An Overview of Prevention & Management of Chemical Accidents in India

1. An Overview of Prevention & Management of Chemical Accidents in India K.M.AMANULLA Programme Director, Safety, Health & Environment Cell Kerala State Productivity Council by

2. Chemical Disasters • The biggest and largest tragedy of Chemical Accidents • Union Carbide, Bhopal – 3rd December, 1984 • Methyl Isocyanite

3. Prior to 1985 • Lack of legislative Support • No awareness on the extend of damage on an Industrial disaster • No criteria for identifying the major accident Hazard industry

4. Legislature Initiative after Bhopal Tragedy • Amendments to Factories Act, 1987 and the relevant rules • Introduction of Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and the Rules • MSIHC Rules, 1989 • Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996

5. Government Initiative • Strengthening the conventional role of enforcement • Pro-active promotional role • Supporting the agencies who are active in the field of management of chemical accidents

6. Judicial Activism • Land mark judgments • Supreme court monitoring committee • Role of Judiciary

7. International Support • ILO criteria for identification of MAH factories • Concept of APELL • Sharing of International Experience • Indo German – Inspection of Chemical Plants • Chemical Emergency Preparedness – UNEP - WEC Washington

8. Industry Initiative • Voluntary Certifications like ISO 14001 and OSHA 18000. • Industry organizations like Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Indian Management Association (IMA) • Tri-partite Associations like National Productivity council (NPC), National Safety Council of India (NSCI) and their state councils also involved in many activities

9. Trade Unions, NGO’s & Public • Large scope for more effective participation • Co-operation with industry, government and supplement their activities