MHA issues key guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after Covid lockdown

In a significant development that can be deemed as a step towards exiting lockdown, Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after lockdown as a trial or test run. Ministry has directed to ensure all safety protocols are followed while keeping production targets low.

"While restarting unit, consider first week as trial or test run period; ensure all safety & protocols, & don't try to achieve high production targets", says MHA.

companies are directed to carry out a complete safety audit of entire unit before restarting activities. As per guidelines, Cleaning of all pipelines, equipment and discharge lines need to be undertaken before resuming operations. companies are also directed to conduct tightness tests, service tests and vacuum tests of plants and equipment which handle combustibles or toxic substances, leak of which could prove disastrous, damaging or resulting in ecomic loss.

Trial tests must be carried out before full fledged operation is initiated with full capacity and man power. MHA has also directed companies to ensure arrangement of round clock emergency crews and professional technical teams with Major Accident Hazard (MAH) installations.

Below are guidelines issued by MHA: