Employees at Chemfab Alkalis Limited in Kalapet rushed towards the ambulance wearing helmets and masks in response to chlorine leak at the firm on Thursday.
A team of officials from the district administration and Department of Revenue and Disaster Management rushed to the spot, simultaneously checking the response time. The medical staff moved the persons affected from chlorine exposure to the primary health centre in Kalapet and Tsunami quarters based on the severity.
Only they were all part of an off-site emergency mock drill.
Deputy Collector (Revenue) North, B. Thillaivel, said that as part of the mock drill, Chemfab Alkalis Limited reported a chemical leak at 2 p.m. They waited for 10 minutes and alerted the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, declaring it an off site emergency.
“We arrive at the spot and carry out the emergency support functions required. The main objective of this mock drill is to ascertain the preparedness of the district administration in tackling the emergency situation to ensure safety of the community,” he said.
The emergency support functions and line departments including fire service, police, health, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Inspectorate of Factories, and Industries Development, volunteers of NSS, NCC, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan participated in the mock drill. “This is conducted to inculcate the local community about the precautionary measures to be followed, in case of any leakage of gas at the factory premises,” Mr. Thillaivel added.