China to check companies handling dangerous materials

Safety inspections on companies that handle dangerous chemicals or goods have been launched in China's Tianjin city following the warehouse blasts that claimed over 160 lives.

The safety checks which started on Sunday, target enterprises that produce, store or use dangerous chemicals, as well as companies that transport dangerous goods, Xinhua news agency quoted Tianjin government spokesman as saying on Monday.

An office of nearly 100 officials from the public security bureau, planning and land resources, work safety, and Tianjin Port will carry out the operation.

Companies "lacking conditions for safe production" will be shut down and those found to be hazardous will be suspended from operation for improvement.

Tianjin authorities pledged to improve the management of sites where hazardous chemicals are stored with a 24-hour online monitoring system.

Two blasts ripped through a warehouse on August 12 in Tianjin Port, where large amounts of toxic chemicals were stored, including around 700 tonnes of sodium cyanide.