Rating system for safety and security of chemical plants proposed

New Delhi, Oct 7 (KNN) Government has proposed to have a rating system for safety  and security of chemical plants.

 

In this context, the Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals has sought suggestions from the Industrial Associations, Industries and citizens for its proposal.

 

The department after receiving the comments from various sources will incorporate them to come out with the final “Chemical Plant Safety and Security Rating System”.  

 

The Rating System aims to propagate the need for zero accidents and to incentivize the units having best safety operational measures.

 

“The draft Rating System envisages a 2-stage methodology for assessment of safe and secure performance of a facility,” Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers said in a release.

 

The first stage acts as a screening mechanism to filter out organisations that do not meet even the basic requirements of safety and security systems essential for a chemical, petrochemical, and petroleum industry. 

 

The second stage is a rigorous assessment to benchmark the various safety and security systems being practiced by the organization against the framework stipulated in this document, the release added.

 

The draft Rating System consists of 19 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and is intended to be used as an assessment tool for rating the Chemical organizations in respect of the practices followed by them.  The draft document envisages a star rating system to grade the chemical plants according to their performance.

 

“Inadequate awareness about handling of hazardous chemicals and products may lead to serious accidents with severe consequences on people, property and the environment. The rating system facilitates safe & secure handling, storage and processing of hazardous chemicals and in avoiding accidents and occupational diseases,” said the release. (KNN/SD)