Feature

Prudent Approach to Avert Mishaps

Posted on 21 January, 2010 | Tags: Disaster Management

Disaster management is strategy implemented when any type of catastrophic event takes place once any event disrupts normal operations putting human lives at risk. Post Bhopal Gas Tragedy Government of India made various amendments to the then existing rules and getting more stringent to bring about accountability of one and all.

India is developing as a key global player in the industrial and technology sector. Rapid industrialization has increased the hazard, risk and vulnerability to the industry and the environment. Major chemical Industrial disasters are low in frequency but are very significant in the terms of loss of lives, injuries, environmental impact and property damage. Frequency and severity of chemical disasters has increased in last few years due to rapid development of chemical and petrochemical industries and increase in size of plants, storage and carriers, especially in density populated areas. There are more than 1500 MAH units and other small and medium sized industries all across the nation and new industries are also establishing at a rapid rate.
Overwhelmed by the dimensions of one of the world's worst industrial disasters, the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that took place on 3rd December 1984, Government of India (GOI) took series of steps in the direction of Disaster Management.  Many new acts and rules were enacted moreover some of the then existing rules were amended to make it more stringent to bring about accountability of one and all. It was also felt to shift the focus from (2R to 3P) Rescue and Relief oriented approach to System Based working of Planning, Prevention and Preparedness. Permanent structure of crisis management group has been set up with the enactment of Disaster Management Act 2005 and formation of NDMA. At National level, Cabinet Committee, National Crisis Management Committee and Central Crisis Group are the three arms of National Crisis Group. At State level State Crisis Group, District Crisis Groups and Local Crisis Group are identified and formed for each of the districts and industrial areas.
In Gujarat, all chemical factories are categorized in four groups Major Accident Hazards (MAH), A, B and C. GACL is falling under MAH category. At GACL, company is having its SHE policy, Safety Management System and well-defined and documented Disaster Management Plan including On-Site and Off-Site Emergency plan. The salient features of the system consist of Identification of the Hazards, Risk Assessment and On-site and Off-site Emergency Plan.

•  Identification of the Hazards
  All existing and potential hazards are identified and inventoried. After notification, an appropriately constituted system is formed to check the hazards periodically. For the new upcoming projects, hazards are identified during design stage and appropriate measures are ensured in advance.
• Risk Assessment
  The exact locations of all the hazardous installations are demarcated along with its surrounding ecosystem. Assessment of impact on human population, natural vegetation, cultivated lands, cultural property and fragile ecosystems of possible massive leakage of chemicals from the site is made periodically with the help of internal resource persons as well as Competent Third Party on regular basis.
• On-site and Off-site Emergency Plan
  Next to hazard identification and risk assessment, company has set up an effectively orchestrated onsite and offsite preparedness plan. GACL has well documented Onsite Emergency Plan. Preparation of checklists, safety audits, review of code of practices, hazard assessment and operability studies are the usual techniques used at GACL for its effective implementation.

Infrastructure
Considering the MAH category in which GACL is falling there are adequate infrastructure to meet any emergency or disastrous situation. Following are some illustrative facilities Dedicated Fire Hydrant Network for all the plants; Dedicated Multifunctional and Multipurpose Self contained Fire Tenders supported with dedicated Fire Staff; 24*7 working Occupational Health Centre (OHC) and Central Control Room (CCR) manned by professionals; Ambulance with necessary inbuilt life saving facilities and Representative employee from each department is trained to provide first aid treatment in case of any emergency.