Authorities Order Closure of Tagoor Labs Unit in Parawada

 Visakhapatnam: State authorities have ordered shut all manufacturing operations at Tagoor Laboratories Unit III in the Parawada area of Anakapalle district. The shutdown follows an investigation by joint chief inspector of factories, Visakhapatnam, and deputy chief inspector of factories, Vizianagaram.

Two employees of Tagoor Laboratories had died and eight others hospitalised on November 26 when toxic gas leak leaked at the unit.

Manufacturing at the Tagoor unit will remain suspended till the company management implements various safety measures. These include Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HARA) and Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies by accredited agencies. Further, the factory will have to install feed control systems, integrate safety relief valves, rupture discs and scrubbing systems within the company reactors, apart from providing adequate personal protective equipment to staff.

As per the investigation report, the accident occurred when Tagoor Labs had been manufacturing Lamivudine. A mixture of hydrochloric acid and chloroform spilled from reactor GLR325. This spill occurred due to the absence of a feed control system.

Workers did not have adequate respiratory protection equipment when they attempted to neutralise the spill with soda ash. As a result, they inhaled toxic vapours, leading to the death of two and hospitalisation of eight.

The report said the company had violated the Factories Act and Rules of 1950. It has significant safety deficiencies. These will have to be put in place before the factory can start operations again.

Further, the company must install chemical detectors with alarm systems at strategic places to enhance safety of personnel.

As per the orders, the factory will remain closed till it does not comply with strict adherence to safety protocols.