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Major Accident Control Measures PDF
Major Accident Control Measures PDF
PRESPECTIVE
1. INTRODUCTION property from hazards of the chemical
industry.
More emphasis on efficiency, production,
growth and progress puts a strong 2.1 Legislative Measures
commercial pressure on the chemical
industry to use modern technology, large The concern of the Government of India has
size plants, larger inventory of materials and been reflected in amending the Factories
faster processes of production. In order to Act, 1948 in 1987 and enacting the
meet the demand and keep the production Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The
costs as low as possible, many large following are the main three objectives of
processing and storage plants have been the amendments besides strengthening many
constructed and complex processes other provisions of the Factories Act – (a) to
developed which sometimes operate under regulate the location of hazardous process
extreme processing conditions. Of all the industry in such a manner that it does not
industries, chemical, petorchemical and cause adverse effects to its neighbourhood;
allied industries have tbe potential of (b) to involve workers in safety
causing major accident hazards leading to management; and (c) to provide measures
serious consequences to the plant for safe handling of hazardous substances.
installations and neighbouring community.
Proliferation of human settlements Clause(iv) of Sub-Section 3(2) of the
surroundings such industrial nuclei cause Environment (Protection) Act lays emphasis
serious concern for human safety, protection on the responsibility of the Central
of other life, property and the environment. Government for prescribing procedures and
safeguards for prevention of accidents
Today industrialisation is no more viewed which may cause substantial damage to life
as a harmless tool for progress and and to take remedial measures in case of
prosperity. The world’s worst industrial such emergencies. In view of this, an inter-
tragedy of Bhopal, recent fire in a refinery Ministerial Working Group was constituted
in Visakhapatnam and several other in October, 1986 by the Government of
incidents involving release of toxic and India to discuss various related issues and
flammable gases in different parts of the recommend necessary policies and
country have raised considerable doubts in procedures for implementation.
the minds of public about the safety and
reliability of chemical process industry. Subsequently the following regulations
Therefore, a strong need was felt necessary came into effect :
that the existing system of safety should be
strengthened and a nationwide awareness v The Manufacture, Storage and Import
and competence building developed to of Hazardous Chemicals (MSIHC)
contain major emergencies arising out of Rules, 1989 and its amendments in
industrial accidents. 1990 and 1994.