STORY:
U.S. Chemical Plants Threatened by Y2K

Reuters is reporting that many American plants that process hazardous chemicals may be vulnerable to year 2000 computer bug failures.

In a report to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on the year 2000 computer problem, the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board said the so-called millennium bug could cause "significant" problems for the industry, including plant shutdowns, although multinational corporations should be ready in time.

It warned that small and medium-sized companies that process and store volatile chemicals could pose "large risks" to workers and surrounding communities because their plants were generally ill-prepared for the computer glitch.

According to the Reuters report, the industry is particularly vulnerable to year 2000 computer problems because those plants use such a wide variety of software and embedded microchips to control the temperature and mix of volatile chemicals.

In extreme cases, year 2000 failures could result in runaway chemical reactions and accidents. The cutoff of electrical, natural gas and water services to chemical plants would increase the threat.

Source: Reuters

DATE: 3/16/99

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