New Delhi: Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) and International Labour Organisation (ILO) have signed an MoU to adopt the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) for information dissemination to the chemical industry. The MoU was signed here recently in the presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemical and Fertilisers Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, New & Renewable Energy Bhagwanth Khuba, at a seminar on ‘Safe use of Chemicals’ organised by the DCPC along with ILO and FICCI. 

Speaking on occasion, Dr Mandaviya said: “Human safety and humanity are paramount for the nation. In this regard, India readily accepts any best practice that ensures safety and security of life, humanity, environment and the industry. The MoU with ILO will ensure the safety of personnel in the chemicals and petrochemicals industry,” the Minister said while adding that the industry will follow these practices and the government will monitor the implementation.

 Arti Ahuja, Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Government of India, averred it is essential to manage potential hazards. “Anchoring a culture of safety is important. In this regard, we must adopt a standardised format which is internationally acceptable,” she said.

She added that the chemical safety cards developed by ILO and WHO are globally recognised. “Our expectation from the industry is,” the Secretary said, “to prominently disseminate the information to workers." DCPC will also organise training of trainers in association with ILO to build a talent pool on safety standards.”

Kelvin A Sergeant, who spoke on behalf of ILO Director, Dagmar Walter, said: “ILO constituents, government employers, and workers of 187 member states recognised the importance of occupational safety and health at the International Labour conference last month. He added that occupational safety and health became part of fundamental principles and rights at work.”

Prabh Das, Chair, FICCI Petrochemical Committee and MD-CEO, HPCL- Mittal Energy, said the industry stands with the government on safety and is doing everything best possible to make sure that the industry is run safely and all the persons who come to work, go back home safe and healthy. “As far as safety is concerned, we feel that it is not a cost to the company; that is how we do it.” /BI/