AZF Fertilizer Plant Explosion Analysis

This assignment examines the devastating explosion at the AZF fertilizer plant in Toulouse, France, on September 21, 2001. It analyzes the immediate consequences of the blast, including fatalities, injuries, and property damage. The document further explores the long-term effects on the environment and the psychological well-being of survivors. Lastly, it discusses the government's response to the disaster, highlighting the implementation of new safety regulations and policies aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Safety

Table of Contents
AZF fertilizer plant's explosion.......................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

AZF fertilizer plant's explosion
AZF, a chemical factory in Toulouse, France that got exploded in 21st September
2001. In morning of 21st sept, a severe explosion occurred that was felt several kilometres away,
and the blast was equivalent to 20-40 tonnes of TNT, measuring 3.4 on Richter scale. The
consequences of the erosion had both on human beings and environment. The incident had
resulted in 29 deaths and left 2500 wounded. The explosion was so loud that its efficiency was
resulted in damaging to numerous homes. The explosions had affected the people within the
range of 500 m away and glasses of windows were broke at a distance of few kilometres.
Thousands of people were being hospitalised because of the numerous physical trauma that has
affected because of the explosion on environment (Cho, 2012). Some people suffered from
hearing problem. Thee explosion had caused loss of all the property, the chemical companies
located outside the AZF had also affected, many people left unemployed after the incidence.
After the accident, the government has tightened its regulations, started different policies
for the safety at the sites. The PPI( special accident response plan) were put into action. The civil
protection mobilised a chemical hazard evaluation cell was established. An enquiry by the
parliamentary commission was opened to the industrial safety installation and research centre.
Actions had been taken regarding the safety from such explosion from chemical hazard and
employees working in plant. The government announced its intention to improve and to reform
the regulation around at risk industrial sites. The long-term consequences of the disaster are
psychological side-effects on people, lifelong injuries to people. The government, then
implemented rules and regulations to avoid any occurrence of such risky industrial sites. In
relation to this, occupational health and safety at workplace needs to be strengthened and
implemented to reduce such sites else it has bad consequences on people.
REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cho, C. H., 2012. Legitimation strategies used in response to environmental disaster: A French
case study of Total SA's Erika and AZF incidents. European Accounting Review .18(1).
pp.33-62.