Safety

Workplace Safety
General Motors has taken the lead for facility safety due to its expertise, long track record of environmental stewardship, and safe working environment. Ultium will implement the GM Workplace Safety System and be ISO compliant. Additional information about GM safety culture, systems, risk mitigation, data-driven decision-making, recordable incidence rate, and lost workday case rates can be viewed on the GM Sustainability page.

Material Handling
The plant will be equipped with a fire sprinkler system, and any transfer of materials would take place over hardened areas equipped with separators.

The raw materials (RM) used in production are powder and stored in a specially designed dry room within the facility. The RM ship in a super sack on a pallet. Materials are labeled by pallet and sack, allowing for monitoring and tracking throughout the facility. The RM will be shipped to the facility in a secured container or trailer and unloaded via a forklift. The operator will not need to wear additional PPE beyond the standard eye protection and steel-toed shoes.

• Transfer of electrolytes would take place under nitrogen pressure, eliminating the possibility of substance emission and leakage sensors located on the valves.
• The tank-unloading stand is surrounded by a trough equipped with sumps, and the floor is covered with chemical-resistant resin.
• Used or expired mixtures of chemicals and laboratory reagents would be selectively stored in closed, labeled containers, resistant to substances contained in waste, in a separate location on the premises. The storage location is protected against weather conditions and unauthorized access.

As a result of the measures to address health and safety—including best management practices (BMP), compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and standards, plans for preventing chemical spills and potential mishandling of hazardous materials, response plans, and the facility's experience with handling and use of the same hazardous materials—impacts related to health and safety from use of hazardous materials during construction and operation are not anticipated.

Public and Occupational Health and Safety
Various hazardous chemicals are used throughout the battery cell–manufacturing process. Currently, no regulated substances per Section 112(r) of the CAA (Risk Management Plan) would be used. However, the Project would be using carbon nanotubes, and, as such, Ultium has registered carbon nanotubes on the chemical inventory, as required by the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976, and submitted an application in September 2021 to EPA.

• As of May 2022, EPA is reviewing the application. Ultium would comply with Toxic Substance Control Act regulations, as required by EPA. Ultium would employ a chemical-control process that evaluates all new chemicals for environmental and safety regulatory implications prior to that chemical being brought on site. In addition, Ultium would use a software program to track chemical purchases monthly that would be able to run reports to notify the site if any chemicals used trigger CAA Section 112(r) requirements.

Ultium would implement its safety management system, Workplace Safety System. This system includes precautionary, preventative, and emergency response information regarding the potential release of these hazardous substances.

• Ultium would implement its safety management system, Workplace Safety System. This system includes precautionary, preventative, and emergency response information regarding the potential release of these hazardous substances.
• Ultium has prescriptive internal Performance Standards for respiratory protection, chemical-exposure assessment and management, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ultium would develop and provide training for all workers who handle hazardous chemicals. Workers would be required to wear the necessary PPE, have access to necessary response supplies in the event of accidental release, and know how to respond in an emergency.

Safe work practices are important for all individuals working with hazardous substances, so that they understand the potential risks, necessary safety precautions, and proper response in the event of an accidental contact/release.

Fire Training
The plant will be equipped with a fire sprinkler system, and any transfer of materials would take place over hardened areas equipped with separators. Ultium will provide fire training to the New Carlisle Olive Township Fire Territory, the Warren Township Fire Department, the Clay Fire Territory, and the South Bend Fire Department regarding the handling of chemicals associated with spills for chemicals used by the Company as well as appropriate fire response training in the event of a fire at the facility.

The South Bend Fire Department and local fire department would be informed of potential hazards associated with the facility, facility construction, and layout information for the project site to ensure first responders and the public are protected from exposure to potentially hazardous situations (e.g., toxic smoke or vapors) in the event of a fire or industrial accident.

Source: Department of Energy Environmental Assessment