VILLUPURAM: A safety awareness training camp for fireworks factory owners and workers was conducted at the district collectorate here on Friday. The programme was jointly organised by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health and the district administration.
Addressing the gathering, District Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman emphasised the importance of adhering to safety guidelines in licensed fireworks factories.
During the session, officials explained key safety practices to be followed at workplaces. Workers must wear only cotton clothing and avoid polyester or synthetic fabrics, while rubber mats should be placed in chemical rooms. Foot-cleaning mats must be installed at the entrances to production and drying areas, and copper pin rods provided for grounding static electricity before entry. Mobile phones, radios, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside factory premises, the participants were told.
The collector further noted that pathways and work areas must be kept clean, and every worker should be covered under an insurance policy of Rs 5 lakh. Factories must not exceed the approved number of workers or the permissible chemical weight limits. The use of iron knives, needles, and pipes should be avoided, he said.
He also stressed that production under trees, or between 6 pm and 6 am, is banned. Leftover chemical mixtures must be destroyed daily and never stored. Only approved categories of fireworks may be manufactured, while hazardous items such as fancy crackers and colour bombs are prohibited. Safe handling practices, including cutting fuses on wooden blocks instead of dragging them on the ground, must be strictly observed, he added.
The camp concluded with an appeal to factory owners and workers to comply fully with safety norms to prevent accidents.