Altamonte Springs, FL - Apr 28, 2005 The Board of Environmental, Health & Safety Auditor Certifications (BEAC) is pleased to announce the formation of a strategic agreement between the American Chemistry Council (ACC), BEAC, and RABQSA International (RABQSA) regarding Responsible Care® Auditor Certification. This agreement is intended to facilitate the ongoing certification of auditors for the ACC's Responsible Care® Auditor Certification process.

Individuals seeking certification as a Responsible Care® Auditor from either BEAC or RABQSA are required to meet the requirements as defined in the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care® Certification Auditor Qualification and Training Requirements (RC205.03). As defined in ACC's RC205.03, one of the required elements necessary to obtain certification is the successful passing of an auditor examination. Under the strategic agreement between ACC, BEAC, and, RABQSA, all applicants seeking certification will be required to take the BEAC Responsible Care® Auditor examination.

Applicants for Responsible Care® Auditor Certification may submit an application to either BEAC or RAB in accordance with the ACC requirements as outlined in RC205.03 certification criteria (www.responsiblecaretoolkit.com), or an applicant for Responsible Care® Auditor Certification may sit for the BEAC Responsible Care® examination prior to making application to either BEAC or RABQSA. Pre- registration for the examination is required and applicants should contact the BEAC office to register. The exam registration form and exam schedule is posted on the BEAC website at www.beac.org. The examination fee for those registering for the examination prior to application to either BEAC or RAB is $300 Those applicants wishing to submit an application to BEAC for Responsible Care® Auditor Certification will be required to submit an additional $95 This includes the first year's certification fee. Applicants who successfully qualify for the BEAC Responsible Care® Auditor Certification will be awarded the designation of Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA).

The qualification requirements for auditors as defined in RC205.03 are being phased-in during 2005. Prior to June 30, 2005, all auditors performing Responsible Care® audits (RCMS or RC14001) must have successfully completed an approved Responsible Care® Training Course. After July 1, 2005, in addition to the training course, each auditor must have made application with either BEAC or RABQSA and either be certified or conditionally certified in order to continue performing Responsible Care® audits. Conditionally certified indicates that the individual has met all qualification requirements except the completion of the exam requirement. Conditionally certified auditors have until December 31, 2005 to successfully complete the examination requirement. Effective January 1, 2006, all auditors must be fully certified by BEAC or RABQSA to conduct Responsible Care® certification audits.