It was sad to read about the death of three workers in a major explosion that occurred on May 3 at the Zuari Agro Chemicals Limited (ZACL) factory at Zuarinagar. As per reports, the workers were repairing a condenser tank and were performing shutting down operations of the plant by using hot technology. They used a gas cutter to loosen the bolts to open the top cover manhole of the tank instead of the recommended cold technology. As per the PRO of ZACL, the contractor from Bokaro has been with factory for the last 5 years if so, how could he have been careless? The moot point is did the contractor or his ZACL’s supervisor check the equipment carried by the 3 workers to the top of the 10 m high tank? The enquiry report could reveal if there was any laxity on the part of the people concerned with the work and also fix responsibilities. The State disaster team and Ministry of Factories and Boilers need to be informed about repairs, maintenance, shutting down and renovations carried out by factories. And during such operations, authorities need to be at the site to check and see that the protocols are followed scrupulously.
