Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS)

August 7, 2013, 9:00 pm

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Low Sulphur Heavy Stock (LSHS) is a residual fuel processed from indigenous crude. This fuel is in lieu of FO in the same applications where furnace oil is suitable.

The main difference with LSHS and FO is in the form of higher pour point, higher calorific value and lower sulphur content in LSHS. Presently it conforms to IS:11489-1985 grade I(enclosed).

As this fuel has higher pour point than that of FO it requires special handling arrangements. LSHS is handled hot at all stages and is maintained at 75^OC. Special care is also taken so that no 'boil over' of the product takes place in the storage tank.

Sulphur Content - The main advantage in the use of LSHS lies in its low sulphur content. The life of equipment used is extended since the extent of corrosion both at high and at low temperature, is reduced very much. Apart from that, it is also advantageous from the environmental pollution point of view. Because it will emit lesser quantity of sulphur dioxide.

Calorific Value - The gross calorific value of LSHS is more than that of Furnace oil. So, the consumption of fuel oil will be reduced with the usage of LSHS.

Viscosity - LSHS is a low viscosity fuel oil at handling temperature when compared with Furnace oil. It is measured at 100^OC.

Conforms to IS 1459 :1974 Reaffirmed 2001 Specifications for Kerosene

Safety Information :

Reactivity Data - Chemically stable and incompatible with strong oxidizers. Does not React vigorously with common materials but can react with oxidizing agents
Health Hazard Data - Routes of entry may be through inhalation/ ingestion/ skin/ eye.

Effects of Exposure /Symptoms :

Ingestion may cause spontaneous vomiting, irritation of mouth throat and gastro intestinal tract.

On prolonged exposure it makes skin dry, erythema oil acne, development of warty growths which may lead to skin cancer, skin cracking and contact dermitites. As it is handled at elevated temperatures, skin contact could produce burns.

On exposure to eye it may cause light to moderate irritation.

Ingested , do not induce vomiting as it may lead to chemical pneumonitis. Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash affected area with water and soap. If eyes are affected, irrigate liberally with copious amounts of water and seek medical advice

Emergency Treatment :

Inhalation - remove victim to fresh air. Give artificial respiration if necessary.

Ingestion - do not induce vomiting. Paraffin olive oil or some other vegetable oil may be given orally to retord absorption of Kerosene.

Gastric damage and induction and vomiting not advisable because of the possibility of the development of chemical from acpission peneumonia of Kerosene

Handling and Storage Precaution :

Avoid contact with liquid or vapours. To use gumboots while handling the product.

The fire fighting media to be used is foam, DCP/CO2.

Specification of LSHS :

Sr.No	Characteristics	Requirements Grade 1	Test Method [P:] of IS:1448
1	Pour point, ^OC, Max	66	[P:10]
2	Flash point, (PMCC), ^OC, Min	76	[P:21]
3	Kinematic viscosity, mm2/s at 100OC, Max	To be reported	[P :25]
4	Sp. Gravity at 15^OC	To be reported	[P:32]
5	Gross calorific value, cal/ gm	To be reported	[P:6]
6	Acidity, Inorganic	Nil	[P:2]
7	Ash, % by Mass, Max	0.1	[P:4] Method A
8	Sediment, % by mass, Max	0.25	[P:30]
9	Sulphur, total, % by mass, Max	1.0	[P:33]
10	Water content, % v/v, Max	1.0	[P:40]

Conforms to BIS specification IS:11489-1985

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Fuels and Combustion.pdf
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What are Nitrates and Nitrites?

August 7, 2013, 9:26 pm

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What are Nitrates and Nitrites?
Nitrate (NO₃^-) and nitrite (NO₂^-) are naturally occurring inorganic ions that are part of the nitrogen cycle. Microbial action in soil or water decomposes wastes containing organic nitrogen into ammonia, which is then oxidized to nitrite and nitrate. Because nitrite is easily oxidized to nitrate, nitrate is the compound predominantly found in groundwater and surface waters. Contamination with nitrogen-containing fertilizers (e.g. potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate), or animal or human organic wastes, can raise the concentration of nitrate in water. Nitrate-containing compounds in the soil are generally soluble and readily migrate with groundwater.
Water naturally contains less than 1 milligram of nitrate-nitrogen per liter and is not a major source of exposure. Higher levels indicate that the water has been contaminated. Common sources of nitrate contamination include fertilizers, animals wastes, septic tanks, municipal sewage treatment systems, and decaying plant debris.
The ability of nitrate to enter well water depends on the type of soil and bedrock present, and on the depth and construction of the well. State and federal laws set the maximum allowable level of nitrate-nitrogen in public drinking water at 10 mg/L (10 parts per million).

Nitrification
Nitrification is the conversion of ammonia (NH₃⁺) to nitrate (NO₃^-). How is this done? This is a two-step process that is done with oxygen and and two types of bacteria, Nitrosomonas (ammonia-oxidizers) and Nitrobacter (nitrite-oxidizers), known collectively as the nitrifiers.
Ammonia + Oxygen + Alkalinity + Nitrosomonas = Nitrite
Nitrite + Oxygen + Alkalinity + Nitrobacter = Nitrate

Nitrite (NO₂^-) is the unstable form of nitrogen and is easily converted because it does not wish to be in this form. The total conversion of ammonia to nitrate takes 4.6 parts oxygen and 7.1 parts alkalinity to convert 1 part ammonia.

Denitrification
Denitrification is the conversion of nitrate (NO₃^-) to nitrogen gas (N₂). How is this done? Heterotrophic bacteria (capable of utilizing only organic materials as a source of food) utilize the nitrate as an oxygen source under anoxic conditions to break down organic substances.
Nitrates + Organics + Heterotrophic bacteria = Nitrogen gas, Oxygen and Alkalinity
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
Now that you understand the different forms of nitrogen and terms that you will be dealing with, the next questions are what forms of nitrogen do you test for and what can you use to test for them?
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen or TKN is defined as total organic nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen. Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) is an involved test that many wastewater treatment facility labs are not equipped to perform. If you can't perform this test, you still need to monitor the nitrogen cycle at the plant. The ammonia values are approximately 60% of the TKN values, and the organic nitrogen is generally removed in the settled sludge. Also, TKN generally equals 15-20% of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) of the raw sewage. The following tests are a must to monitor and control the nitrogen cycle: pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate.

The plant maintained a nitrifying bacteria population in the cooling tower for pH control and to help meet nitrite discharge limitations associated with the cooling tower blowdown. The plant maintains the nitrifying bacteria population Purposely maintaining a nitrifying bacteria population in the cooling tower is a very unique process and requires a delicately balanced microbiological control program. If too much biocide is fed, it kills off the nitrifying bacteria and leads to increased acid feed costs, exorbitant biocide costs, and, potentially, discharge violations.

When reviewing the makeup water chemistry, note that these water characteristics lead to a moderate to highly corrosive environment, especially as measured by the Larson-Skold index (explained below). The characteristics of this makeup water dictate close control of the cooling water treatment corrosion inhibitor program in order to meet specified performance targets. A short description of nitrification, denitrification, and the Larson-Skold index follow.

Nitrification. Nitrification is the two-step biological conversion process by which ammonium (NH₄⁺) or ammonia (NH₃) is oxidized into nitrite (NO₂^-) and then further oxidized into nitrate (NO₃^-). In the first step, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria known as Nitrosomonas convert ammonia and ammonium to nitrite. Next, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria called Nitrobactercomplete the conversion of nitrite (NO₂^-) into nitrate (NO₃^-) These bacteria, known as “nitrifiers,” are strict “aerobes,” meaning they must have oxygen to perform their work, which is possible in a cooling tower environment. The reactions are generally coupled and proceed rapidly to the nitrate form; therefore, nitrite levels at any given time are usually low. This is important to the power plant, which has a nitrite discharge limitation due to aquatic toxicity concerns.

The nitrification process also produces nitric acid as part of the bacteria’s metabolic processes. The plant maintains its cooling tower circulating water pH in the control range of 6.5 to 7.0 by utilizing the nitric acid produced to reduce scaling potential and to optimize the oxidant use. This also avoids the use of sulfuric acid feed, which minimizes potential exposure to hazardous acid and reduces the cost associated with acid purchase. Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacterare able to effectively nitrify with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0; however, the nitrification process stops at a pH below 6.0.

Denitrification. Denitrification is the biological reduction of nitrate (NO₃^-) into nitrite (NO₂^-) and eventually nitrogen gas (N₂) by facultative heterotrophic bacteria under anaerobic conditions. Though these bacteria may prefer to use oxygen in their metabolic processes, under anaerobic conditions, they will extract oxygen from the nitrate, which reduces it to nitrite. Heterotrophic bacteria need a carbon source as food to live, and facultative bacteria can get their oxygen by taking dissolved oxygen out of the water or, as discussed previously, by taking it off of nitrate molecules.

Denitrification and associated anaerobic environments can also lead to elevated nitrite levels. Elevated nitrite levels are undesirable at this location due to environmental discharge limitations and aquatic toxicity concerns. Biofouling and accumulated biomass can produce and foster anaerobic reducing environments and thus should be properly controlled.

Larson-Skold Index. The Larson-Skold index describes the corrosivity of water relative to mild steel. The index is based upon evaluation of in-situ corrosion of mild steel lines exposed to Great Lakes waters. The index is the ratio of equivalent parts per million (epm) of sulfate (SO₄^2-) and chloride (Cl^-) to the epm of alkalinity in the form of bicarbonate plus carbonate (total alkalinity):

Larson-Skold index = (epm Cl^- + epm SO₄^2-)/(epm HCO₃^- + epm CO₃^2-)

The Larson-Skold index has been correlated to observed corrosion rates, and to the type of attack observed in a study of Great Lakes waters, and to makeup water sources of similar composition to Great Lakes waters. The index is useful as a predictive tool in evaluating the potential corrosivity of a particular makeup water source as well as the anticipated corrosivity of that water when cycled and treated in a cooling tower system. The index actually correlates the pitting corrosion potential associated with corrosive chloride and sulfate anions versus the amount of natural buffering provided by the total alkalinity in the water.

The Larson-Skold index might be interpreted by the following guidelines:

Index <0.8: Chlorides and sulfate probably will not interfere with natural film formation.
Index >0.8 and <1.2: Chlorides and sulfates may interfere with natural film formation. Higher-than-desired corrosion rates might be anticipated.
Index >1.2: The tendency toward high corrosion rates of a local type should be expected as the index increases.

Water analysis and the equation above indicate that the makeup water for this power plant has a Larson-Skold value of 2.3, which means it is fairly corrosive. Within the circulating cooling tower water, the value jumps to 24.5 due primarily to the formation of nitric acid from the nitrification process. The nitric acid dramatically reduces the natural buffering capabilities of the water typically associated with bicarbonate alkalinity and puts a much greater demand on the corrosion inhibitor portion of the treatment program.

NitrogenCycle.ppt
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Should Employees Be Disciplined for Safety Violations?

August 8, 2013, 10:29 am

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Should Employees Be Disciplined for Safety Violations?

Some safety professionals think safety and discipline are incompatible. Others disagree.

Howard Mavity, a labor lawyer and partner in the law firm of Fisher & Phillips, says discipline is essential for safety, but employers just aren't doing it. Mavity cites a firm study that found 56 percent of large general contractors were unsatisfied with how often supervisors disciplined employees for unsafe actions.
This is a problem for several reasons, including the fact that without a record of disciplinary action, an employer might not be able to demonstrate to OSHA that it is operating an effective safety program.
Lack of disciplinary action also makes it unlikely for an employer to use what's known as the "unpreventable employee misconduct/isolated incident" defense. It says that despite the employer's efforts to run an effective safety program, the employee acted unsafely.
For this defense to be invoked, you must:

Establish work rules designed to ensure safe work and to avoid OSHA violations
Communicate the work rules to employees
Train the employees as needed
Take appropriate steps to discover violations
Effectively enforce the rules and practices when violations are discovered
Document the above actions

So Why Don't Supervisors Discipline?
Why do supervisors fail to discipline unsafe employees? Mavity points to reasons, including:

The supervisor fears that using discipline will cause trouble for the employer.
The supervisor has not been trained and does not know how to discipline.
Discipline is only used following an action that led to a serious outcome, rather than in response to breaking of the rules.

The Fisher & Phillips survey also found that most companies make little consistent effort to train supervisors on when and how to discipline employees. Too often, Mavity adds, the only time an employer learns that an employee was working unsafely is in the course of a postinjury investigation.
Pro-Employee Discipline
Discipline has a "pro-employee" purpose and is the cornerstone of an effective safety management program, says Tracy L. Moon, Jr., another partner at Fisher & Phillips.To those who are concerned that discipline may not be beneficial, Moon suggests how discipline benefits everyone. It:

Removes poor performers in the workplace

Creates limits for employees

Improves morale when employees see good/bad behavior recognized

Limits potential negligent retention and negligent supervision claims

Provides the necessary accountability for an effective safety program

Avoids the appearance of discrimination and unfairness when consistently applied

↧

Sustainable ash utilization is one of the key concerns at NTPC.

August 19, 2013, 11:42 pm

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Ash Utilisation

DURING VISIT TO MY VILLAGE I MET TO NTPC ASSOCIATES & DISCUSSED WITH THEM ABOUT AS UTILIZATION

Sustainable ash utilization is one of the key concerns at NTPC. The Ash Utilization Division (AUD), set up in 1991, strives to derive maximum usage from the vast quantities of ash produced at its coal based power stations. The AUD proactively formulates policies, plans and programmes for ash utilization. It further monitors the progress in these activities and works for developing new segments of ash utilization. Ash Utilization Cell at each station, handles ash utilization activities.

The quality of fly ash produced at NTPC’s power stations is extremely good with respect to fineness, low unburnt carbon and has high pozzolanic activity and conforms to the requirements of IS 3812 - 2003-Pulverized Fuel Ash for use as Pozzolana in Cement, Cement Mortar and Concrete. The fly ash generated at NTPC stations is ideal for use in manufacture of Cement, Concrete, Concrete products, Cellular concrete products, Bricks/blocks/ tiles etc. To facilitate availability of dry fly ash to end – users, dry fly ash evacuation and storage system have been set up at coal based stations. Further, at NTPC-Rihand facility for loading fly ash into rail wagons has been provided so that fly ash can be transported in bulk quantity through railway network. Such facility is also being provided at all new up coming coal based power stations.

Over the years, the Ash Utilization level has reached from meagre 0.3 million tonne in 1991 - 1992 to 26.03 million tonne in 2010-11.

The various segments of ash utilization currently include Cement, Asbestos – Cement products & Concrete manufacturing industries, Land development, Road embankment construction, Ash Dyke Raising, Building Products such as Bricks/ blocks/tiles, Reclamation of coal mine and as a soil amender and source of micro and macro-nutrients in agriculture.

MoEF Notification on Fly Ash

Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India vide its notification (amendment) dated 3rd Nov 2009 has made it mandatory:

Within 100Km radius of a Thermal Power Plant
1. To use Fly Ash based Building products such as cement or concrete, fly ash bricks, blocks, tiles etc. in all construction projects
2. To use Fly Ash in Road or Flyover Embankment construction
3. To use Fly Ash in Reclamation of low lying areas
Within 50Km of a Thermal Power Plant (By Road)
1. To use Fly Ash in back filling of underground and open cast mines
Financial institutions to include a clause in their loan documents for compliance of this notification

Major Projects where Fly Ash has been utilized

Road Embankment Construction & Filling Works:
1. 67 lakh Cubic Meters (Cu.M) of Pond Ash from NTPC Unchahar Station has been utilized in Allahabad By-pass Road executed by NHAI
2. 20 lakh Cu.M of Pond Ash from NTPC Badarpur Station has been utilized in Noida - Greater Noida Expressway
3. About 1.5 lakh Cu.M of Pond Ash from Indraprastha thermal power station has been utilized in 2nd Nizammudin approach road embankment
4. About 5.0 lakh Cu.M of Pond Ash from NTPC Badarpur Station has been utilized in Yamuna Expressway & Badarpur Flyover
5. More than 15 lakh Cu.M of Pond Ash has been used by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in their Shastri Park rail car depot from NTPC Badarpur Station.
Concrete Works:
1. Fly Ash from NTPC Dadri Station is being utilized in all underground concrete works by DMRC
2. Fly Ash is being utilised by all Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) Plants
3. Fly Ash used by ACC Ltd. in Concrete Road at its RMC Plant in Greater Noida
4. Fly Ash used in Concrete Road from Dehra Jhal to NTPC Dadri
Building Construction Works:
1. Administrative Building of Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) constructed with Fly Ash Bricks
2. NTPC’s own Buildings constructed with Fly Ash Bricks
  1. NETRA office at Greater Noida
  2. 'D' Type residential quarters at Noida Township
  3. Northern Region Headquarter building at Lucknow
  4. All Projects and Township construction
3. Private Real Estate Developers in various metro cities viz. Pune, Vishakhapatnam & NCR areas use Fly Ash Bricks for construction of residential complexes
Mine Filling: South Balanda Mine being filled with Ash from NTPC Talcher-Thermal Station.

Developing New Segments of Ash Utilisation

Following Research Studies have been / are being conducted for development of new segments having long term potential of Ash Utilization:

Railway Embankment: To demonstrate use of ash in construction of railway embankment, research study was carried out in association with Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi. The design of railway embankment developed by CRRI was validated by conducting Centrifuge Model Tests at IIT Bombay. Construction of railway embankment for NTPC’s Merry Go-Round (MGR) rail track for coal transportation is planned at NTPC Kahalgaon and NTPC Talcher-Kaniha.
Mine Filling:
1. Feasibility Study being conducted at Talcher-Kaniha by M/s Desien for finalising the Techno Economically optimum mode of conveying ash from power plant to Mines on long term basis. Infrastructure shall be created accordingly for filling of mines with Fly Ash from NTPC Talcher- Kaniha.
2. Research study is being done by Central Institute of Mining & Fuel Research (CIMFR), Dhanbad for taking up Technology Demonstration project for Random Filling of Ash from NTPC Ramagundam with Mine Over Burden (OB) at Medapalli Mines.
Pre-stressed Railway Concrete Sleepers: Use of Fly Ash in the manufacture of pre-stressed Railway Concrete Sleepers demonstrated in association with IIT Kanpur.
Ash based Bituminous Road: Demonstration project for construction of Fly Ash based bituminous roads have been taken up in association with CRRI at NTPC Badarpur and Dadri.
Flux bonded Bricks/Tiles: Research study for use of Fly Ash in Flux bonded bricks/tiles has been conducted at NTPC Ramagundam in association with NIIST Trivandrum.
HDPE Products: Use of fly ash in manufacturing of HDPE products taken up by Vindhyachal through IIT Delhi.
Showcase Projects on use of Ash in Agriculture: Use of fly ash in agriculture, as a soil modifier and source of micro and macro nutrients, has been successfully demonstrated through “Show case projects” in collaboration with the local farmers under the direct guidance of reputed agriculture institutions/universities.
1. At NTPC Simhadri in association with Annamalai University
2. At NTPC Unchahar in association with N.D University of Agriculture & Technology, Faizabad (U.P)
3. At NTPC Talcher – Thermal in association with Annamalai University
4. At NTPC Vindhyachal in association with Annamalai University
5. At NTPC Dadri in association with Annamalai University
Various crops have been grown and harvested in varying agro-climatic conditions and different soil-crop combinations and following increase in crops yield has been successfully demonstrated:

Promotional Measures

In order to promote and propagate multifaceted utilisation of Fly Ash as a Resource Material in various segments and to create awareness among the prospective users & entrepreneurs for use of ash, following promotional measures have already been carried out by AUD:

Books:

Brochures:

Films :

Advertisements:

For awareness creation advertisements in National dailies are released from time to time on various application of fly ash such as:

General uses of Fly Ash
Use of Fly Ash in Cement Concrete & Building Products
Use of Fly Ash in Road Embankment Construction Works
Use of Ash in Mine filling
Use of Ash in Agriculture

Enviroment Policy & Management

Status of Environment Clearance of Coal Mine Projects

Talaipalii
Chatti Bariatu
Kerendari Mine Block
Pakri barwadih Mine Block

Status of Environment Clearance of Thermal Power Projects

Gadarwara STPP, Stage-I (2x800 MW)
Lara
Kudgi STPP
Vindhyachal STPP, Stage-V (1x500 MW)
Mouda STPP, Stage-II (2x660 MW)
FGUTPP Unchahar

Environment Policy & Environment Management System

For NTPC, the journey extends much beyond generating power. Right from its inception, the company had a well defined environment policy. More than just generating power, it is committed to sustainable growth of power.
NTPC has evolved sound environment practices.

National Environment Policy

The Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Ministry of Power and NTPC were involved in preparing the draft Environment Policy (NEP) which was later approved by the Union Cabinet in May 2006.

NTPC Environment Policy

Since its inception NTPC has been at the forefront of Environment management. In November 1995, NTPC brought out a comprehensive document entitled ‘NTPC Environment Policy and Environment Management System. Amongst the guiding principles adopted in the document are the company's pro-active approach to environment, optimum utilisation of equipment, adoption of latest technologies and continual environment improvement. The policy also envisages efficient utilisation of resources, thereby minimising waste, maximising ash utilisation and ensuring a green belt all around the plant for maintaining ecological balance.

Environment Management, Occupational Health and Safety Systems

NTPC has actively gone for adoption of the best international practices on environment, occupational health and safety areas. The organisation has pursued the Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001 and the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment System OHSAS 18001 at its different establishments. As a result of pursuing these practices, all NTPC power stations have been certified for ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 by reputed national and international certifying agencies.

Pollution Control Systems

While deciding the appropriate technology for its projects, NTPC integrates many environmental provisions into the plant design. In order to ensure that NTPC complies with all the stipulated environment norms, following state-of-the-art pollution control systems / devices have been installed to control air and water pollution:

Electrostatic Precipitators
Flue Gas Stacks
Low-NOX Burners
Neutralisation Pits
Coal Settling Pits / Oil Settling Pits
DE & DS Systems Cooling Tower
Ash Dykes & Ash Disposal Systems
Ash Water Recycling System
Dry Ash Extraction System (DAES)
Liquid Waste Treatment Plants & Management System
Sewage Treatment Plants & Facilities
Environmental Institutional Set-up

Following are the additional measures taken by NTPC in the area of Environment Management:

Environment Management During Operation Phase
Monitoring of Environmental Parameters
On-Line Data Base Management
Environment Review
Upgradation & Retrofitting of Pollution Control Systems
Resources Conservation
Waste Management
Municipal Waste Management
Hazardous Waste Management
Bio-Medical Waste Management
Land Use / Bio-diversity
Reclamation of Abandoned Ash ponds
Green Belts, Afforestation & Energy Plantations

S.No.	Name of Crop	Increase in Yields
1	Wheat	16 - 22%
2	Paddy	10 - 15%
3	Sugarcane	20 - 25%
4	Banana	25 - 30%
5	Maize	More than 30%
6	Vegetables	10 - 15%

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Visakhapatnam: Toll in HPCL refinery fire rises to four, five workers still missing

August 24, 2013, 12:25 am

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Visakhapatnam: Toll in HPCL refinery fire rises to four, five workers still missing

Hyderabad: The death toll in the major fire that broke a day ago in the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) refinery in Andhra Pradesh's coastal city of Visakhapatnam rose to four, police said on Saturday.

Five workers are still reported missing, officials said, adding that 39 people are under treatment in hospitals, many of them battling for life.

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the search operation at the mishap site, the diesel hydro sulphurisation expansion project.

According to officials, two people died on the spot, while two others succumbed at a hospital. Majority of the injured sustained serious burn injuries.

The fire broke out after a major blast in an under-construction cooling tower in the state-owned HPCL refinery on Friday evening.

About a dozen fire engines controlled the fire, not allowing it to spread to other parts of the refinery.

With five workers still reported missing, authorities have opened a control room at the district collectorate. Relatives of the missing workers staged a protest on Saturday at the main entrance of the refinery.

About 4,000 employees of the refinery were boycotting their duties on Saturday to demand proper safety measures at the refinery.

Union Minister of State for Petroleum Pannabaka Lakshmi visited the refinery and spoke to the officials about the disaster.

The cause of the fire is still not known. Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has ordered a probe.

↧

PCB orders closure of India Cements unit

August 24, 2013, 12:31 am

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Pollution Control Board also initiates action against four more factories in Kadapa district

The Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board has ordered closure of India Cements Limited factory at Yerraguntla and initiated action against four more cement factories in Kadapa district, for non-compliance of the Board directions and standards and causing severe air pollution in surrounding areas.

APPCB Member-Secretary Janaki Kondepi issued closure orders (vide Order No. 16/TPT/PCB/TF-KNL/2012-307), as per Section 31 (A) of Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1987, in the interest of protecting public health and environment, in accordance with a decision taken at a hearing conducted by APPCB on August 5. The electricity authorities were directed to disconnect power supply to ICL factory.

The factory closure was ordered due to non-upgradation of ESPs to control flue gas emissions and to meet the Board’s emission standards, storing limestone in an open area on the premises causing dust emissions to road users, accumulation of solid waste, i.e. raw meal and clinker lumps all over the factory surroundings without proper recycling or landfill, inadequate water sprinkling systems, the order said.

On receiving a series of complaints from Rayalaseema Rashtra Samiti president Kuncham Venkatasubba Reddy and others that cement factories were causing environmental pollution, the APPCB inspection and monitoring team, Task Force Committee and Board officials inspected the five cement factories in Kadapa district.

Kadapa district has five cement factories – India Cements Ltd. Factories at Yerraguntla and Chilamakur in Yerraguntla mandal, Zuari Cements at Yerraguntla, Bharti Cements at Kamalapuram and Dalmia Cements at Mylavaram, in view of vast limestone reserves in Kamalapuram and Jammalamadugu constituencies.

The Pollution Control Board directed Bharti Cements at Nallalingayapalli in Kamalapuram to furnish bank guarantee for Rs. 1.40 crore within a week and provide automatic water sprinkling system along the roads to minimise dust emission within a month. It issued warnings to Zuari Cements Ltd. at Yerraguntla and Dalmia Cements factory at Mylavaram.

APPCB ordered Zuari Cements Ltd. to forfeit Rs. 10 lakhs from a bank guarantee of Rs. 1 crore.

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Death toll in HPCL refinery fire in Visakhapatnam rises to 10

August 24, 2013, 1:06 pm

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Death toll in HPCL refinery fire in Visakhapatnam rises to 10

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The death toll in the major fire that broke Friday in the state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) refinery in Andhra Pradesh's coastal city of Visakhapatnam rose to 10, police said on Saturday.
Six charred bodies were recovered from the mishap site on Saturday, taking the toll to 10. Two bodies were found Friday night while two injured succumbed at a hospital.
As many as 34 people are under treatment in different hospitals and the condition of six of them is stated to be critical.

Death toll in HPCL refinery fire in Visakhapatnam rises to 10

Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined the search operation at the mishap site, the diesel hydro sulphurisation expansion project.
The fire broke out after a major blast in an under-construction cooling tower in the state-owned HPCL refinery Friday evening.
About a dozen fire engines controlled the fire, not allowing it to spread to other parts of the refinery.
Authorities have opened a control room at the district collectorate. Relatives of the missing workers staged a protest on Saturday at the main entrance of the refinery.
About 4,000 employees of the refinery were boycotting their duties on Saturday to demand proper safety measures at the refinery.
Union Minister of State for Petroleum Pannabaka Lakshmi visited the refinery and spoke to the officials about the disaster. She later told reporters that a high-level probe was already ordered into the mishap.
Relatives of the victims and other workers staged a protest during her visit and demanded compensation. They complained that the officials were not giving them information.
Union Petroleum Minister Veerappa Moily is likely to visit the HPCL refinery later on Saturday.

↧

Nutrient based subsidy on mixed fertilizers

August 25, 2013, 2:18 am

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Nutrient based subsidy on mixed fertilizers
No subsidy on mixed fertilizers is provided by Government directly. However, manufacturers of mixture fertilizers are eligible to source subsidized Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers from the manufacturer/importers after their receipt in the districts as inputs for manufacturing mixture fertilizers for agricultural purpose. The respective State Governments monitor the activities of manufacturers of mixture fertilizers.

Under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy for Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers, being implemented w.e.f. 1.4.2010, the Government provides a fixed amount of subsidy, decided on annual basis, on each grade of subsidized P&K fertilizers depending upon their nutrient content. The fertilizer companies have been allowed to fix Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of P&K fertilizers at reasonable level. For these fertilizers, the farmers are paying much less than the delivered cost. The amount of applicable subsidy is printed alongwith the MRP of the subsidized fertilizers on each bag sold in the market.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

***

NSK/DB
(Release ID :98596)

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Dependence on Import of Fertilizers

August 25, 2013, 2:19 am

≫ Next: Utilisation of Assets of Closed/Sick Fertilizer Units

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Dependence on Import of Fertilizers
Government of India is aware of India’s dependence on supply of Phosphatic (P) and Potassic (K) fertilizers to the extent of 90% and 100% respectively on imports due to non-availability of indigenous raw materials within the country. India has a few reserve of rock phosphate that too in limited quantity and of poor quality which can only be utilized for production of SSP.

Self sufficiency in Urea however, can be achieved which is produced using domestic gas, imported LNG and naphtha. The Government has announced New Investment Policy (NIP)-2012 for urea sector to invite fresh investment and reduce country’s dependence on imports. In response, 14 companies (including PSUs) have evinced their interest to establish Greenfield / Brownfield urea projects in the country. But availability of sufficient domestic gas to these proposed urea projects in the country is a limiting factor.

Government is encouraging fertilizers companies to explore the possibility of establishing Joint Venture projects, acquisition of fertilizer assets abroad and entering into long term agreement with foreign entities to meet its requirement of raw materials for N,P and K fertilizers.

Indian fertilizer entities already have joint Ventures in Oman, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Jordan and Nigeria.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

***

NSK/DB
(Release ID :98595)

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Utilisation of Assets of Closed/Sick Fertilizer Units

August 25, 2013, 2:22 am

≫ Next: Quality of Imported Fertilizers

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Utilisation of Assets of Closed/Sick Fertilizer Units

The valuation of scrap of machineries and equipments lying in closed units of FCIL and HFCL along with the value of land has been done by M/s Project & Development India Limited (PDIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise, under the administrative control of Department of Fertilizers and the valuation has been certified by a Government Registered valuer. The details are as under:

The Estimated value of land, usable and unusable items along with the value of land in respect of closed units of FCIL and HFCL

(Rs. in crore)

Name of the Unit	Value of land	Value of usable and unusable items	Total
Sindri, FCIL	1534.14	261.95	1796.09
Ramagundam, FCIL	278.23	133.13	411.36
Talcher, FCIL	143.21	130.52	273.73
Gorakhpur, FCIL	1018.64	83.27	1101.91
Korba, FCIL	456.09	41.28	497.37
Barauni, HFCL	180.15	67.24	247.39
Durgapur, HFCL	629.65	76.62	706.27
Haldia, HFCL	455.68	92.39	548.07
Total	4695.79	886.40	5582.19

The details of closed/sick fertilizer units in the country are as under:

Name of PSU	Name of the closed/ sick Unit	Status
Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited (FCIL)	Sindri	closed
	Gorakhpur	-do-
	Talcher	-do-
	Ramagundam	-do-
	Korba	never commissioned
Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Limited (HFCL)	Barauni	closed
	Haldia	never commissioned
	Durgapur	closed
Madras Fertilizers Limited (MFL)	Manali, Chennai.	sick
Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizers Corporation Ltd.	Namrup-I	closed
Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT)	Ammonia-Urea plant, Cochin	closed

Besides the above, the estimated scrap value of the Namrup-I plant of Brahmaputra valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL), which is lying closed, is estimated at Rs. 14.80 crores adopting the ‘Market Value’ basis of valuation by M/s RBSA Valuation Advisor, a certified Government Valuer. The estimated present value of land of Namrup-I possessed by BVFCL is Rs. 21.20 crores.

The scrap of machineries and equipments of the closed Ammonia-Urea plant at Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited (FACT) Cochin Division has been valued by M/s Engineers India Ltd. at Rs.26.29 crores, however the Board had felt that the valued assessed by EIL was undervalued and hence the value was not accepted.

Government contemplates gainful utilization of the land and assets lying idle by setting up new urea plants.

As per decision of the Government in 2002, all the fertilizer units of FCIL and HFCL were closed and majority of the employees were released on Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) and remaining few employees are being paid regular salary.

There is a proposal to revive all the eight closed urea units of FCIL and HFCL, out of which three units of FCIL are proposed to be revived on nomination basis. The remaining five units shall be revived through bidding route in which international firms can also participate.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***

DNM/NSK/DB

(Release ID :98139)

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Quality of Imported Fertilizers

August 25, 2013, 2:27 am

≫ Next: Uncontrolled Development in Himalayan Region

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Quality of Imported Fertilizers

The total number of ships/containers inspected and ships/containers found non-standard by Central Fertilizer Quality Control & Training Institute (CFQC&TI), Faridabad and its regional laboratories during 2009-10 to 2011-12 are as under:-

Year	Number of ships/containers inspected	Number of ships/containers found non-standard
2009-10	1008	02
2010-11	1254	05
2011-12	1367	07

The imported fertilizers are tested by Central Fertilizer Quality Control & Training Institute (CFQC&TI), Faridabad and its regional laboratories at Chennai, Mumbai and Kalyani as per the procedure prescribed in Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985.

In order to ensure availability of good quality of fertilizers to the farmers, the Government has promulgated the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985. The specifications of various fertilizers have been specified under FCO, 1985. The Fertilizer Inspectors of Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQC&TI), Faridabad and the Regional Fertilizer Quality Control laboratories at Mumbai, Kalyani and Chennai regularly inspect and collect fertilizer samples for quality check from all the fertilizer vessels discharging at Indian ports and analyse in their laboratory. The subsidy on imported fertilizers is paid only if these fertilizers conform to quality specifications as per FCO.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***

DNM/NSK/DB

(Release ID :98135)

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Uncontrolled Development in Himalayan Region

August 25, 2013, 2:27 am

≫ Next: Pollution in Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath Dham

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Uncontrolled Development in Himalayan Region The environment and forest clearance for various developmental projects, including those in hilly areas in the State of Uttarakhand, are granted after following statutory procedures. The Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006 as amended from time to time, prescribes the procedure to be adopted for the grant of prior environment clearance in respect of developmental projects or activities stated in the Schedule to the Notification. Similarly, the diversion of forest land for non-forest activities is only allowed as per the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the rules and guidelines framed thereunder. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

The Minister further stated in addition to the regular environment regulatory regime, the Ministry of Environment & Forests has notified vide S.O. NO. 2930 (E) dated 18th December, 2012, the entire watershed of about 100 kilometers stretch of the river Bhagirathi from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi covering an area of 4,179.59 squire kilometers in the State of Uttarakhand as Eco-sensitive Zone thereby inter-alia prohibiting and regulating certain activities within the Zone, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ1415 - RS

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Pollution in Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath Dham

August 25, 2013, 2:29 am

≫ Next: Destruction of Forests

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Pollution in Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath Dham Ministry of Environment and Forests is not aware of any scientific report relating to ecological degradation in the famous Gangotri, Yamunotri and Badrinath dhams due to environmental change and pollution. However, a pilot study conducted on impact of hydropower in Bhagirathi Valley by G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development has indicated that the water quality parameters of the river are within the permissible limit. Further, survey of water quality of Yamuna and Bhagirathi River at Yamunotri and Gangotri undertaken by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in the Year 2009 to 2011 reveals that the water quality at both the studied locations are meeting the required criteria of Class ‘B’ i.e. water fit for ornanized outdoor bathing except in the year 2009 when total Coliforms violates prescribed limit. This violation of Total Coliforms may be due to rains leading to surface runoff or due to high number of pilgrims at the studied locations. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated considering the ecological sensitivity of the region, several steps have been initiated by the Govt. of India to protect the ecology of Indian Himalayan Region including the Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem under National Action Plan on Climate Change. The Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI, (MoEF) and G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) have jointly prepared the document “Governance for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem- Guidelines and Best practices (G-SHE)”. The document contains background information about the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), guidelines and best practices covering a wide variety of issues, namely, Sustainable urbanization, regulated tourism, water scarcity, environmental awareness, energy options conservation area and forests zone management, monitoring networks and infrastructure development, etc. Specific guidelines for regulating tourists and pilgrimage is suggested for Himalayan region.

RM/RS- USQ1050 - LS
(Release ID :97999)

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Destruction of Forests

August 25, 2013, 2:31 am

≫ Next: Sustainable Development

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Destruction of Forests
Destruction of forests is not rampant in North-Eastern region in the country. However, as per India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2011, there is a reduction of 548 Sq. Kms. of forest cover in comparison to ISFR 2009 in the North Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. In Assam the decrease is attributed to illicit felling, encroachments in insurgency affected areas and shifting cultivation practices, whereas, in other NE States except Sikkim the decrease is due to shortening of shifting cultivation cycle and biotic pressure. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that there is no proposal to depute a high level team to verify reduction in forest cover in the North-Eastern States.

RM/RS- USQ937 - LS
(Release ID :97989)

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Sustainable Development

August 25, 2013, 2:32 am

≫ Next: Increase of Carbon Dioxide

≪ Previous: Destruction of Forests

Sustainable Development The Government is aware of United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development held in June 2012 at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil wherein it was decided to initiate the inter-governmental process for developing global SDGs. The Open Working Group (OWG) has been formed by United Nations General Assembly on 22/01/2013 in which India is member of troika consisting of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The OWG has met for four times so far and India was represented by Permanent Mission of India (PMI), New York. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that we understand that Centre for Environment Education and TERI University are members of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

India, as in the past, will be participating in the 68th Session of United Nations General Assembly which will convene at UN Headquarters on September 17, 2013 and the General debate will open on September 24, 2013, the Minister added.

RM/RS- USQ923 - LS
(Release ID :97988)

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Increase of Carbon Dioxide

August 25, 2013, 2:46 am

≫ Next: Hazard Checklist: Flammable & Combustible Materials

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Increase of Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is not listed as one of the pollutants in National Ambient Air Quality Standards and is not monitored under National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP). CO2 is a Greenhouse Gas. An estimated amount of increase of CO2 in the atmosphere is in the order of 2.1 parts per million (ppm)/year has been observed during the last ten years. This was stated by Shrimati Jayanthi Natarajan Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

The Minister further stated that the Government have taken various steps including formulation of action plans to contain air pollution and CO2 which, inter alia, include:

(i) Notification of emission standards for various categories of industries processes and gensets, under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986;

(ii) Implementation of action plans for improvement of the ambient air quality in 17 cities including Delhi;

(iii) Source Apportionment Studies undertaken in six metro cities;

(iv) Introduction of cleaner fuels (B.S. III/IV) as per the Auto Fuel Policy;

(v) Introduction of gaseous fuel in select cities and towns;

(vi) Sale and registration of B.S. IV compliant passenger cars in selected metropolitan cities and towns apart from national Capital Region;

(vii) Enforcement of stringent ‘Pollution Under Control (PUC)’ certificate scheme to check exhaust emissions from in-use vehicles;

(viii) Implementation of stringent emission norms for generator sets;

(ix) Use of beneficiated coal for coal based thermal power plants;

(x) Implementation of the recommendations of the Charter on Corporate Responsibility for Environment Protection (CREP) for seventeen categories of air polluting industries;

(xi) Notification of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (November, 2009);

(xii) Strengthening of National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network;

(xiii) Inspection and monitoring of air pollution industries for compliance of the emission norms; and

(xiv) Strengthening of public transport including establishment of metro rail in a few select metropolitan cities.

(xv) National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released on June 30 2008. Two of the eight National Missions i.e. National Solar Mission and National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency relate to mitigation of emissions and include ambitious programmes aimed at generating solar power and conserving energy. Energy Efficiency mission envisages setting norms for achieving energy efficiency under Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme.

RM/RS- USQ992 - LS
(Release ID :97996)

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Hazard Checklist: Flammable & Combustible Materials

August 25, 2013, 8:08 am

≫ Next: HPCL Refinery: safety mechanism goes for a toss

≪ Previous: Increase of Carbon Dioxide

Hazard Checklist: Flammable & Combustible Materials

HAZARD	satisfactory	Needs Attention	Target Date of Correction	Date Corrected
Are combustible scrap, debris and waste materials (oily rags, etc.) stored in covered metal receptacles and removed from the work site promptly?
Is proper storage practiced to minimize the risk of fire including spontaneous combustion?
Are approved containers and tanks used for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids?
Are all connections on drums and combustible liquid piping, vapor and liquid tight?
Are all flammable liquids kept in closed containers when not in use (e.g., parts cleaning tanks, pans, etc.)?
Are bulk drums of flammable liquids grounded and bonded to containers during dispensing?
Do storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids have explosion-proof lights?
Do storage rooms for flammable and combustible liquids have mechanical or gravity ventilation?
Is liquefied petroleum gas stored, handled, and used in accordance with safe practices and standards?
Are NO SMOKING signs posted on liquefied petroleum gas tanks?
Are liquefied petroleum storage tanks guarded to prevent damage from vehicles?
Are all solvent wastes, and flammable liquids kept in fire-resistant, covered containers until they are removed from the work site?
Is vacuuming used whenever possible rather than blowing or sweeping combustible dust?
Are fire separators placed between containers of combustibles or flammables, when stacked one upon another, to assure their support and stability?
Are fire extinguishers selected and provided for the types of materials in areas where they are to be used? Class A-Ordinary combustible material fires. Class B - Flammable liquid, gas or grease fires. Class C - Energized-electrical equipment fires.
Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted within 75 ft of outside areas containing flammable liquids and within 10 ft of any inside storage area for such materials?
Are all extinguishers serviced, maintained and tagged at intervals not to exceed one year?
Are extinguishers free from obstructions or blockage?
Are all extinguishers fully charged and in their designated places?
Where sprinkler systems are permanently installed, are the nozzle heads so directed or arranged that water will not be sprayed into operating electrical switch boards and equipment?
Are "NO SMOKING" signs posted where appropriate in areas where flammable or combustible materials are used or stored?
Are safety cans used for dispensing flammable or combustible liquids at a point use?
Are all spills of flammable or combustible liquids cleaned up promptly?
Are storage tanks adequately vented to prevent the development of excessive vacuum or pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or atmosphere temperature changes?
Are storage tanks equipped with emergency venting that will relieve excessive internal pressure caused by fire exposure?
Are "NO SMOKING" rules enforced in areas involving storage and use of hazardous materials?
If a Halon 1301 fire extinguisher is used, can employees evacuate within the specified time for that extinguisher?
Is the transfer/withdrawal of flammable or combustible liquids performed by trained personnel?
Are employees trained in the use of fire extinguishers?

Name			Date

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HPCL Refinery: safety mechanism goes for a toss

August 26, 2013, 6:10 am

≫ Next: HPCL contract staff to go on strike from Monday

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HPCL Refinery: safety mechanism goes for a toss

The recommendations of Justice S.C. Jain Commission, which went into 1997 explosion that claimed over 60 lives, remain on paper

Safety mechanism in HPCL Visakh Refinery has again gone for a toss with most of the recommendations of Justice S.C. Jain Commission, which went into 1997 explosion that claimed over 60 lives, remaining on paper.

Incidentally, the August 23 blast and collapse of the cooling tower in the refinery triggered by unprecedented surge of hydrocarbons dealt a big blow to the safety record of HPCL five months after the company declared compliance to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-Process Safety Management standards.

Informed sources told The Hindu that overdependence on contractors for work of perennial nature, which was strongly criticised by the Jain Commission, and cost-cutting measures leading to compromising on safety measures were exposing the refinery to frequent accidents.

Asked to comment on overdependence on contract workers, HPCL Executive Director V.V.R. Narasimham told this correspondent that though the number of contract workers was more, in all sensitive areas their work was being monitored directly by the engineers and other executives of the company.

The Jain Commission in its report said: “It is learnt that casual labour and contract labour is employed even in performing sensitive operational duties relating to the gas pipeline both for LPG and naphtha as well as other operational work. This should be strictly disallowed.”

The panel had recommended maintaining pipelines and valves in leak-proof condition with preventive maintenance schedule. It said valve history cards shall be ensured as per Oil Industry Safety Directorate protocol. It said “management shall ensure flow of technical information in case of emergency to the district off-site emergency authority. The plant emergency coordination team shall be provided with public warning system.”

No public address system was used to caution people living in Malkapuram and Sriharipuram after the blast on August 23. Even the alarm system turned ineffective due to massive gas surge, a fact admitted by Mr. Narasimham. Though the plant has gas leak detection and warning system, it is not known why it failed to prevent the huge surge of hydrocarbons.

Several workers present in the refinery had a providential escape when the Crude Distillation Unit-3 was damaged in a devastating fire three months ago.“Outbreak of fire and gas leakage in such a sensitive and hazardous industry is a matter of serious concern,” a senior official of HPCL, who retired recently, said.

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HPCL contract staff to go on strike from Monday

August 26, 2013, 6:15 am

≫ Next: A Job Is a Dying Concept -Worker Health & Safety Principles-annually 2.3 million workers die across the world.

≪ Previous: HPCL Refinery: safety mechanism goes for a toss

Visakhapatnam: Around 4,000 contract workers belonging to trade unions, who are working at various units of the state-owned HPCL-VR complex in the city, will go on strike from Monday demanding that the HPCL management take immediate steps to improve safety standards at the refinery.
The refinery, which saw one of the worst industrials accidents in its history on Friday evening, had been warned about its poor safety records but the management had ignored them, said state secretariat member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Ch. Narasinga Rao.
Rao said that too much dependence on contract workers for regular works at the refinery, besides comprising on safety standards had led to the fire mishap at the under-construction cooling tower at the complex in which eight people had died and 39 were injured.
President of HPCL-VR Contract Workers’ Association, M.J. Naidu said, “Though the management of the complex was responsible for the fire, it was trying to hush-up the incident by showing silly reasons for the accident.”
He added that around 4,000 contract workers of the complex would go on strike from Monday. Narasinga Rao said though the S.A. Jain Committee on the HPCL-VR blast in 1997 had recommended that contractual and daily wage workers should not be to employed at electrical, instrumentation and other hazardous units, the management had been ignoring the recommendations.
The contract workers also demanded that the management announce compensations of Rs 20 lakh to each of the injured as they would be unable to work even after recovering from their burn injuries.
Injured worker airlifted
Only one injured contract worker, P. Venkata Rao, 44, who suffered 45-50 per cent burns in the HPCL fire incident and was admitted to Seven Hills Corporate Hospital in the city, was airlifted to the National Burns Center in Mumbai for special treatment on Sunday night.
Union minister of oil and natural gas, Veerappa Moily, who had visited the HPCL site, had informed that workers who had sustained above 70 per cent burns and 17 contract workers who had sustained below 50 per cent burns would be airlifted.
However, sources said that that only one worker was airlifted to Mumbai in an air-ambulance and six more had been identified for airlifting. They added that it was not possible to shift all 17 injured as some were not responding to treatment and would be difficult to airlift. Meanwhile the condition of the 12 injured who were under ventilator continued to remain very critical.

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A Job Is a Dying Concept -Worker Health & Safety Principles-annually 2.3 million workers die across the world.

August 27, 2013, 4:12 am

≫ Next: Blast: HPCL CMD promises probe

≪ Previous: HPCL contract staff to go on strike from Monday

A Job Is a Dying Concept

Dr. John Howard, Director of NIOSH, gave the keynote presentation last Tuesday (June 19, 2012) at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference (AIHce). In his talk, he focused on 7 trends that will define the future of occupational health and safety – demography, employment, discrimination, disability, governance, standards and professionalism. In this blog post, I will focus on one – employment trends.
As Dr. Howard put it, “A job is a dying concept.”
He went on to elaborate – In prior generations, security was what defined employment; today, it is precariousness. Work is increasingly contingent and less secure. There is no promise of continuous employment – or, in a great many work situations, of even being considered an “employee.”
According to Dr. Howard, this employment trend has a significant impact on occupational health and safety. Within the current legal structures governing worker protection, non-employee workers are often unrecognized and unprotected. Both workplace safety regulations and injury compensation schemes are based on one’s status as an employee. Yet, the risk of injury or death in the workplace is not related to a legalistic definition of employment – whether you are an “employee” rather than simply an individual laboring in the workplace.
Later in the week, Mike Wallace, from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), gave a presentation on the evolution of sustainability reporting and the need for new metrics for evaluating organizational performance related to occupational health and safety.
He started his presentation with the following statistic – annually 2.3 million workers die across the world. It is clear that workplaces are not safe and worker protection is often missing.
He sent on to note that, in the past, safety professionals have “stayed on the sidelines” in defining OH&S metrics for measuring organizational performance – unlike their environmental counterparts. Creating comparable metrics is often viewed as “too complex” and “too time consuming.”

I have been spending time reviewing the draft of a new ISO document – Guide 82– Guide for addressing sustainability in standards. (For standards geeks, this document was recently circulated as Committee Draft 2 and is intended to be a guidance document for ISO standard writers.)
In reviewing this document, I noted that one of the intents of this document is to list general principles of sustainability. To accomplish this goal, the document lists principles associated with several topics from environmental labeling and sustainable buildings to risk management and social responsibility.
In reviewing these lists of principles for other areas, I realized that I was not aware of a comparable list of worker health and safety principles. As I discussed this with other OH&S professionals, they were not aware of any generally-recognized list of worker health and safety principles either.
I thought about it and came up with the following list of seven principles (modeled after the list of Quality Principles set out in ISO 9000).

Worker Health and Safety Principles

1.       Health and Safety Focus
Worker health and well-being is an important organizational resource to be protected through the prevention of injury and ill health.
2.       Leadership Commitment
Top management needs to provide the leadership and resources necessary for effective management of OH&S issues
3.       Worker Engagement
Workers need to have the information, opportunities and accountability necessary for them to actively participate in ensuring their own safety
4.       Factual Approach to Decision Making
Decisions and actions related to evaluating and controlling OH&S risks should, to the extent feasible, be based on the analysis of factual information
5.       Prioritization of Controls
Hazards should be controlled using process, equipment and facility controls before administrative controls and personal protective equipment are utilized
6.       Prevention Instead of Reaction
Establishing systematic processes to identify and address OH&S risks is more effective than waiting until after an incident has occurred to react
7.       Supply Chain Accountability
Organizations need to act ethically when transferring OH&S risks to others in their supply chain
What do you think? Let me know by posting a comment to this blog post – or sending me an e-mail at

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