25 lives lost in last ‡ve months in ‡recracker blasts, says PESO Controller of Explosives

There were at least 10 incidents of ™re accidents reported in ™reworks units in the last ™ve months, claiming the lives of 25 people, said Controller of Explosives S. Kandasamy from the PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation) on Saturday.

Speaking at an interaction meeting with Tanfama members, he said there was urgent need to prevent accidents. The licensing authorities alone could not prevent loss of lives or damages to properties in ™reworks units.

Apart from support and cooperation from owners, workers too had a key role

‘Apart from support and cooperation from owners, workers too had a key role to play in preventing accidents. Periodic training in handling of chemicals, among other aspects, was mandatory’

to play in preventing accidents.

Mere experience might not be su£cient. Periodic training in handling of chemicals, among other aspects, was mandatory.

During inspection, the enforcement agencies and licencing authority found that man-made errors were the main cause for many accidents. Likewise, carelessness and negligence too were factors that ended in fatal accidents.. The loss of human lives in the sector had caused major concern and had to be prevented at any cost, Mr. Kandasamy said and called for skill development programmes.

The o£cial further said that every unit had to be commercially viable, but, at the same time, they should also understand that human lives were equally important for running the units.

The entrepreneurs, through their associations, must invest in training their work force and create awareness, he added.