So far this year, 9 serious accidents involving hazardous chemicals have taken place in China. In accordance with a recent notice of the State Administration of Work Safety (SAWS) isued in response to these events, administrative measures will be used to enhance the supervision of the chemical industry, especially companies involved in hazardous chemical manufacture and operation.
Local Administrations of Work Safety are required to organize relevant personnel competency tests for those in charge of installations and safety management after an initial period of retraining. Those who fail the tests should be discharged from their position.
The inspection on worksites involving hot work or confined spaces will be strengthened, and that on Hazardous Chemicals under Priority Management, Hazardous Chemical Processes under Priority Management and Major Hazardous Installations more frequent. Incompliant enterprises will be fined, while repeat offenders will be subject to the top penalty.
If a hazardous chemical enterprise has acquired the safe production/ operation permit but is found to be responsible for workplace accidents, the relevant permit will be temporarily revoked or even withdrawn.
In addition, Technical Standards on the Safety Production Warning System (Trial) was released for industries involved in metallurgy, nonferrous metals, construction, machinery, light industry, textile, tobacco and relevant trade sectors. SAWS will offer assistance for companies who have difficulties implementing the standards. (Contact: 010-64463853)
