A field exercise as part of a chemical accident response training protocol. (Image: Yonhap)
DAEJEON, March 6 (Korea Bizwire) — The creation and utilization of a “chemical substance hazard risk map” by a Ministry of Environment regional office has led to a steep downturn in accidents.
According to the Geum River Basin Environmental Office, eight chemical accidents occurred last year, 46.7 percent less than the 15 cases in both 2015 and 2016.
The map was first put to use in February of last year to oversee facilities that were identified as being at greater risk of chemical accidents. Based on chemical substance treatment methods, accident history and population figures for the surrounding areas, the risk of accidents and danger posed is deduced. This data is then referred to when making decisions on the supervision and inspection of facilities.
The creation and utilization of a “chemical substance hazard risk map” by a Ministry of Environment regional office has led to a steep downturn in accidents. (Image: Geum River Basin Environmental Office)
The Geum River Basin Environmental Office also classified some zones as “priority areas” requiring varying levels of supervision.
Cheongju, Daejeon and Cheonan were designated as priority level one areas, and Asan, Seosan, Gongju, Dangjin, Sejong and Jincheon were labeled as priority level two areas.
The chemical substance hazard risk map will be distributed widely and the preventative systems in place against chemical accidents strengthened going forward.
Kim Dong-jin, head of the Geum River Basin Environmental Office, said, “With the chemical substance hazard risk map, a basis for a systematized and scientific approach towards chemical management has been put in place.”
S.B.W. (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)
