Representatives of the petrochemical industry joined work safety officials in Shanghai yesterday in calling for safe and clean manufacturing practices within the industry.

Li Yongwu, director of the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Association (CPCIA), said the chemical industry had contributed to the country's economic development, but certain sectors, especially those that make dangerous products, have struggled with frequent accidents and pollution.

Overall, the number of manufacturing accidents in all industries fell by 12.6 percent last year, and there were 11.2 percent fewer deaths.

No figures were made available for the petrochemical industry, but Li said there had been more accidents and deaths.

"While most industries have been able to improve their safety records, the petrochemical industry is failing behind," he said.

Many factories have been targeted for closure because of pollution, he said.

"Most of the accidents happen at manufacturing and storage facilities at major petrochemical companies," he said.

"And there is an increasing number of small private companies that rely on low-quality and outdated technology. They also cause a lot of accidents and pollution.

"As the industry expands, so does the distribution network, which is also a threat to safety."

Li and other major business leaders and government officials issued a collective call for the petrochemical industry to join an international program called Responsible Care, a voluntary initiative that encourages companies in the industry to promise safe operations and sustainable development. It was launched in Canada in 1985 and has been adopted by 52 leading chemical associations in the world.

"This program will play a key role in improving the environment as well as promoting the image of Chinese enterprises. This will ensure their sustainable development," Liu said.

Ken K Tsang, environment, health and safety director of Dow Chemical's Asia Pacific operations, said the company had joined the program and called on other companies to do the same.

"To be accepted as a caring, responsible citizen in the community requires the efforts of the entire chemical industry," he said.

(China Daily October 31, 2007)