Publication Code: N1
National Strategy for Major Accident Prevention in the Chemical Industry
by Dhira Phantumvanit et al.
The tragedies that occurred at Bhopal and Mexico City had raised the consciousness of both government and industry on the prevention of major hazardous accidents. The present research is an attempt to understand the situation in Thailand and to formulate a strategy for the future to face this new challenge.
A field survey was conducted in 27 chemical plants producing pesticides, basic chemicals, explosives, LPG and paints. The objective is to identify the types and quantities of dangerous substances at the disposal of the factories, the safety procedures being followed, and in particular the chemical handling and storage practices.
Using the World Bank criteria, it is alarming to find that 20 of 27 plants visited possess hazardous substances in sufficient quantity to be classified as major hazard installations. It is also observed that there are several obvious potentially unsafe practices such as the unsafe methods of loading and unloading chemicals, and the improper storage of chemicals. The level of knowledge and understanding of potential hazards, both acute and chronic, in the manufacturing and use of chemicals, among the employees of these factories are also found to be inadequate. Many factories do not have an accident recording system. Emergency and contingency plans are totally abscent.
It has been found during the survey that toxic wastes from some pesticide formulation plants are not properly disposed of. This is a potentially hazardous situation since toxic waste may contaminate ground water or cause accidental poisoning.
From the analysis of existing legislation and regulations, at least 6 ministries are directly responsible for managing hazardous substances. In addition there are several national committees with overlapping authorities on toxic substance.
This study underlies the fact that routine inspection and regular maintenance alone are not adequate to contain potential hazards. There is a need for additional "fail-safe" measures in the form of a "major hazard assessment".
The inadequacy of statistics and information on the cause of accidents, properties of dangerous substances and chronic health effects is also highlighted.
Finally the success in accident prevention ultimately lies with the attitude of all parties concerned. Proper training on accident prevention of workers, safety officers and government inspectors is a prerequisite.
After the survey, a seminar was conducted on January 22, 1986 to discuss the findings and policy issues on major-accident prevention. The Seminar was attended by representatives of governmental agencies, industries, research institutes and labour unions. The consensus of the seminar has been incorporated in the final recommendations of this report.
January 1986