(ECNS) - Beijing has for the first time disclosed information about 2,536 sites containing hazardous chemicals across the city, and plans to control the risks in light of the recent Tianjin explosions, reported the Beijing Times on Thursday. [Special coverage]
Most of the sites housing hazardous chemicals are located in Fangshan, Tongzhou and Daxing districts. Manufacturing industries account for 49 of the sites, of which 35 are operational, according to the Beijing Administration of Work Safety.
The remaining 2,487 sites are businesses related to management and sales, including 64 toxic chemical management industries, 33 oil depots, 1,030 gas stations, 161 gas retailing industries and 1,197 businesses that deal with hazardous chemicals.
Of the sites, 124 affiliated with 85 organizations are categorized as carrying major risk factors, involving more than 30 types of chemicals and products.
Beijing will also "suspend, regulate and limit" certain sites to ensure chemical safety. All industries and businesses involved with hazardous chemicals that fail to meet safety standards will be suspended immediately.
Beijing toughened checks on hazardous chemicals following the Tianjin blast on August 12. This is the first time for the capital city to disclose such distribution map of hazardous chemical factories and warehouses.
