Local chemical manufacturers to face rigid inspections

Local chemical manufacturers to face rigid inspections

• Source: Global Times
• [09:09 March 24 2011]
• Comments

Firefighters approach a chemical truck during a hazardous spill training exercise at Baizhifang Bridge in Xicheng district on June 18, 2010. Photo: CFP

By Fang Yunyu

The manufacturing of dangerous chemical goods will be inspected and an information platform to monitor such products established to minimize the risk of accidents, the city's Administration of Work Safety told the Global Times Wednesday.

Japan's ongoing nuclear crisis has served as a pointed reminder to local authorities and civilians to remain vigilant when it comes to the safe production of chemical goods.

Dangerous products, including petroleum, gas and paint, are those that can possibly cause fires, explosions, corrosion, or those to which exposure could damage facilities or the environment or poison people, according to the State Administration of Work Safety.

"We've issued an emergency check-up request notice to all chemical production units in the city to eliminate accident risks," Wu Shuang, the Beijing administration's spokeswoman, told the Global Times.

Moreover, the administration's director Zhang Jiaming announced Wednesday on a city service and management radio program that an information platform to monitor hazards will launch in June or July this year.

The network will use the Internet to wirelessly connect the administration to chemical production units, storage warehouses and retail outlets.

In the event of a leakage or an emergency, the administration will be able to respond promptly, according to a news release provided by the administration.

In December last year, authorities also announced that the capital's only legal market for selling dangerous chemicals will be established by 2015, and will deliver chemical goods to buyers directly as a way to avoid accidents in retail venues and during transport.