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, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after lockdown as a trial or test run. The Ministry has directed to ensure all safety protocols are followed while keeping the production targets low.

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

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

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

Below are the guidelines issued by MHA: