China to start production safety overhaul

China will conduct a nationwide overhaul on production safety in the last ten days of April to defuse the dangers posed by hazardous chemicals.

Ten inspection squads will be sent to Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing and to Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hubei, Guangdong and Sichuan provinces, said sources from the Office of National Committee for Safety in Production under the State Council here Thursday.

The goal of the annual overhaul is to determine if problems found during last May's inspection have been rectified. Inspectors will also concentrate on the management of dangerous chemicals, especially their production, distribution, storage and transportation.

To get as much firsthand information as possible, inspectors will hold workshops and distribute questionnaires.

Fifty-three people have been killed in 23 chemical leak accidents between January and March across the country, according to official statistics. The worst accident happened on March 29 when a tank truck carrying liquefied chlorine ran out of control on expressway, killing 28 and putting more than 350 to the hospital.