VISAKHAPATNAM: In another incident that laid bare the violation of mandatory safety norms by industries in the Port City, one worker died and 15 more sustained injuries when an ammonia condenser exploded at Srikar Laboratories, a pharma company in the Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City in Parawada, here on Tuesday. The condition of one of the injured was stated to be critical.
The deceased, as I Ramakrishna (29) an operator from Srikakulam, along with 15 workers, was at work around 11 am when the condenser exploded. Having inhaled the ammonia, a poisonous gas, Ramakrishna died on the spot while 15 workers including a woman developed breathlessness, said Parawada police inspector Ramana Murthy.Â
The condition of K Srinivas, among the injured, was critical and he was undergoing treatment at the Seven Hills Hospital, while the others have been admitted to a private hospital in Gajuwaka.
However, Inspector of Factories P Chinna Rao said that the accident occurred due to negligence of the management.
Prelimnary investigations reveal that the valves and pipelines connecting the chilling unit with the condenser were clogged with ice. "As per the norms, steaming should be done regularly to melt the accumulated ice which is not being followed. In today's incident, the condenser exploded under the pressure as the pipes were clogged," explained Chinna Rao.
The preliminary report on the accident will be submitted to the district collector Tuesday.
Srikar Labs has been manufacturing Fluconozole, a drug ingredient, in the Pharma City since 2014.
Past tragedies in Vizag April 27, 2016: Massive fire at Biomax Fuels Pvt Limited April 6, 2016: Two killed in fire at Divis Labs January 2016: Fire mishap at Deccan Fine Chemicals Ltd September 28, 2015: Two died in a fire at Sainor Chemicals April 11, 2014: Two killed and 26 hurt in fire at Deccan Fine Chemicals July 7, 2014: Eight injured in reactor blast at Vegnesha Pharma June 28,2014: 11 workers died as ammonia compressor exploded at Glochem Pharma Industries |
Safety audit: Lab fails on many counts
The ongoing safety audit on the industries in Vizag has revealed that Srikar Labs has failed in many counts so far the compliance to the norms is concerned. "As per my knowledge, Srikar Labs does not have the mandatory work permit which is issued by the management giving details about workers, compliance of safety norms, equipments in use and etc. The company has fire safety equipment and the reports on its compliance to the fire and pollution norms are awaited.
CITU leader S Ramesh alleged that rescued ops at Srikar Labs was delayed for the want of oxygen equipment. After the accident, the management had to rush to neighbouring company to borrow the oxygen equipment for the rescuers before they could enter the premises. He also said that the company did not provide masks to the workers dealing with chemicals.
Rupees 25 lakh compensation sought for deceased
The CITU demanded a compensation of `25 lakh to the kin of the deceased. "The factory management must ensure better treatment for those taken ill and provide them solatium too. Action must be taken against the authorities for putting the workers' life at stake by paying no heed to safety norms," said CITU leader S Ramesh.
