China steps up rescue in massive Tianjin blasts
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E-mail China.org.cn, August 18, 2015
Transparency, accountability
Premier Li Keqiang visited the site of Tianjin explosions on Sunday afternoon.
Li ordered the swift release of information about the explosions in order to let the public know what happened in a timely manner.
Li told the environment staff to keep monitoring the environment around the clock and release accurate, authoritative environment information as the public are highly concerned about the air, water and soil quality around the blast site.
The information should be publicized in a timely manner without any omissions, he said.
The State Council, China's cabinet, has set up an investigation team to find out what caused the explosions.
Li asked the investigation team to find out the cause thoroughly and punish those with dereliction of duty severely.
Nationwide safety check
China rolled out a nationwide examination of dangerous chemicals and explosives after the deadly explosions.
The State Council issued an emergency notice on Friday asking governments at all levels to reinforce safety management for dangerous chemicals and explosives, control access to the materials, and implement special regulatory measures for highly toxic chemicals.
The cabinet also urged governments at all levels to crack down on illegal activities to ensure safety.
After the explosions, Beijing ordered inspections of all businesses that handle dangerous goods.
Zhang Yankun, Beijing vice mayor, said the city's work safety department will inspect all explosives manufacturers and enterprises.
In preparation for the military parade on Sept. 3 and the Athletics World Championships from Aug. 17 to Sept. 6, production and operation at the companies and plants will be suspended. All toxic chemicals must be sealed, stored and guarded by designated personnel, the vice mayor added.
Companies related to dangerous chemicals, including Sinopec and Petro China, have been ordered to carry out safety inspections on themselves.
Following the central government's instructions, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Shandong, Guangdong, Zhejiang and Hainan provinces have all conducted safety checks of businesses that deal with dangerous goods.
Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces have also begun safety checks for ships that transport toxic chemicals.
In Wuhan City in Hubei Province, an inspection team found several hidden dangers in a storage area for dangerous chemicals.
Cooling systems for chemicals that require cyropreservation were not turned on until the inspection team arrived, officials with the team said.
Water for the spray cooling system also wasn't filtered before it was discharged to the sewer, which could pollute the city's water circulation system if chemical leaks had occurred.
The team also found one company failed to indicate the names and properties of toxic chemicals, making it hard to determine proper storage procedures for them.
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