Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government recently introduced a legislation in the provincial legislature for regularising the installations and operations of stone crushers in the province, a news source reported.
The ‘KP Power Crushers (Installation, Operation, and Regulation) Act 2019, as this legislation will be named, will be applied to all types of power crushers used for cutting, crushing, refinement, and grinding of stones, rocks, and minerals.
Once promulgated, the act would prohibit the installation and operation of a power crusher without licence. Individuals will have to apply to the licensing authority to obtain one, and those already operating without licence will have 30 days after the commencement of the new legislation. In case of non-compliance, individuals will face relevant action. The licence obtained will remain valid for one year, and will then require renewal.
The new law also proposes the following arrangements:
Installation and operation of power crushers at a safe distance from locations like schools, mosques, hospitals, transmission lines, tunnels, canals, forests, major roads bridges, orchards, human dwellings, and other such strategic avenues
In case a person is intending to install, or is operating, or causing a safety hazard within such locations, then the licensing authority will have the power to pass an order for shifting the machinery
Maintenance of cleanliness on the premises of installation and operation
Provision of safety equipment, spittoons, latrines, urinals, and personal protection like helmets gloves, masks, and glasses for the workers
Ensuring ventilation, drinking water, lighting, artificial humidification compulsory vaccination and inoculation of workers, noise reduction, water & solid waste management plans and treatment, disposal of dust fumes, recycling & re-use, installation of water sprayers, fencing of machinery and fire safety equipment, and control of pollution and effects of blasting & dust
Routine and annual checks by the licencing authority of compliance with the act
Imposing of fines, sealing the site, or cancel the licence (after hearing) in case of violations
The licencing authority will have the power to order the prohibition of installation/operation, or to seal the premises of power crushers found operating without licence. Individuals involved in such cases might face imprisonment of up to one year or fine of up to PKR 500,000, or both.
