Terming chlorination of water at municipal bodies as high-risk areas for chlorine leaks, Joint Chief Inspector of Factories D. Chandrasekhar Varma says chlorine suppliers need to look into emergency handling as the civic bodies lack basic amenities there.
Addressing a workshop on ‘Water chlorination and safe-handling of chlorine’ organised by Alkali Manufacturers’ Association of India and The Andhra Sugars Limited, Tanuku, here on Wednesday, he said suppliers should take up safety audit before supplying chlorine. Narrating his experience, he said that in spite of a DO letter to municipalities he could not make them do a little bit to improve the state of affairs.
At Narsapur in West Godavari district, the chlorination plant was located 15 metres away from thickly populated areas, with children virtually playing in the yard where chlorine was delivered.
A simple valve failure would lead to panic, jams, and a situation where even safety equipment could not be moved, Mr. Varma said, and added that it was the ethical responsibility of manufacturers to train consumers.
The basic premise for setting up chemical industries had undergone a sea change with ethical and sustainable development and cradle-to-grave life cycle responsibilities.
Quoting the instance of a pharmaceutical unit in Srikakulam district, he said an accident led to the community insisting on documentation and safety for all 44 products once again in spite of the government and pollution control board’s permission.
With villagers carrying out a sustained movement, they had to be explained the safety procedures taken by official teams.
Joint Director (Safety, Health and Environment) of AMAI presided and later conducted the training classes.
Chlorination of water at municipal bodies is risky. Suppliers need to look into emergency handling as civic bodies lack basic amenities.
D. Chandrasekhar Varma
Joint Chief Inspector of Factories
