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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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