BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) — The spokesman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has confirmed that no ammonium nitrate is stored in the capital.
BMA spokesman Pongsakorn Kwanmuang sent condolences to those affected in the tragic ammonium nitrate blast in Beirut where at least 100 people were killed and more than 4,000 others were injured.
He also said that no ammonium nitrate was in storage in Bangkok but what could explode here were cooking gas and hazardous chemicals and substances handled by nearly 5,000 operators.
According to Mr Pongsakorn, staff of BMA’s Health Department are implementing measures to prevent such explosions. They regularly inspect all premises that store chemicals to ensure safety.
Besides, operators who have hazardous chemicals and substances are regularly trained on their safe handling and required to prepare disaster responsive plans.
BMA staff were always prepared to cope with emergency incidents including chemical disasters, he said.
Those illegally storing hazardous chemicals are liable to punishment. People can ask BMA to check chemical storage by contacting its 50 district offices or calling 1555. Any chemical fire can be reported via the hotline 199 around the clock. (TNA)
