NDMA (MHA) Issues Guideline on Restarting Manufacturing Industries after
the Lockdown Period
Field Functionaries to Ensure Strict Compliance of Guidelines
Union Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA), has issued detailed guidelines under the Disaster Management Act,
2005, on restarting manufacturing industries after the lockdown period on 11
May 2020.
In early response to
COVID-19, nationwide lockdown was ordered with effect from 25th March. As the
lockdown is being gradually released in some zones, certain economic activities
are being permitted as per NDMA orders No.1-29/2020-PP dated 1st May 2020 and
MHA order No. 40- 3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 1st May 2020.
Due to several weeks of
lockdown and the closure of industrial units during the lockdown period, it is
possible that some of the operators might not have followed the established
SOP. As a result, some of the manufacturing facilities, pipelines, valves, etc.
may have residual chemicals, which may pose risk. The same is true for the
storage facilities with hazardous chemicals and flammable materials.
National Disaster
Management Authority has issued -
1. Guidelines on Chemical
Disasters, 2007
2. Guidelines on
Management of Chemical (Terrorism) Disasters, 2009 and
3. Strengthening of
Safety and Security for Transportation of POL Tankers, 2010, which are relevant
for chemical industries. The Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous
Chemical Rules, 1989 under Environment Protection Act, 1086 provide the
statutory requirements for these industries.
When Lockout/Tagout procedures are not in place, many energy sources can
prove to be hazardous to operators/supervisors who are servicing or maintaining
electrical, mechanical or chemical equipment. When heavy machinery and
equipment are not maintained periodically, they can become dangerous for the
operators/engineers.
Combustible liquids,
contained gaseous substances, open wires, conveyor belts and automated vehicles
make manufacturing facilities a high-risk environment. Improper enforcement of
safety codes and improperly labelled chemicals can further pose serious health
hazards.
When an unexpected
event occurs, managing rapid response becomes challenging. In order to minimize
the risk and to encourage a successful restart of the industrial units, the
following guidelines are being issued.
State Governments shall
also ensure that the off-site disaster management plan of the respective Major
Accidental Hazard (MAH) units are up to date and preparedness to implement them
is high. It is also advised that all the responsible officers of the district
shall ensure the Industrial On-Site Disaster Management Plans are also in place
and cover Standard Operating Procedures for safe re-starting of the industries
during & after COVID 19 lock down.