News
Chemical factory explosions raise community fears
View(s):By Kasun Warakapitiya
The recent fire at a factory manufacturing cleaning products and sanitizers in Kandana not only claimed the life of an employee but also resulted in about 200 students from a nearby girl’s school being admitted to the hospital with breathing difficulties.
The officer in charge of Kandana police, Gamini Hewawithana, said they are awaiting the Government Analyst’s report on the death and the cause of the fire.
Homagama: Two factories in the Katuwana Industrial Zone caught fire, with one being a factory manufacturing ink and chemicals
“Our priority was to stop the fire from spreading to nearby houses and immediately remove the students from the school located just 250 metres from the factory,” he said.
Dr. Dammika Pathirana, medical officer of District Hospital, Aniyakanda, Kandana, said most students suffered breathing difficulties, and several students who had wheezing were admitted to the hospital.
“Factories located near residential areas should be inspected by the MoH to ensure chemicals are not mishandled or stored in an unsafe manner,” he said.
A similar fire was reported in Homagama recently when two factories in the Katuwana Industrial Zone caught fire, with one being a factory manufacturing ink and chemicals. Residents said they were left in fear after witnessing a mini-version of a nuclear blast, with flames and black smoke covering the area. People were asked to wear face masks and remain indoors by disaster management officials.
Toxicology expert Prof. Ravindra Fernando said the elderly, children and those with respiratory ailments should be immediately evacuated from surrounding areas if a fire of this nature occurs.
“Different factories use and store chemicals of various natures. The smoke emanating from the chemicals can affect those with asthma and lung problems. They should seek medical care if they suffer from breathing difficulties. Factory owners and local authorities should frequently check and ensure chemicals are stored safely,” he said.
Kandana: The fire at a factory manufacturing cleaning products and sanitizers not only claimed the life of an employee but also resulted in about 200 students from a nearby girl’s school being admitted to the hospital with breathing difficulties
Ariyananda Welianga, a consultant forensic scientist and fire investigator, said electrical faults have been the commonest cause of factory fires.
“Even a tiny spark is enough to ignite the vapour. Electricity circuits should not be located near highly flammable chemicals. Not adhering to the safety data sheet, improper handling of chemicals, and prolonged storage resulting in spontaneous ignition can also result in these types of fires,” said Mr. Welianga, who is a former government analyst.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department said the recent fires are concerning with regard to the health and safety of employees.
Additional Labour Commissioner General E. Abeysiriwardena said if the department investigation revealed any negligence or violation or if there is any direct contravention of the factory ordinance, legal action can be taken against the owner or occupier.
“We do random inspections on factories and have been instructed to maintain the safety level and mitigation measures, safety data sheets for chemicals and other safety gear for the storage of flammable material,’’ he said.
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