China has announced a three-year nationwide inspection of the handling of dangerous chemicals following a series of deadly accidents that claimed hundreds of lives.
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The government plan calls for a clear delineation of responsibilities among regulators and greater accountability to help ensure public safety.
The survey will evaluate the risks of dangerous chemicals during their production, storage, transport use and disposal and draw up a risk distribution map before March 2018, according to a plan released by the State Council on Tuesday.
Hazardous chemicals like ammonium nitrate, nitrocellulose and sodium cyanide will be on a special watch list, while broader information on other chemicals will be shared among regulators.
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The plan calls for dedicated industrial zones where chemicals can be produced or stored, and to set up an integrated platform to reduce risks, manage safety and environmental protection, and coordinate rescue efforts.
An aerial view of the damage wrought by explosions in Tianjin last year. Photo: EPA
