The Hindu Business Line : `Specialised training a must to curb chemical disasters'

THE Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FAPCCI) has called for efforts to prevent and manage chemical accidents to avert large-scale destruction of lives and avoid damage to environment.

Addressing the two-day advanced training programme on prevention and management of chemical accidents here on Tuesday, Mr S.S.R. Koteswara Rao, President of FAPCCI, felt that specialised training was very essential in evolving safe manufacturing processes to prevent accidents.

Besides, specialised techniques should be put in place for handling accidents that might take place in spite of best efforts to prevent them.

Recognising the need for advanced training in this regard, the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), in association with FAPCCI and the Government, had decided to organise a series of training programmes at industrial hubs across the country.

"The ever-changing risk profile of the most chemical, bulk drug and pharmaceutical industries warrant periodic hazard identification exercises to avert major accidents and mishaps," he said.

"Chemical accidents are more dangerous and fatal than mechanical accidents that are normally localised," he said.

Some of the chemical units meant to manufacture life-saving drugs and promote good health, turned out to be hazardous and life-threatening due to negligence or unscrupulousness in conforming with safety measures and safe-manufacturing process.

Later speaking on `Regulatory laws on accident prevention, compensation, production, storage and transportation of chemicals,' Mr Surendra Kumar, Secretary of Global Geohydrogeological Solutions, singled out lack of awareness and education as major reasons for the poor state of affairs.

The Bhopal gas tragedy had ushered in a series of legislations covering a variety of aspects to ensure safety, he said.

Regretting the lack of knowledge on consequences of chemical accidents, he said even people in important positions didn't have proper understanding.

"I asked a top official how he would react on hearing an alarm signalling a chemical accident. He said he would rush to the spot," Mr Kumar said.

Rushing to the spot in such cases without proper care would do no good, he added.

More Stories on : Chemicals | Accidents | Andhra Pradesh

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