Post-blast checks show Bicholim units cut corners

Panaji: After a factory furnace exploded at Bicholim’s Muslimwada in May last year, the factories and boilers department has conducted inspections at other factories at the Bicholim Industrial Estate and found three other factories that were cutting corners when it comes to safety.

The Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers said that it has issued warnings to the three manufacturing units and also initiated action against Goa Steels Ltd’s casting division, where the blasts occurred.

“The occupier and manager of the factory were directed to (rectify) the irregularities so observed,” said the department based on the inspections conducted at the Bicholim Industrial Estate last year.

According to the department, the three units where irregularities were observed are Alphagam Coating Solutions, Shree Damodar Coach Crafts, and Pyro Electric Instruments Goa.

The inspections were initiated after four to five blasts occurred at the iron smelting furnace in May. None of the workers or people living nearby were injured.

According to the report prepared by chief inspector of factories and boilers Anant Pangam, the blasts occurred because molten metal came in contact with water circulated through copper tubes around the furnace.

Pangam said that site inspections found that the layout of machinery at the factory was changed with an additional furnace being installed. The department also asked factories to take effective measures to prevent inhalation and accumulation of fumes.


Check out the latest news about Delhi Election Results and the full and final winner list only on Times of India.