Check on Production of Chemicals

The Government has prepared a list of dangerous and toxic chemicals. The Central Government has notified the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical (MSIHC) Rules, 1989 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 with the objective of preventing chemical accidents arising from industrial activities and limiting the effects of such accidents on human health and the environment. The Rules cover 684 chemicals based on their toxicity, flammability and explosive characteristics. The Rules prescribe safety precautions to be followed by the industries handling hazardous chemicals for the safety of the neighbourhood, such as approval and notification of sites, preparation of material safety data sheets, proper labelling of containers, information regarding import of chemicals and reporting of major accidents. In respect of industries storing 179 chemicals in excess of specified threshold quantities, the Rules stipulate preparation of - on-site emergency plans by the occupier of an industrial activity, off-site emergency plans by the district authorities, safety reports, conduct of safety audit reports and informing public likely to be affected.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests (independent charge) Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan in a written reply to a question by Shri Raosaheb Danve Patil in Lok Sabha today.

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KP