The Director General of Disaster Response and Fire Services, Andhra Pradesh, PV Ramana said on Saturday that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prevent fire accidents and explosions should be strictly followed in the manufacture, handling and storage processes of firecrackers. He made it clear that in accordance with the Explosives Rules, 2008, the licensed manufacturers must follow safety measures, especially manufacturing buildings being single-storey structures without basements. 

Firecracker sheds should be at least 45 metres away from each other and habitations. He said that proper household management practices should be followed with proper precautions to avoid dust and dust in factories. Fire, smoking, matchboxes, lighters and mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the factory. Similarly, manufacturing activities should be conducted only between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm. 

Hazardous processes such as chemical mixing should be automated to reduce human error. Only non-sparking equipment should be used to handle explosives. Every worker should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). People below 18 years of age and those who consume alcohol should not be allowed to enter the factory. Employees should be given comprehensive training on safety procedures and emergency response. 

Life insurance and medical insurance policies should be made for the workers. Factories must have automatic fire detection systems and appropriate fire extinguishers. He said that all licensed manufacturers should follow the guidelines so as to create a safe working environment and ensure public safety. The Director General informed that strict action will be taken against those who violate safety norms.

DCP mandates strict adherence to fire safety norms for traders

In view of the forthcoming Deepavali festival, Rashmi Perumal, DCP North Zone, held a meeting with all applicants and licensees of temporary firecracker shops on Friday, emphasising strict compliance with safety norms under the Explosives Act, 1884 and Explosives Rules, 2008. The DCP said all temporary shops must be established in approved open areas, maintaining adequate distance from residential, commercial, and sensitive locations.

"Sheds must be made of non-inflammable materials such as asbestos or GI sheets, with a minimum distance of three metres between adjoining sheds, and no two rows facing each other. Each cluster shall not exceed fifty shops and must be away from busy markets or traffic-sensitive zones,"Rashmi Perumal said. No open flames or naked lights are permitted; only fixed electrical lighting with master switches is allowed. Fireworks quantity must not exceed the licensed limit, and lighting/display within 50 metres of the sheds is prohibited.

Sheds must be made of non-inflammable materials such as asbestos or GI sheets, with a minimum distance of three metres between adjoining sheds, and no two rows facing each other 

Rashmi Perumal DCP North Zone