1,000 warehouses dangerous: BMA
At least 1,000 chemical/hazardous product warehouses are at a higher-than-acceptable risk and their managers should strictly supervise operations to prevent an accident, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said yesterday.
The BMA fears that the recent chemical leakage in Rayong’s Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate that killed 12 people could be repeated in the capital.
Deputy governor Malinee Sukawejworakit met with warehouse operators to discuss preventive measures and encourage them to prepare for an emergency.
The city would suffer more damage and more loss of life than Map Ta Phut due to its crowded communities, she said.
The BMA assessed the risk and set safety measures for dangerous-to-health businesses according to the Fourth National Master Plan on Chemical Safety, she said.
So far 2,871 out of the 4,750 targeted warehouses have been surveyed and 28 were found at unacceptably high risk, 241 at high risk, 436 at moderate risk, 207 at slight risk and 1,862 at acceptable risk.
No risky warehouses were found in the inner city because most such facilities were located in the suburbs, as required by zoning regulations.
Those possessing hazardous substances were required to notify the responsible district office according to the Hazardous Substance Act, or face a Bt10,000 fine or even a jail term.
Since officials could not inspect all areas thoroughly, operators should conduct a self-evaluation of their risk and report it to the city, including any assistance needed, she added.
