China to launch safety checks at storage sites of dangerous chemicals

China will begin a nationwide safety inspection of any sites where dangerous chemicals are stored, according to the top safety watchdog on Monday.

The move follows a fire at a chemical warehouse that killed a firefighter in the city of Jingjiang, Jiangsu Province, in late April, according to a statement on the website of the State Administration of Work Safety.

Safety is of utmost importance when storing hazardous chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, nitrocotton and sodium cyanide.

Companies will be severely punished if they fail to ensure the proper, safe storage of chemicals. Endi