All publications of Ayushi Agarwal . कोलकाता , भारत

Vizag gas leak -measures to be taken and avoid them.

A major gas leak at a polymer plant near Visakhapatnam has killed eleven people and affected thousands in the area. Styrene gas, used for making polystyrene plastic, fiberglass, rubber and latex, leaked from LG Polymers India Pvt. Ltd.’s plant at RR Venkatapuram village in Gopalapatnam in the wee hours of Thursday, affecting villages in a five-km radius. A refrigeration unit, attached to two styrene gas tanks, malfunctioned while the facility was being prepped up for reopening after easing of lockdown restrictions. At least 246 persons with health complications are undergoing treatment &20 of them are on ventilator support. According to sources, the gas leak happened when workers at the plant were making preparations for reopening of the facility after easing of lockdown restrictions. Right to Life of the victims has been grossly violated. At a time when human lives across the country are at stake due to Covid-19 pandemic, the gruesome tragedy has come as a bolt from the blue for the people. According to the health department the precautions which can be taken during a gas leak are :

1. Move away from the site location as fast as you can.
2. Wear wet cloth or mask to cover nose&mouth.
3. Wash eyes with clean water.
4. Take milk/banana/jaggery to neutralise the effect.
5. Do not consume uncovered food or drinks.
6. Take medical help immediately if breathlessness and vomiting sensation is observed.
7. Do not panic and don’t pay attention to unofficial,hoax news.

These incidents can be avoided if there is no Corporate Negligence ,no under-maintained and decaying facilities, avoid weak attitude towards safety, and have trained workforce. Such plants should have adequate investments,equipments and regulations. Safety audits must also be conducted regularly to avoid such cases. Prevention is always better than cure. Thus stay home,stay safe and take steps to avoid such cases.

-Ayushi Agarwal

Marketing Intern

Youth Empowerment Foundation.