AP police issue guidelines to prevent firecracker unit mishaps

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In a move to prevent explosions, the Andhra Pradesh police was today asked to carry out regular inspections and surprise checks at firecracker and explosive manufacturing units in the state.
Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Jasti Venkata Ramudu today directed department personnel and issued guidelines on the issue during a meeting here today.
The explosions are caused by unsafe storing space, unskilled labour, employment of (unskilled) women and children, non-separation of storage and manufacturing spaces, location in dense residential areas or storage of explosives in excess of permissible limits, the meeting was informed.
Seven people died in an explosion at a firecracker unit in Visakhapatnam last Sunday and several similar incidents have came to light in recent past in the state.

After discussion, guidelines were issued to officers which prescribe surprise inspections. Police were asked to conduct periodical inspections to verify whether conditions of license issued under the Explosive Rules are being followed by firecracker shops and factories, according to an official release.
The guidelines also prescribe carrying out a campaign against child labour and women labour in firecracker industry, curbing supply of illegal explosives, moving the fireworks units away from residential areas, and imparting skill development training to workers.
Enforcement of norms of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the construction of units, taking strong action against the violation of rules and holding of mock drills to handle the emergency situation are also part of the guidelines.