Security measures should be augmented in industries: DC

District Collector K Vetri Selvi has asked the management of industries to augment security measures to avert mishaps in industries.
The Collector held a District Crisis Group (DCG) meeting with the representative of industries and officials here on Wednesday and reviewed the steps taken by the management for the safety of workers and to avert mishaps.
Speaking on the occasion, Collector Vetri Selvi said that if the internal audit is completed, the respective industries would be inspected by the district level officials by expert committees and all measures will be taken to ensure safety as per the prescribed standards.
She recalled that the Chief Minister is giving the highest priority for the industry’s security. All the industries in the district should take full safety measures and conduct mock drills on safety measures to create awareness on how to deal with any incidents and accidents.
“Small negligence in factories can lead to big accidents. The officials of Industries, Labour, Factories, Pollution Control and Fire Departments should work in coordination. Standard operation and protocol to be undertaken for safety and prevention of accidents in industries under red categories should be strictly followed,” the Collector told the officials.
Vetri Selvi said that security has to be strengthened in all the industries in the district in the background of recent accidents in different parts of the state, adding that the workers and the public should be made aware of accidents prevention and emergency measures to be taken during accidents by conducting mock drills frequently.
“The fire prevention equipment installed in the industries should be checked from time to time so that it works properly. Steps should be taken to establish a safety officer in every industry in the district and ensure that they get the training given by the district fire prevention officer,” the Collector ordered the officials.
The Collector asked the management of industries to obtain NOC from the District Fire Officer. All applicable legal provisions as per Act 1948 and AP Factory Rules 1950 are to be implemented in the factory. The Hazardous Chemicals Rules Act, 1989 should be implemented in relation to manufacturing, storage and import aspects. Phone numbers of nearby hospitals, police and other emergency services departments should be kept available for contact in case of accidents, she stated.
SP K P Siva Kishore said that every industry should have a clear contingency plan on how to respond immediately and what steps to take in case of any accident or disaster. Special attention should also be given to the entry ways of vehicles in the industries, he said, adding that an alarm system should be set up to alert the workers in the industries and the people of the surrounding villages when accidents occur.
Deputy Inspector of Factories R Trinath Rao, District Industries GM Adiseshu and deputy commissioner of labour P Srinivas and pollution control board EE Najeena Begam were among those who attended the meeting.