CCS Mission and History

The Committee on Chemical Safety has as its prime responsibility the encouragement of safe practices in chemical activities. The committee serves as a resource to the chemical professional in providing advice and counsel on the handling of chemicals, and seeks to ensure safe facilities, designs, and operations by calling attention to potential hazards and stimulating education in safe chemical practices.  The Committee also provides advice to other ACS units on matters related to chemical safety and health. 

The Committee on Chemical Safety was created in 1963. The first meeting of was at the 145th ACS National Meeting, Americana Hotel, New York, NY. Following is an excerpt of the minutes prepared by Secretary Arthur H. Christian:

The Committee met in open session on Monday, September 9, 1963, from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. with six of its members present. A total of 23 visitors signed the register. Chairman H.K. Livingston opened the meeting by reviewing the recommendations of the ad hoc committee for establishment of this committee, the programs of the Committee, and progress to date. He emphasized its interest in determining members' views and suggestions for Society activities in the area of chemical safety and accident prevention. As one way of achieving this goal, he noted that liaison had been established with several of the Council Standing Committees. Thereafter, discussion centered on the agenda topics which were published in C&EN, August 5, page 144. These were as follows:

• How to Make Chemists and Chemical Engineers Safety Conscious
• Relationship of Laboratory Design, Facilities, etc., in Various Settings

1. Educational Laboratories
2. Government Laboratories
3. Chemical Industry
4. Non-Chemical Industry
5. Home Chemical Activities

• Need for Local Programs
• Policing Public Representations of Safety
• Other Business