A series of accidents, which claimed 20 lives besides causing destruction in the last nine months, has rattled the Rs 650 crore fireworks industry in Sivakasi, even as efforts are on to make 'playing with fire' less hazardous.

Lack of knowledge in handling latest innovations, such as pyrotechnics, coupled with absence of safety mechanisms in several units are said to be the main reasons for the mishaps. The fireworks industry and the labour deparment are now taking steps to prevent recurrence of such accidents.

Industry sources admit workers do not have the expertise in mixing a variety of chemicals, as the industry has shifted from 'sound effect' to 'colour and design effect', in line with Chinese technology.

"When we tried to analyse the reasons for the accidents in and around Sivakasi, we found that we need to educate the workers more on handling the chemicals and improve their skills in making crackers with sophisticated methods," A P Selvaraj, a member of the Tamil Nadu Fireworks Manfucturers Association, said.

"The number of fireworks we make has increased manifold and the workers were not sufficiently trained. We need to organise refresher courses for our managers and workers to teach them new skills and technology," he said.