. Manufacturing and Health, Safety and Environment. "Achieving zero non-accident releases of chemical shipments is indicative of our belief that all incidents are preventable, and demonstrates we continue to embrace this value each day to ensure the safety of our employees, contractors, customers and the community."
In 1996, Union Pacific initiated the Chemical Transportation Safety Pinnacle Award to reinforce safe chemical transportation for its customers. This award, instituted after meeting with and considering the needs of its chemical shippers, was designed to increase shipper awareness of NARs by recognizing those shippers who take an instrumental role in preventing NAR incidents. The award program, open to all chemical shippers, annually honors those companies which have successful prevention and corrective plans and a rate of zero NARs for shipments of regulated hazardous materials. Based on UPRR's car handling statistics, customers are divided into four categories (more than 3,000 cars, 1,000-3,000 cars, 999-500 cars and less than 500), and the awards are distributed accordingly.
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About LyondellBasell Industries
LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world's largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. It is the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; and a significant producer of fuels and refined products, including biofuels. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) is privately owned by Access Industries.
SOURCE: LyondellBasell Industries
Media Contact: Aaron Woods, +1 281 862 4485