The Government of Telangana on April 25, 2026, issued Safety Alert for the Safe Operation of Centrifuges in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Factories.
The Safety Alert issued by the Director of Factories, Telangana highlights the significant risks associated with centrifuge operations in chemical and pharmaceutical industries, particularly when handling solvent-containing materials. These risks stem from factors such as flammable vapours, static electricity, oxygen ingress, mechanical imbalance, and unsafe human intervention. The document emphasizes that such operations can lead to fire, explosion, toxic exposure, and mechanical failures if not properly controlled, especially due to vapour release and improper handling of mother liquor (ML).
The alert categorizes major hazards into fire and explosion risks, mechanical failures, and toxic exposure. Fire hazards arise from flammable solvents, static discharge, and poor venting systems, while mechanical risks include rotor imbalance, excessive vibration, and failure of lid locking systems. Toxic exposure risks are linked to solvent vapours during operation, discharge, and maintenance. To mitigate these, stringent safety requirements are prescribed, including controlled charging systems, proper earthing and bonding, nitrogen inerting, oxygen monitoring, and strict interlock mechanisms to prevent unsafe operations.
Special emphasis is placed on safe handling and storage of mother liquor, proper venting of centrifuges, and safe discharge practices. The guidelines mandate closed systems, nitrogen blanketing, and connection of vents to scrubbers or recovery systems to avoid vapour release. Additionally, provisions for vibration monitoring, explosion protection systems, and prohibition of unsafe practices—such as bypassing interlocks or operating without earthing—are clearly outlined. Regular inspection, maintenance, and documented verification of all safety systems are required to ensure operational integrity.
The document further stresses the importance of SOPs, operator training, and emergency preparedness. Factories are directed to immediately review centrifuge operations, conduct hazard analysis, verify safety systems, and rectify deficiencies. Management is held responsible for implementing engineering controls, maintaining interlocks, ensuring training, and enforcing safe practices. Overall, the alert underscores that centrifuges handling solvent-based materials are critical equipment requiring strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent major industrial accidents.
[Notification No. FACT-MAH/OHS/13/2026]
