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

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 and OSHA
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