Post on 29-Jan-2017
Environment SafetyHealth
HelmetJuly - Sep 2013 • Volume - 3 • Issue - 3
Focus
Editor : V. S. Ramana
Editorial team : V. Ramesh Kumar | Gopi Kannan. S
Ashwin Chand | Mayura. K
Subha Anand | Shamala Nadendla
Content by : M. Kamarajan | P. Nagarajan
M. Nachiappan | R.N.Tripathy
Shaik Karimulla Sha Khadari
Mathivanan Palaniappan
Shailendra Kumar | Md Quaisar Imam
Sathyanarayana Seelamanthula
Murali Krishnan | P.V. Kaliappan
Nick Abalde | V. Balaji
S. Anantha Prasanna Venkatesh
Photography : V. S. Natanavelu
Design & layout : Global Print Design, Chennai
ContentsThis issue of Helmet covers a very interesting
spectrum of several EHS stories that are
either meant to spread awareness or to share
information such that the good practice is spread
across for the larger benefit of the organisation.
A new section interviewing project managers to
understand their perspective on EHS has been
added in the first few pages.
A simple and ingenious way of making light
bulbs out of empty PET bottles makes for a very
interesting read. With the county facing several
cyclones in the monsoon period, an article on
project level cyclone preparedness can be very
informative to many. This apart, there are several
other articles and EHS events that have been
covered in this issue. Hope that these articles
make for an interesting and good read.
Happy reading
BUILDINGS AND FACTORIES .............................Journeying towards a culture of zero tolerance on at-risk behaviour
INFRASTRUCTURE ................National Safety Council Awards
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIAL HANDLING ......Sapling Plantation Advantages
POWER TRANSMISSION & DISTRIBUTION .......................Dehydration - Prevention
WATER & EFFLUENT TREATMENT ...........................Solar Risk
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3HELMET July - Sep 2013
Financial year 2013-14 started with a very
positive note for B&F IC, with regard to the EHS
Performance; first five months were extremely
good, compared to the same period the year before;
however, our spirits were short-lived and within a few
days during the month of Aug/ Sep, there were many
incidents, which set us introspecting ourselves in a
more systematic manner!
Hoist and replacing it with new generation multi-
purpose hoists’ and so on.
However, unless all these improvements are captured
in the management system, in the form of checklists,
inspection guidelines, purchase/ hire procedures etc.,
it will not be a consistent effort. Now that’s what
has happened exactly – for instance, the ‘delay start
Journeying towards a culture of zero tolerance on at-risk behaviour
The introspection took us through a performance
transformation curve, which every organization will pass
through, during the safety management journey.
If you take a closer look at the above figure, incident
rates will come down over a period of time as the
organization goes through technical improvements.
This is done by introducing new technology, equipment
and process changes. We could quote here many
examples within any of our ICs; however, with specific
reference to B&F, we have introduced innumerable
initiatives over the past few years, such as ‘phasing
out old generation hydra’, ‘introducing delay start
mechanism in the vehicles’, ‘phasing out the Builders
mechanism’ was introduced in ALL the construction
equipment in B&F IC about an year back and today
there are many hired equipment (including some of
our own equipment) that are operational in our project
sites without this safety device; basic reason for this
being, such initiatives have NOT been captured in the
inspection checklist or in the purchase/ hire policy (and
procedures).
Assuming that all such initiatives (technology
improvements) are captured in the HSE management
systems, will there be a guarantee that incident
rates will further reduce? Yes, provided we ensure
that the employees are self-motivated (intrinsically
Buildings & Factories 3HELMET July - Sep 2013
4 HELMET July - Sep 2013
motivated), because they are the ones who have to be
instrumental in implementing the systems, monitoring
the compliance and taking action on the deviations (if
any) from the requirements of the system. ‘Cultural
improvement’ is therefore the key to have intrinsically
motivated employees. Cultural improvement through
a process of establishing a ‘no-blame approach’,
ensuring upward communication from all levels of
employees without fear of reprisal, achieving high
level of trust among employees through positive
communication/ consultation with regard to EHS
roles/ responsibilities and lastly having a transparent
performance measurement system, which is linked to
the appraisal.
Assuming that we reach the ultimate stage of having
intrinsically motivated employees by establishing a
positive EHS culture within the organization, the
challenge will now shift towards maintaining this culture
through a process of periodic cultural diagnosis and
having a resilient workforce through behaviour based
safety initiatives.
All our initiatives during the past few months are
consciously designed to take our organization directly
to the third and fourth level of making our employees
‘intrinsically motivated’ to work safely and to sustain it
for a longer duration!
For example, we are encouraging all workmen to
inform the EHS team at site or to their supervisors or to
us directly (through the Toll-Free number) their safety
concerns/ their suggestions. Whenever we receive
any such information from workmen, their identity is
kept confidential while seeking corrective action from
the respective site and the concerned person is given
feedback about the action taken!
We have provided ‘safety improvement slip’ booklet to
all the supervisors/ engineers/ managers and they are
encouraged to issue the slip to any employee (even to
their seniors), if they are found to be working in an
unsafe manner. In fact, all the safety incentive schemes
that are operational at site are NOW linked to these
initiatives. This is expected to bring about a positive
culture throughout the organization.
We are giving confidence to all levels of employees that
they will not be penalized/ punished after an accident,
unless there are glaring omissions on the part of any
employee. However, we are giving a very strong message
that based on their score in the proactive EHS performance
monitoring system, (which is very transparent in nature)
they will certainly be held accountable.
Another significant drive we are currently embarked
upon is to make every frontline engineer to report
what they did/failed to do, on a daily basis, as part
of their daily progress report (DPR). We strongly
believe in integrating the safety requirements
in the existing management system procedures
(operational procedures) rather than creating
separate procedures for EHS, which may potentially
complicate matters. This is the reason why, the
frontline engineers are being asked to write (in the
DPR) what they did for enforcing safety in their
respective place of work.
We have also launched another very interesting
and practical method of influencing the minds of
the frontline engineers/ supervisors/ foremen, who
are directly involved in giving job instructions to the
workmen and are authorizing the workmen to work
in a certain manner and in certain conditions. The
work instructions currently revolve around ‘what’
needs to be done and very rarely talks about ‘how’
the work is to be done! This method (called as ‘safe-
to-start-work card’ or ‘STARRT’ card) will condition
their mind to look into the hazards of the activity
(with specific reference to the environment in which
the activity is being taken up on that day) and the
actual controls that are currently in place while they
‘authorize’ the work to be started by the workmen
in the existing condition. This also gives the staff
an opportunity to tell the workmen ‘why’ the job
has to be carried out in a particular manner. When
the question ‘why’ is addressed, the likelihood of
compliance will be very high and the behaviour
modification we achieve through such initiatives are
likely to last much longer.
We would like to thank all levels of employees who
are very cooperative and obliging to all our initiatives,
without which we will not be able to reach our ultimate
goal of “establishing a culture of zero tolerance on at-
risk behaviour”
Will update more in the next issue and until then,
with lots of wishes for the forthcoming festive
seasons!
M. KamarajanHead EHS
Buildings & Factories
Buildings & Factories4 HELMET July - Sep 2013
5HELMET July - Sep 2013
Flashback Arrestors
A flash back arrestor is a safety device that shuts off gas flow in event of flash back. Flashback can travel back through the hose to your gas
source, if a flash back arrestors is not in line. A flash back arrestor shuts off gas flow and extinguishes the flame before it can reach your gas source. Several factors can cause flash back, including failing to purge line properly, using improper pressure, leaks in your gas management system and improper system operation. It is recommend that using a flash back arrestor on your fuel line as well as the oxygen line.
Flashback
Flashback is the condition of the flame propagating down the hoses of an oxy-fuel welding and cutting system. The flame burns backwards into the hose, causing a popping or squealing noise. It can cause an explosion in the hose with the potential to injure or kill person who handles it. Using a lower pressure than recommended can cause a flashback.
Causes of Flash Back
1. Wrong gas sequence during start-up
2. Insufficient Purging to clean the hoses prior to start
3. Blocked, worn, undersized or overheated blowpipe tip.
4. Blocked section in the blowpipe, cutting attachment or heating attachment.
5. Hose run over by a vehicle during Cutting
6. Wrong gas pressures. Where practicable, gauges should be within sight of the operator
7. Gas hoses of excessive length causing pressure loss.
8. Slag blocking tip.
9. Flame held too close to work surface
10. Hot metal falling on and burning through hose
11. Pressure loss or insufficient supply in either gas hose.
How Flash Back Arrestors work
a) By reducing the velocity of the flame, even lower than the minimum flame velocity of the fuel gas
b) Stops the flame propagation into or through a pipe. By placing a flame arrestor at the end of the flammable mixture pipe feeding a flare or burner, flame can be prevented from moving into the pipe regardless of the mixture velocity.
c) By passing a potentially flammable mixture through a water chamber or some sort of heat
sink. This dissipates the heat and quenches the flashback.
d) By blocking the fuel gas path, with a suitable thermal fuse plug, casing the flashback to die out.
e) By blocking the flow of fuel gas in the opposite direction by acting like a non-return valve.
Things you can do to help prevent flashbacks, fires and explosions:
1. If using acetylene, keep the pressure below 1.5 Bar
2. Purge your hoses before lighting the torch.
3. Never light your torch with a mixture of fuel and oxygen. After purging the lines, light the torch with only the fuel gas valve open.
4. Check valves should be installed on both torch inlets and operating properly. Check valves can stop the reverse flow of gases, but will not prevent flashbacks.
5. To prevent flashbacks, flashback arrestors must be installed on the outlets of both regulators,and/or torch inlets.
Vineesh ValsanSr. EHS Engineer, Grassim VSF Plant Project,
Bharuch
Buildings & Factories 5HELMET July - Sep 2013
6 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Helmet Congratulates the following sites for achieving
THREE Million and more LTI Free Safe Man-Hours
SafetyRoll of Honour
The Address-Wadhwa Housing Project, GhatkoparMillion Safe Man Hours, January 2010 to September 2013
NISER Project, BhubaneswarMillion Safe Man Hours, September 2011 to September 2013
Rajashree cement plant Project, MalkhedMillion Safe Man Hours, March 2011 to September 2013
Delhi ONE ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to September 2013
Vicat Sagar Project Million Safe Man Hours, July 2010 to September 2013
Kohinoor Square Project, Mumbai Million Safe Man Hours, June 2009 to September 2013
TCS project, Kochi Million Safe Man Hours, October 2011 to September 2013
Torrent Pharmaceuticals Project, DahejMillion Safe Man Hours, September 2011 to September 2013
Hyderabad Metro Rail Project Million Safe Man Hours, June 2011 to September 2013
River View Apartments Ph-II Project, Lucknow Million Safe Man Hours, March 2012 to September 2013
Boeing MRO Project, Nagpur Million Safe Man Hours, March 2011 to September 2013
Cognizant Elcot IT Park Project, Sholinganallur Million Safe Man Hours, October 2012 to September 2013
ESIC Hospital Project, Kollam Million Safe Man Hours, April 2010 to September 2013
ESIC Hospital Project, Kovai Million Safe Man Hours, March 2011 to September 2013
ITC Sonar Hotel Project, Kolkata Million Safe Man Hours, August 2009 to September 2013
Maruti C-line Project, ManesarMillion Safe Man Hours, October 2010 to September 2013
ESIC Hospital Project, Joka Million Safe Man Hours, October 2009 to September 2013
Godrej Garden City Ph-III project, Ahmedabad Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013
Godrej Garden City Ph I & II project, Ahmedabad Million Safe Man Hours, September 2011 to September 2013
RMZ Galleria Project, Bangalore Million Safe Man Hours, February 2011 to September 2013
DLF-Mico project, Egmore Million Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to September 2013
Prestige Bella Vista Project, Chennai Million Safe Man Hours, April 2012 to September 2013
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Buildings & Factories6 HELMET July - Sep 2013
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DLF Capital Greens Project, Delhi Million Safe Man Hours, March 2013 to September 2013
AIIMS Project, Bhubaneswar Million Safe Man Hours, October 2011 to September 2013
Orchid Crown Project, Prabhadevi Million Safe Man Hours, April 2010 to September 2013
Omkar Rehab project, Malad Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013
DIAL ATC Tower Project Million Safe Man Hours, January 2012 to September 2013
TCS Customer Care Centre, Siruseri Million Safe Man Hours, April 2012 to September 2013
CMRL Depot project, Koyambedu Million Safe Man Hours, December 2010 to September 2013
Wadhwa Project, BKC Million Safe Man Hours, December 2010 to September 2013
Omkar Rehab project, Bhoiwada Million Safe Man Hours, June 2011 to September 2013
Construction of MSIL Proving Ground project, Rohtak Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013
Minerva Tower Project, Mumbai Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013
Lodha Fiorenza Project, Goregaon Million Safe Man Hours, August 2011 to September 2013
IIT Phase I Project, Hyderabad Million Safe Man Hours, December 2012 to September 2013
HONDA Ph-II Extension Project, Bhiwadi Million Safe Man Hours, April 2012 to September 2013
IREO Rise project, Mohali Million Safe Man Hours, March 2012 to September 2013
Godrej Eternia Project, Delhi Million Safe Man Hours, June 2010 to September 2013
TCS IT SEZ project, Adibatla, Hyderabad Million Safe Man Hours, August 2012 to September 2013
Atmosphere Project, KolkataMillion Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013
Omkar Rehab Project, Worli Million Safe Man Hours, November 2011 to September 2013
Water’s Edge Project, BangaloreMillion Safe Man Hours, May 2012 to September 2013
Cognizant IT Park ph-II Project, Bantala Million Safe Man Hours, January 2012 to September 2013
Lodha New Cuffe Parade Project, Wadala Million Safe Man Hours, March 2012 to September 2013
Olympia Grande Project, Chennai Million Safe Man Hours, June 2012 to September 2013
Planet SKS Project, Mangalore Million Safe Man Hours, October 2011 to September 2013
Ahuja Tower Project, MumbaiMillion Safe Man Hours, November 2012 to September 2013
HCL Technologies Project, Chennai Million Safe Man Hours, March 2013 to September 2013
Buildings & Factories 7HELMET July - Sep 2013
8 HELMET July - Sep 2013 Buildings & Factories
LPG Cylinder SafetyUnderstanding the Material Safety Data Sheet for LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS
What is Material Safety Data Sheet?
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) also known as Product Safety Data Sheet (PSDS) is an important document that contains information on potential hazards and instructions on how to work safely. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete Environment Health and Safety Program. It also contains the information on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures of the material. This sheet includes information such as physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point, ignition point etc.), Chemical data, Toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal and other information.
When would you use an MSDS?
Always be familiar with the hazards of a product BEFORE you start using it. You should look at the MSDS and match the chemical on your container to work safely with it.
MSDS educates people on how to safely handle the controlled products.
Here we are going to learn about the MSDS of LPG. Before entering into the MSDS of a product we need to study the basic information about the product.
LPG in atmosphere
LPG at atmospheric pressure and temperature is a gas which is 1.5 to 2.0 times heavier than air. Since LPG vapor is heavier than air, it would normally settle down at ground level/ low lying places, and accumulate in depressions.
Is LPG Odorless& Colorless?
Yes LPG is odorless and colorless in its natural form. But to detect
the gas leak a stenching agent called Ethyl Mercaptan is added. LPG is colorless both in liquid and vapor phase. During leakage the vaporization of liquid cools the atmosphere and condenses the water vapor contained in them to form a whitish fog which may make it possible to see an escape of LPG.
An MSDS is NOT a document intended to represent all the
information needed for safe use of a product. It cannot foresee all
possible types of worker exposure
8 HELMET July - Sep 2013
9HELMET July - Sep 2013Buildings & Factories
Toxic effects of LPG
LPG even though slightly toxic, is not poisonous in vapor phase, but can, however, suffocate when in large concentrations due to the fact that it displaces oxygen. In view of this, the vapors possess mild anesthetic properties.
Flammability Range of LPG
LPG has an explosive range of 1.8% to 9.5% volume of gas in air. This is considerably narrower than other common gaseous fuels. The auto-ignition temperature of LPG is around 410-580 deg. C and hence it will not ignite on its own at normal temperature.
Flash Point and Fire Point of LPG
The flash point is that minimum temperature at which there is enough evaporated fuel in air to start combustion. The lower the flash point, the easier it is to ignite the material. Flash Point of LPG is < - 60ºC/ < - 76ºF. Fire Point is the temperature at which it will continue to burn after ignition for at least 5 seconds. Fire Point of LPG is– 0.5 ºC / 31.1 ºF.
A spectacular example of the consequences of introducing a blast to a flammable limit atmosphere occurred in Chennai in May, 2013. A 45 year old woman went to light up the stove in kitchen around 6 am. There was a gas leak from the tube connecting the stove and LPG cylinder. The flammable limits of LPG are narrower, 1.8% to 9.5 % in air. Flash Point is < - 60ºC/ < - 76ºF. Boiling Point is– 0.5 ºC / 31.1 ºF. When the women lit up the stove, an undetermined blast occurred (light bulb, fire prone materials like oil, fire match etc.) thus ignited the mixture with terrible results.
Do you know the flash points for the chemicals you handle?
Do you know how they are stored?
At work? At home?
Learn the basic properties of the product before handling them!
Proper storage & understanding how dangerous chemicals can become if subjected to heat is just using good safety common sense.
Subhashini K Sr. Engineer - EHS
Chennai Cluster
“I chose to look the other way”a poem by Don Merrell
I Chose To Look The Other Way
I could have saved a life that day, But I chose to look the other way.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care; I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn’t want to seem a fool, Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he’d done the job before; If I spoke up he might get sore.
The chances didn’t seem that bad; I’d done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked by; He knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye; And with that act, I let him die. I could have saved a life that day, But I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife, I know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear; But isn’t’ something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take That puts their health or life at stake, The question asked or thing you say;
Could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away, Then hope you never have to say, “I could have saved a life that day, But I chose to look the other way.”
9HELMET July - Sep 2013
10 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Interview of a project manager on EHS
In view of the increasing readership for helmet magazine even from the other divisions of L&T, we thought it appropriate to introduce a section on how EHS is perceived by colleagues who are not directly under the gamut of the EHS department.
After much deliberation, the thought to hold an interactive session with a project manager originated. This consultation of people either for their feedback or consultation is also a part of the EHS Management system which we have accredited to and here’s hoping that this initiative would be a seed in transforming the EHS culture of the organization.
The first session started with one of the Chennai based projects where the team from Helmet magazine, Mr. Gabrial Fernandez. N from B&F EHS department and Mr. Gopi Kannan. S from Corporate Communications, met up with Mr. M. Gopinath, Project Manager, Prestige Belle vista Project, Chennai.
Here are the excerpts:
What amount of your time is spent on safety related activities?
Safety is something that is very close to my heart and also what I begin my daily activities with. Every day, the site activities start with a safety pledge that is mandatory for all the workmen and the staff. We strongly believe that through this initiative, every single person enters the work site with a strong EHS cultural orientation and awareness. I would say that on a daily basis, about 30 to 40 % of my time will be touching upon safety related aspects.
How do you divide the activities that are based on EHS?
The morning PEP talk will be entirely focussed on EHS apart from the morning ‘walk’ around the site which will have EHS as the primary area of focus. We monitor PPEs, platform safety, material handling housekeeping, etc., during such walks.
How do you demonstrate your commitment to EHS?
Any meeting in the project starts only with a safety pledge. Though the top management expects very good performance in terms of timely completion and quality, the project team puts safety as a priority that supersedes the expectations. So according to me, safety is not simply about wearing our PPEs but more about our consciousness and it should be in every gene of our body. According to me safety needs no cadre – meaning, anybody is empowered to stop an un-safe act. One need not be a senior person to do this.
I also believe in the “sama dana bheda danda” philosophy whereby, I first try to convince, then use reward, threat and finally punish if safety standards are not adhered to.
There have been instances when I find non-compliance, I will insist in not moving from that place until this is set right. Such firm exhibition of adherence to safety standards has helped me exhibit my personal commitment to EHS.
How is risk assessment being done in this project?
Let me explain this with an example, for a vertical staging, a person will be deputed to physically check each and every pin. This may be seen as a very time taking and elementary process, but it is needed to ensure the safety
of all. In this project, we do a lot of brainstorming to bring out possible risk situations and find solutions to the same as a team.
How often do you do a structured safety inspection?
Under the chairmanship of the project leader, we have formed a special EHS team that meets once every week. We have a system of intergroup or cross functional audit. Sometimes, I call for some special meetings randomly and every single person in this project assembles for a brief period and I ask them to come out with five points to enhance EHS culture and efficiency of operations.
Buildings & Factories10 HELMET July - Sep 2013
I believe in the “sama dana bheda danda” philosophy
11HELMET July - Sep 2013
How do you ensure that the inspection is an effective one?
I will first and foremost wear all my PPEs because I should be safe myself. We will talk up to mate level and in certain occasions, we talk also to the workmen level to make them understand the deviations found.
How do you communicate critical work activities relating to EHS to workmen?
In this project, we lay a great amount of importance for visually communicating the message. We provide the images of do’s and don’ts in an easy to understand manner so that it is easily followed. This is because people will interpret words in their own way. For instance, when you say ‘no gap in walkway’ you will have to support with an image to show how tight the structures have been fastened, this helps people understand and implement.
What percentage of annual accountability of yours has been accorded to safety and how do you think it can be measured?
About 25 % of value driver is allotted to safety. Firstly it can be measured by the safe man hours or non-reportable incidents apart from the nominations to safety awards. In an indirect manner it can also be measured by judging the safety culture that is prevalent in the team.
How do you measure the performance of your project and the subordinates with respect to safety?
The performance is analysed in the monthly review meetings and during the cross functional audits within the project. All the first aid cases are reviewed in a serious manner which is a sort of reactive monitoring system. In fact, right now there is no metric available for assessing the systems implemented by the subordinates when it comes to EHS. Of course, the recently introduced proactive EHS monitoring system meets the requirement of measuring the performance of subordinates.
When it comes to safety, the measure of performance is perceived in a negative manner. (for instance, “lost time injuries” etc.,) can there be a positive measure for EHS? If yes, what can it be?
In safety even one incident can make the result negative. But unfortunately there are very few metrics for safety performance. Proactive EHS monitoring system that has been implemented across the organisation recently has
now enabled us to measure our safety performance easily. It is a good sign of driving down the message of positive safety culture.
Your views on proactive monitoring system?
This system has been implemented in the site based on attributes and criteria. Metrics are getting implemented on housekeeping, improvement slips are given, suggestions from staff, safe-to-start card system is getting followed. This system, though seen as laborious at present, is an excellent way to create a positive work culture.
Are critical area safety audits being conducted at your site?
When audits are done internally, it seems ok, but when external teams do it there seems to be a variance sometimes. This according to me can be attributed to a matter of perception.
Safety cultural transformation should begin from whom?
It should be top driven but bottom implemented and things should not be forced rather should be implemented as a system.
If workmen adhere to EHS work culture without being monitored, is that a good safe culture? Is it the status with your project? If no, how do you plan to implement the same?
Absolutely, when workmen behave in such a manner, it exhibits a very positive EHS culture. It is not immediately possible because of the attrition rates of the workmen.
Any specific EHS responsibility you are personally accountable for?
I would say the health of workmen and environmental initiatives have to be driven down from the top. Apart from this, I also believe that developing a safety conscious team is my responsibility.
Did you get any direct communication on your roles and responsibilities on EHS from the top management?
With safety, there is no direct communication in a formal manner as it is the case with other directives such as quality and timely performance.
Have you communicated formally about the EHS responsibilities to your subordinates?
Yes, during monthly review meetings it is communicated and they are advised on how sequence following is
Buildings & Factories 11HELMET July - Sep 2013
A safety engineer is like a coach,
whereas the site engineer is a
performer. While a coach can only guide, he cannot
perform
12 HELMET July - Sep 2013
important, work procedure, using right tools and getting safety approvals for critical areas are communicated.
What percentage of annual operating budget is spent on safety?
In this project, the actual budgeted amount is insufficient and there is a gap. However, safety is never compromised in my project site due to such operational issues. But it would be better if the EHS budgets are planned during the tendering stage itself. It will further enhance the safety performance of the project as a whole.
What is the distribution of expenses on this budget?
It is mostly used for PPEs, protection at site level and then spent for safety training programmes and safety events. Some of the budget also goes towards rewards for workmen on safety contests. There is a major challenge faced nowadays in the construction segment when it comes to budget for EHS. Since the attrition rate of workmen is very high, the costs on PPEs are significantly higher than originally budgeted for.
As a project manager, what according to you would be the costs associated with safety related incident based on the severity right from first aid cases to fatal?
There are many direct and indirect costs involved when an accident occurs. By the time a project gets back to normalcy, a considerable amount of costs would be involved. As for health issues, about twenty five thousand rupees is being earmarked on a monthly basis approximately including first –aid cases.
How many hours of formal safety training have you attended in the last two years?
There has not been any formal training on EHS. But have
been a part of Dupont training programme and training conducted by Mr. Jeet Bindra. I am also very keen on being a part of such EHS programmes, however owing to the pressing needs of project management, I even missed out on an excellent program on EHS leadership workshop.
What are the situations where established safety work procedures can be deviated due to the situations?
For instance, there is a percentage of deviation in the hire-vehicles of higher capacity which are in short supply in the market. Though we know that there is a problem, we also go by the severity of same based on the situation.
Sometimes there are times when I have to not be able to be a 100 per cent safety manger due to pressure on timely completion. During such occasions we do have a slight shift in priority but that is only very marginally.
Can you give one specific initiative that you have implemented / wish to implement?
I have a system by which a site engineer is made as a ‘safety engineer’ for a period of one month. Through this job rotation, many new areas come to light and the team building also gets stronger because there is empathy among team members.
Do you think a safety engineer is really required at a site?
A safety engineer is like a coach, whereas the site engineer is a performer. While a coach can only guide, he cannot perform. But when the performance is not up to the mark, the coach is penalised. So under ideal conditions, site engineers should learn to perform with just the guidance from the safety team.
APPRECIATION
B&F IC received the prestigious Gold Award from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) for TWO of its projects for the year 2013.
The award-winning projects are:
• ITC-SonarProject,Kolkata
• TheAddressWadhwaProject,Mumbai
The awards were presented during a glittering award ceremony on 19th September 2013 at Glasgow, Scotland.
Buildings & Factories12 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Mr. P Dhananjaya, Project Head – The Address Wadhwa Project, L&T B&F IC receiving the award from Mr. Eric Wiles, RoSPA Chairman and Mr. Tom Mullarkey, RoSPA Chief Executive
13HELMET July - Sep 2013
International / National Standard
“Knowledge has to be improved, challenged, and increased constantly, or it vanishes.” By Peter Drucker
Hope the last issue on handling and storage of building materials would have given a basic idea and procedure for storing different building materials. Also bear in mind that implementing the information learnt is far more important than reading it.
Material handling always poses one of the severe hazards compared to other activities carried out at projects. Safety in material handling starts form size / structure / shape of the object / equipment to be handled, selection of crane and lifting gears, skilled manpower deployment, logistics, repetition of the handling, time, etc. Vigilant care is needed if crane or any other machinery is involved in the material handling process.
Excerpts from IS 13667 – part 1 general “Safety use of cranes – Code of practice” is covered in this issue to enhance your knowledge on Safe use of cranes during lifting operations.
This standard dealt various aspects of material handling such as Management and Planning of the lifting operation, Types and selection of cranes and persons, Signaling, Erection & dismantling, Legal legislations, Testing and examination, etc. in safe usage of cranes.
Since the details pertaining to the safe use of crane are enormous in this standard, we may cover only a few topics in this article. Definitions of certain terms, management and planning of the lifting operation shall be focused on in this issue. Other topics shall be covered subsequently in the forthcoming issues.
Definitions
Appointed Person
The person appointed by the management requiring the lifting operation to be undertaken who will be responsible for all aspects of lifting operation.
Competent Person
A person who is deemed to be competent and has such practical and theoretical knowledge and such experience of the crane and the equipment used in the lifting operation as is necessary to carry out the
function to which the term relates in each particular context.
Driver
The person who is operating the crane for the purpose of positioning loads.
Driver does not include any person who is operating a crane for erection of the crane itself.
Automatic Safe Load Indicator (ASLI) & Load Radius Indicator
Overloading is one of the most critical events to cause accidents. ASLI is fitted in all the cranes for the operator to visualize the load in case of overloading beyond the safe working load. The sample picture below shows the safe load and radius of a crane operation.
The ASLI automatically gives visual indication to the driver when the load being lifted or carried by the crane approaches the safe working load. It gives a continuous audible warning to the driver and other persons in the vicinity when the load being lifted or carried exceeds the safe working load. Under certain statutory regulations, the automatic safe load indicator should be of a type approved by the chief Inspector of Factories.
A device fitted on a crane that shows the radius of the hook and the corresponding safe working load.
Sample Safe load indictor
Buildings & Factories 13HELMET July - Sep 2013
14 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Radius
It is the horizontal distance between the point at which the centre of rotation of the crane meets the ground, and the vertical center line through the hook.
Management of Lifting Operation
Safe System of Work
A safe system of work must be established and followed for every lifting operation. Safe system of work helps ensure the safety of all personnel. This should also help prevent any inadvertent restoration of the power or movement of the crane.
This should include the planning of the operation, the provision, selection, maintenance and examination of the correct equipment and the provision of properly trained, competent personnel with adequate supervision.
The safe system of work should be clearly documented as relying on verbal instructions alone is not enough to ensure safety. The system should ensure effective communication between all parties concerned.
Appointed person and his duties
The management of the organization requiring the lifting operation should appoint a competent person with appropriate training and experience. This person is known as the appointed person. He will not undertake any other duties such as crane operation, slinger or siganaller.
Duties included are;
y Assessment of lifting operation for planning, selection of crane(s), lifting gear and equipment, instruction and supervision as is necessary for the task to be undertaken safely. This should include :
y Ensuring there is an effective procedure for reporting defects and incidents and adequate maintenance for Equipment
y Responsibility to organize the team involved in the lifting operation.
y Responsibility for control of the entire lifting operation.
The appointed person should be given the necessary authority for the performance of all these duties and in particular, authority to stop the operation whenever he considers that danger is likely to arise should the operation continue.
Planning of Lifting Operation
Planning is a crucial part in lifting operation and it shall be documented, but extent of detailed planning depends on the complexity of the operation
Radius of a hydraulic mobile crane
Effect of a swinging load on load radius
Note: Always lift loads gently and operate crane motions smoothly to avoid load swinging (A swinging load will increase the overturning moment of the cranes.) Use steady lines where necessary and where the load presents a wind catching area. Always travel with the load near to ground level so that load swinging can be controlled easily.
Buildings & Factories14 HELMET July - Sep 2013
15HELMET July - Sep 2013
(However,in no case can planning be ignored). Every dismantling should be planned to ensure that it is carried out in a safe manner. The plan should never permit exceeding the safe working load of the crane or equipment.
Factors to be considered in planning:
y Nature of any obstructions and hazards to the load or crane during the operation
y Ground conditions (Investigation of ground conditions)
y Determination of load and characteristics (Including centre of gravity)
y Movement of load throughout the lifting operation
y Production of detailed plan of different elevation of the lifting operation at all critical phases from the initial siting of the crane to the final landing of the load
y Written statement of duties of each member of the team ensuring that all members of the team are aware of the statement
y If the crane(s) are called for l ifting operation, it has to be erected before commencing
and dismantled after completion of
works
y Relevant factors including space, suitability of
ground and access shall be ensured
y Lifting operations involving the simultaneous use
of more than one crane carry a higher risk factor
than those using only one crane. Additional care
should be taken in planning (planning multiple
lifting operation shall be given in next issue) such
activities.
¾ It is also essential that the drivers, slingers
and the person in charge are thoroughly
briefed with particular emphasis on the effect
that the operation of one crane has on the
other(s).
¾ Three dimensional scale models should be
considered a useful aid to the team briefing
for particularly complicated lifts.
Planning for the Permanently Installed Crane
Where a crane is installed to carry out a number of
operations or is installed as a permanent fixture, the
planning should be carried out prior to the selection
and installation of the crane. An account of the
continual lifting requirements and the loads that are
likely to be lifted should be taken. The operations
should be reviewed periodically to check that the size
and nature of the loads have not altered significantly
and that the crane and equipment are still suitable for
the duty required of them.
Minimum Planning
Lifting operations that involve no apparent difficulties
with access, erection and dismantling, obstructions,
hazards or other complications should only require
minimum planning. Following the selection of a
suitable crane and range of lifting gear and equipment
for the loads to be lifted, such operations may be
delegated to the team of slinger(s) and crane driver
following a brief on their task.
The selection of persons and their duties, signals
during material handling shall be covered in the
next issue….
Buildings & Factories 15HELMET July - Sep 2013
16 HELMET July - Sep 2013
TRAINING PROGRAMMESSafety
Buildings & Factories
DateName / Subject of the Training Programme
Faculty Coordinator
Duration (days/hours)
No. of Praticipants
Location
24th, September 2013Accident Investigation through “Root Cause Analysis” Technique
Mr.M.Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 10 Ahmedabad
25th, September 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr.M.Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 10 Ahmedabad
12th, August 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr.M.Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 28 Bengaluru
13th, August 2013 EHS Leadership WorkshopMr.M.Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 22 Bengaluru
16th, July 2013 EHS Leadership WorkshopMr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 18 Chennai
4th, September 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 20 Chennai
05th, July 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr.M.Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 30 Delhi
12th, September 2013 EHS Leadership WorkshopMr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 26 Delhi
13th, September 2013Accident Investigation through “Root Cause Analysis” Technique
Mr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 42 Delhi
6th, July 2013 EHS Leadership WorkshopMr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 22 Delhi
5th, July 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 30 Delhi
24th, July 2013 EHS Legal requirement
Mr. Vidhyasagar Rao (External Faculty-EHS Consultant), CEHSM, HYCL
1 23 Hyderabad
25th, July 2013 EHS Leadership WorkshopMr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 16 Hyderabad
26th, July 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr G Madhava Kumar, CEHSM, HYCL
1 17 Hyderabad
6th, September 2013 EHS Leadership WorkshopMr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 12 Mumbai
7th, Spetember 2013Competence Building Workshop
Mr. M Kamarajan, Head EHS
1 4 Mumbai
CBW, Leadership & Legal Training
17HELMET July - Sep 2013Buildings & Factories
CSP Training Jul - Sep 132 days Construction Safety Program
Program dates Cluster / Project Faculty CoordinatorNo. of
Praticipants
July 16-17, 2013 August 30-31, 2013
AhmedabadMr. Shailesh A Patel, CEHSM, Ahmedabad Cluster
45
August 8-9, 2013 ChennaiMr. R V Sudhakar, CEHSM, Chennai Cluster
25
August 6-7, 2013 September 24-25, 2013
Delhi Mr.K.K.Jha, CEHSM, Delhi Cluster 57
September 3-4, 2013 Gurgaon Mr. D.S. Gaur, CEHSM, Gurgaon Cluster 30
August 7-8, 2013 HyderabadMr. G.Madhava Kumar, CEHSM, Hyderabad Cluster
25
July 29-30, 2013 August 22-23, 2013 September 26-27, 2013
Kolkata Mr.Sujit Saha, CEHSM, Kolkata 67
July 20-21, 2013 August 19-20, 2013
Mumbai Mr. V. Bhavani Shankar, CEHSM, MBCL - CB&A & Mr. Hemant Kadu, CEHSM, MBCL - RB&F
36
July 18-19, 2013Hyderabad Metro Rail Project
Mr. Amitava Mitra, EHS Manager, HMRP 26
July 12-13, 2013 August 6-7, 2013 August 29-30, 2013
Mumbai International Airport Project
Mr. Josy John, EHS Manager, MIAL Project
26
18 HELMET July - Sep 2013
It happened; it can happen; prevent it
What happened?
On a gloomy day in a construction project, shifting of form work equipment (Used for handling table forms) was in progress using a tower crane. While shifting the equipment from the extended (cantilevered loading) platform of first floor, it was swung at a height of around 10 m towards the extended platform in the second floor. When the equipment was lowered, suddenly the bottom portion of the equipment got detached from the top portion and fell to the ground.
During investigation, it was found that while lowering the equipment, the hydraulic piston in the equipment detached from the assembly, leaving the top portion with the tower crane hook.
What went wrong?
y Sling was attached to the top portion of the equipment whereas it was supposed to be connected in the hooks provided at the bottom portion. This is a clear case of improper method of slinging arrangement leading to separation of the equipment into two parts.
y Only one signal man was available at the unloading point; he was not familiar / competent enough in rigging practices.
y Lifting point was not clearly marked and working crew was engaged without any pre-task assignment discussion.
How to prevent it?
y Lifting /anchoring / hooking / slinging points shall be visibly marked on the equipment for easy identification.
y Pre-briefing should be done on the hazards and sequence of activity. In order to make this practice mandatory, STARRT card / ‘Safe-To-Start-Work Card’ system has been introduced and all sites have started implementing this in all earnest.
y Skill evaluation must be done for all signal men and riggers prior to deployment.
y At least two signal men per tower crane shall be engaged at loading and unloading points; it may be increased if the tower crane is to carry out works in more than 2 structures.
Failures related to mechanical handling normally occur due to various reasons, such as overloading, sling failure etc. In this case, the root cause of the failure is due to the fact that the configuration of the load was not considered while deciding the slinging point. As a customary and conventional object, the slings were attached to the top of the load.
Many such objects could be handled in our project sites and hence this incident is being shared with the readers of “The Helmet”, with a request to identify such critical equipment/ machinery that are likely to be handled and to take appropriate precautions.
Making mistakes is not a crime. Not learning from them, repeating them is criminal.
Hydraulic piston came off from the assembly
(bottom portion), leaving the top portion with the crane
hook
Schematic diagram of tower crane
jib section plan view, shifting the equipment from
1st floor extended (cantilevered
loading) platform to 2nd floor
platform.
Buildings & Factories18 HELMET July - Sep 2013
19HELMET July - Sep 2013
Road Safety – A Picture Story
Keep your distanceYou can’t crash into space! The more space you keep around you, the less risk of a collision. Be on your lane.
More haste less speedIn busy congested conditions or in built-up areas give yourself time. There’s no need to speed and you won’t get there any quicker.
Look ahead and anticipateDon’t just look at the vehicle in front and in your mirror to observe what is going on immediately around. Anticipate what is happening ahead of you by looking at the furthest point along the road as well as observing the behaviours of your fellow road users.
Buildings & Factories 19HELMET July - Sep 2013
20 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Think F.L.O.W.E.R.SEnsuring that your vehicle is serviced regularly (in line with the manufacturers’ recommendations) will help avoid breakdowns and accidents caused by vehicle faults. To ensure safety for both yourself and those around you and to keep your vehicle running smoothly,
Remember FLOWERS
Fuel : Play safe and stay topped up.
Lights : Regularly check main beams, indicators, fog lights, sidelights and brake lights.
Oil : Over-filling or under-filling the oil risks engine damage.
Water : Keep the screen wash reservoir full and use plenty of additives in winter, BEFORE it freezes up (in cold weather conditions).
Electrics : Check battery, wiper blades, electric windows, horn and heater fan. Defects will only worsen if neglected.
Rubber : The safety implications of under-inflated tyres include the increased risk of suffering a blow out at high speed due to excessive heat building up in the tyre. The legal limit for minimum tread depth on your tyres is 1.6 millimetres, across the central ¾ of the tread around the complete circumference of the tyre
Signage: Observe road, traffic signs and advisory. Road signs and traffic signs are there for a purpose, not just for decorations. Caution signs are shaped triangularly and have red borders; instruction signs are shaped round, octagonal or as an inverted triangle with red color or borders; information signs are round or rectangular in shape,colored white with blue background; direction signs are those round ones with white on blue backgrounds.
Buildings & Factories20 HELMET July - Sep 2013
21HELMET July - Sep 2013
Be safe, be seenPeople don’t generally hit what they see – so put yourself where you can be seen. Why stay alongside trucks and vans where the driver cannot see you?
Safe parkingDamage to vehicles often happens in car parks where we least expect it. Think prevention! Use space – park away from other vehicles, trolleys and activity areas whenever possible.
A word to the wise - C.O.A.S.T.S
As experience improves, often attention levels diminish. Get to know what affects a driver’s attention levels and watch for those who are affected. Think COASTS
Concentration : Don’t talk over mobile while driving. Focus on the primary task at hand.
Observation : Pay close attention to other vehicles and changes in their movement.
Anticipation : Anticipate the good and bad intentions of other road users to avoid accidents.
Space : Keep your distance – always maintain a two-second distance behind the car in front of you.
Time : Plan journeys, allowing enough time to arrive safely without the need to drive hard.
Seat Belt : Fastening your seatbelts will not only save your life, but also save you money. It is now mandatory to wear seatbelts while driving and when you are flagged down for not wearing one, the penalty can be quite substantial.
And finally, always be calm and courteous to other drivers.
D.S. Gaur Cluster EHS Manager, Gurgaon Cluster
Buildings & Factories 21HELMET July - Sep 2013
22 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Kakrapar Atomic Power ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, February 2010 to
September 2013
Beawar-Pali-Pindwara Road ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to
September 2013
Nashik Elevated Corridor ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, January 2010 to
September 2013
Krishnagiri Walaja Road project Million Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to
September 2013
Vizag Vessels ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, November 2011 to
September 2013
Tapovan Vishnugad Hydel ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, May 2010 to
September 2013
Singoli Bhatwari Hydel ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, June 2011 to
September 2013
Kandla Mundra Road project Million Safe Man Hours, April 2011 to
September 2013
Badarpur Faridabad DMRC Million Safe Man Hours, February 2012 to
September 2013
Subansiri Hydel ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, May 2011 to
September 2013
DMRC – CMC1 ProjectMillion Safe Man Hours, July 2010 to
September 2013
33
18
17
13
10
9
9
9
9
7
7
Samakhiali Gandhidham Road projectMillion Safe Man Hours, October 2012 to
September 2013
DMRC CC-17 projectMillion Safe Man Hours, August 2012 to
September 2013
DMRC CC-05 projectMillion Safe Man Hours, January 2012 to
September 2013
HMRLMillion Safe Man Hours, Mar 2013 to
September 2013
Bharuch Dahej RC projectMillion Safe Man Hours, June 2009 to
September 2013
Panskura-Kharagpur RC projectMillion Safe Man Hours, September 2009 to
September 2013
Ganjbasoda Sanchi RC project – Million Safe Man Hours, March 2010 to
September 2013
Bangalore MetroMillion Safe Man Hours, May 2011 to
September 2013
10 MTPA Rail Siding ,TATA JSR projectMillion Safe Man Hours, July 2009 to September
2013
DMRC CC 28Million Safe Man Hours, May 2011 to
September 2013
Punatsangchhu HEPMillion Safe Man Hours, June 2013 to
September 2013
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
Helmet Congratulates the following sites for achieving
THREE Million and more LTI Free Safe Man-Hours
SafetyRoll of Honour
Infrastructure22 HELMET July - Sep 2013
23HELMET July - Sep 2013
APPRECIATION
Infrastructure
Prashansa Patra award for Rajkot Jamnagar Road Project
Rajkot Jamnagar Road Project bagged the Prashansa Patra Award from National Safety Council for the year 2012.
The award is in recognition for developing and implementing effective occupational health & safety (OHS) management systems and procedures and achieving good OHS performance during the assessment year.
The award was presented by Mr. Ashok Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry for Labour and Employment in a function organized on 4th Oct 2013 in New Delhi.
The award was received by Mr. M. Ramesh, Dy. Project Director WDFC, Mr. Chandrasekhara Rao, Cluster EHS Manager and Mr. Awadesh Kumar Singh, EHSO.
Golden Shield award for Kakrapar Atomic Power Project
Kakrapar Atomic Power Project bagged the Golden Shield (Sarvashreshtha Suraksha Puraskar) award from National Safety Council for the year 2012. This is the highest honour in the Construction sector.
The award is in recognition of developing and implementing effective occupational health & safety (OHS) management systems and procedures and achieving excellent OHS performance during the assessment year.
The award was presented by Mr. Ashok Kumar Sinha, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry for Labour and Employment in a function organized on 4th October 2013 in New Delhi. The award was received by Mr. I. Chandran, Project Director and Mr. R. Sudharsan, EHS Manager - Kakrapar Atomic Power Project.
National Safety Council
23HELMET July - Sep 2013
24 HELMET July - Sep 2013 Infrastructure
Award from Institution of Engineers (India)L&T Faridabad Elevated Metro Corridor (DMRC CC-06 project) has bagged the Prestigious “Safety Innovation Award 2013” from Institution of Engineers (India) in recognition of the innovative safety management system adopted at L&T Faridabad Elevated Metro Corridor in the construction sector.
Mr. D.D.Khot (Cluster Head, Delhi), Mr. D.K Sharma (Project Manager, CC-06 Project), Mr. M K Singh (Cluster EHS Head) along with Mr. Sahadev Singh (CPM, DMRC) and Mr. Manoj Vajpayee (PM, DMRC) received this award from Mr. Oscar Fernandes (Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Government of India) at Hotel Le-Meridian, New Delhi on 12th September during the inaugural session of the safety convention organized by Institution of Engineers (India).
1st Management Review Meet of EHS function of Transportation Infrastructure Independent Company was held to review the EHS performance with Cluster EHS managers and chart action plan for continual improvement.
The review meet was inaugurated by Mr. D.K.Sen, EVP & Head – Transportation Infrastructure IC and K.V.Praveen, Head-R&R EC BU in the presence of Mr. S.Sathyanarayana, Head – EHS HC IC, Malay Kumar Mahanta, Head – EHS R&R EC BU, CEHSMs and Project EHS in-charges.
Safety Innovation Award
Management Review Meet
24 HELMET July - Sep 2013
25HELMET July - Sep 2013
TRAINING PROGRAMMESSafety
Infrastructure
Sl No. Date Programme Location Day/Hours
1 25th July 2013In-House Training Program on “Safety in Launching Girder”
Kolkata Metro Project
1 Day
225th & 26th July
2013Two Days Training on
“Construction EHS Requirements”Mumbai Monorail
Project2 Day
329th Jul To 3rd Aug
2013
Training on ”Radiation Safety Aspects of Nucleonic
Gauge”Mumbai 6 Day
4 30th July 2013Training on
“Safety in GWB Transportation and Erection”Mumbai Monorail
Project1 Day
5 1st Aug 2013Training on
“EHS Competency Development Programme”HQ-Chennai 1 Day
6 5th Aug 2013Training on
“Safety in GWB Transportation and Erection”Mumbai Monorail
Project1 Day
7 5th& 6th Aug 2013Two Days Training on
“Construction EHS Requirements”HMRL Project Site 2 Day
8 8th Aug 2013Training on
“Defensive Driving for Heavy Duty Drivers”HMRL Project Site 1 Day
916th& 17th Aug
2013Training on
“Safety While Working at Height”Delhi Cluster 2 Day
10 6th Sep 2013Training on
“Safety Harness Training Programme” Sahar / Forecourt
(Mial)1 Day
1118th& 19th Sep
2013Two Days Training on
“Construction EHS Requirements”Wadi-Raichur RC
Project2 Day
1226th & 27th Sep
2013Two Days Training on
“Construction EHS Requirements” Delhi Cluster 2 Day
25HELMET July - Sep 2013
26 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Use of Plastic Soda Bottles as Light Source
The access to electricity for indoor lighting is very important for any project. A major chunk of electricity is required for indoor illumination during the day time also. To reduce the dependency on electricity, effective use of solar light system is a viable option. Energy conservation has not only economic importance but also environmental aspects. A large amount of greenhouse gases are released during electricity generation. By switching on to solar lighting options, the carbon footprint of a project is greatly reduced.
Water filled soda bottle provides illumination in day light as the water filled inside the bottle acts as a lens and creates an omnidirectional light from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. With the combination of these simple materials, a modified soda bottle solar light can be used for indoor lighting in day time. A typical soda bottle light can generate approximately 50-60 watts of omnidirectional light.
How it is made?
Materials Required
y PET bottles
y Flat or corrugated GI sheets (for encasing)
y Clean water (for filling)
y Bleaching agent like chlorine (to prevent algal growth inside the bottle)
y Industrial sealants
Procedures:
Step I
Cut approx. 9’X10’ GI flat or corrugated sheet and cut a circle slightly smaller (2 mm) than the circumference of the bottle container. Make small strips that will be bent upward the steel sheet.
Infrastructure26 HELMET July - Sep 2013
27HELMET July - Sep 2013
Step II
With the help of steel brush or sand paper scratch the surface of the bottle to allow the glue to stick better. Fit the bottle in the circle and apply the rubber sealant or epoxy resin around the small perpendicular strips.
Step III
Fill the bottle with clear water and add about 10 ml of chlorine (bleach).
Step IV
Cut a diameter similar in size to the plastic container on the roof and place the bottle with the skirt glue directly on the roof.
Step V
Fix the solar bulb firmly in place by drilling 6 holes on the perimeter & riveted on the roof and apply epoxy around the newly cut hole on the roof to prevent leaking. A plastic tube is fixed on the cap to protect the bottle cap from cracking by sun.
Fig: Solar bulbs installed in DMRC CC 06.
Energy conservation:
A typical solar bottle bulb can generate 60watt of light. If a bunch of 10 nos. of solar bulb is installed and is effective for average 8 hours a day it can save 4.8 units of electricity per day and 144 units of electricity in a month.
Importance:
Plastic bottle solar bulb is important in many aspects. The bottle used as bulb is a type of non-degradable waste and is easily available; also the installation cost is nominal. This solar illuminating system can be effectively used in cement godowns, material stores and workmen camp as a substitute to electric bulb for use during day time indoor illumination.
Deepak Kumar Env. Manager, CC-06 DMRC Project
Faridabad
Infrastructure 27HELMET July - Sep 2013
28 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Benefits of Planting Trees
Most often we plant trees to provide shade and beautify our landscapes. These are great benefits but trees also provide other benefits.
Social Benefits
y Trees make life comfortable. It has been shown that spending time among trees and green spaces reduces the stress that we carry around with us in our daily lives.
y Hospital patients have been known to recover from surgery more quickly when their hospital rooms offered a view of trees and greenery.
y Children have been shown to retain more of the information taught in schools if they spend some of their time outdoors in green spaces.
y Trees are often planted as living memorials or reminders of loved ones or to commemorate significant events in our lives.
Communal Benefits
y Even though you may own the trees on your property your neighbours may benefit from them as well.
y Through careful planning trees can be an asset to your entire community.
y Tree lined streets have a traffic calming effect, traffic moves more slowly and safely.
y Trees can be placed to screen unwanted views or noise from busy highways.
y Trees can complement the architecture or design of buildings or entire neighbourhoods.
Environmental Benefits
y Trees reduce the effect of heat through evaporative cooling and reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches parking lots and buildings. This is especially true in areas with large impervious surfaces, such as parking lots of stores and industrial complexes.
y Trees improve our air quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide from the air we breathe.
y Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe.
y Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding.
y Many species of wildlife depend on trees for their habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
Economic Benefits
y Well placed trees can reduce your cooling costs in the summer by shading the south and west sides of your home. If deciduous trees are used they will allow the sun to pass through and warm your home in the winter.
y Evergreen trees on the north side of your home and shrubs around the foundation of your home can act as a windbreak to reduce the cooling effects of winter winds.
y The value of a well landscaped home with mature healthy trees can be as much as 10% higher than a similar home with no or little landscaping. (Topping will reduce the value of your trees)
R.N.TripathyHead – EHS, MMH IC
Metallurgical & Material Handling
Sapling Plantation Advantages
29HELMET July - Sep 2013
Helmet Congratulates the following sites for achieving
THREE Million and more LTI Free Safe Man-Hours
Bhushan Steel Limited Site - Angul (M&M) 36 Million Safe Man Hours, January 2013 to September 2013.
Vizag Steel Plant Expansion Project - BF # 3 32 Million Safe Man Hours, April 2009 to September 2013.
Mahan Aluminum Plant (HINDALCO) - Singrauli 32 Million Safe Man Hours, December 2010 to September 2013.
UAIL – Rayagada26 Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013.
Coal Handling plant for NTPC - Barh20 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2006 to September 2013.
Dhamra Port Project 19 Million Safe Man Hours, April 2007 to September 2013.
Wheel Manufacturing plant at Chhapra18 Million Safe Man Hours, February 2009 to September 2013.
Can Mill Project Hirakud Site17 Million Safe Man Hours, July 2010 to September 2013.
SAIL - Burnpur Site15 Million Safe Man Hours, February 2010 to September 2013.
JSPL Angul 11 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2012 to September 2013.
BALCO - Korba 11 Million Safe Man Hours, November 2011 to September 2013.
CHP-Mahan (HINDALCO), Singrauli11 Million Safe Man Hours, January 2011 to September 2013.
Coal Handling plant, DVC – Koderma10 Million Safe Man Hours, March 2008 to September 2013.
Bhilai Steel Plant Expansion Project - BF # 8 10 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2010 to September 2013.
Coal Handling plant, Rajpura10 Million Safe Man Hours, December 2010 to September 2013.
NTPC – Simhadri (Vizag) Coal Handling Plant 9 Million Safe Man Hours, May 2009 to September 2013.
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9
NTPL, Tuticorin9 Million Safe Man Hours, September 2009 to September 2013.
Bhilai Steel Plant Expansion Project - SP # 39 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2010 to September 2013.
Engineering Workshop Limited, Kanchipuram9 Million Safe Man Hours, September 2011 to September 2013.
Coal Handling Plant, Amlohri7 Million Safe Man Hours, February 2012 to September 2013.
Aditya Alumina Lapanga6 Million Safe Man Hours, April 2011 to September 2013.
Bhilai Steel Plant Expansion Project - SP#35 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2010 to September 2013.
Bhushan Steel Limited Site - Angul (BMH)5 Million Safe Man Hours, February 2013 to September 2013.
Pot Super Structure (HINDALCO), Mahan, Singrauli 5 Million Safe Man Hours, March 2010 to September 2013.
DB Power CHP Project Raigarh5 Million Safe Man Hours, December 2010 to September 2013.
NTPC- Barh, Phase-II4 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2010 to September 2013.
HZL (Roaster-V), Dariba4 Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to September 2013.
SSTPPL CHP Project, Khandwa 4 Million Safe Man Hours, September 2012 to September 2013.
GCEL CHP Project, Raipur3 Million Safe Man Hours, July 2012 to September 2013.
APML CHP-Tiroda3 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2012 to September 2013.
CHP (INDIABULLS) Nashik 3 Million Safe Man Hours, August 2012 to September 2013.
999765555444333
SafetyRoll of Honour
Metallurgical & Material Handling 29HELMET July - Sep 2013
30 HELMET July - Sep 2013
APPRECIATION
Appreciation Certificate received for Achieving of 2.5 million by Jindal Shadeed Project site Oman
Merit Certificate by L&T Power to CHP Khandwa site
Appreciation Certificate for Best Safety Performer BALCO
Metallurgical & Material Handling30 HELMET July - Sep 2013
31HELMET July - Sep 2013
Cyclone Preparedness in Construction Sites
Natural calamity like tropical cyclone is a big threat to the construction projects in the coastal areas. Though only 2% accidents are caused due to
natural causes,these verity of the accidents caused by the nature is very high and sometimes can be catastrophic. Implementation of Environment, Health & Safety norms is a big challenge for the construction industry in India. Further this becomes tougher to meet threats from nature such as tropical cyclones, floods, earth quakes, landslides, lightening, etc.
Only proactive approach can reduce the impacts of cyclonic storm. Many lives can be saved and loss of property can be minimised through well-planned and dedicated execution. Some precautionary measures against tropical cyclone are outlined below, but are not limited to:
y Collect information regarding the day, time and intensity of the cyclone from reliable sources (Indian Metrological Department). Follow-up on the updated news and act accordingly.
y Anchor all the containers, porta-cabins, offices to sustain the wind impact.
y DB rooms, sub DB rooms, welding booths and temporary sheds to be rain proof and anchored.
y Firmly secure/load the CGI roofs of the DB rooms, sub DB rooms, welding booths, and temporary sheds.
y Check and remove if any loose material is present at heights.
y Secure CGI sheets, plywood and other materials vulnerable to fly due to heavy winds.
y Secure the scaffolding with fixed structure firmly. Do not keep walkway jallies, H-beams and loose components at height.
y Maintain minimum safety stock/level in cement silos in batching plant.
y Store records, important documents and valuables in a waterproof room/place on the highest level of the self.
y Secure the vertical structures/column which is not braced adequately by providing guy rope.
y Stop erection and other construction activities prior to the cyclone.
y Stop working at height, especially on roofs and temporary platforms.
y Keep all electrical cables and wires tidy and all the electrical joints insulated.
y Secure the temporary members of the structure by bolting or welding.
y Switch off lifts, elevators during cyclonic situation and keep the cabin at ground level.
y Don’t leave any fabricated material in unstable condition.
y Keep booms of all the cranes in down position. Keep boom of the boom placer down.
y Keep Boom of Tower crane in free condition.
Securing of smoke tower by guy rope Securing of roof CGI sheets in temporary sheds
Metallurgical & Material Handling 31HELMET July - Sep 2013
32 HELMET July - Sep 2013
y Anchor the gantry crane with all the locking arrangements (track lock, wheel lock, and central lock).
y Provide locking arrangement against travelling in EOT cranes, trolleys and other mobile equipment.
y Cut off power prior to the cyclone.
y Check and keep emergency power supply ready.
y Check and maintain equipment and tools and tackles ready for clearing roads after the cyclone.
y Keep dewatering pumps ready.
y Maintain portable water tanks (overhead tanks) in filled condition at site and workmen habitat.
y Secure doors, shutters and windows of all buildings properly. Secure glass doors, shutters and windows with supports or coverings.
y Maintain the drains and channels free from blockage. Protect the stores from water accumulation.
y Keep emergency lights, torch lights and spare cells ready.
y Keep sufficient food material (non-perishable) and drinking water in canteen and guest houses. Also keep sufficient cooking fuel.
y Keep sufficient fuel for ambulance and emergency vehicles.
y Park vehicles under shelter with hand brakes on and in gear. Provide scotch block.
y Keep public address system ready and spare cells available.
y Keep portable, battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
y Check if all emergency phones are functional.
y Keep required medicines and first aid items ready.
y 36. Keep ambulance/emergency vehicle, first aiders and paramedics ready.
y Keep emergency teams (P&M team, rescue team, first aid and medical team) alert for the situation.
y Keep important telephone numbers readily available.
y Stay inside the building during the cyclone.
y Communicate to the workmen not to panic.
y Communicate to the workmen to avoid resting near structures or inside the construction area.
y If required shift the workmen to safe location.
y Keep adequate amount of bleaching powder, carbolic acid.
y Act as per the guidelines provided by the state administration.
The experience of encountering the recent cyclonic storm – Phailin at L&T’s Kalinganagar Site,Odisha has given the opportunity to share the precautionary measures against such severe cyclones. Though this time it was fortunate that we were not badly hit, it has given us ample scope to learn a lesson and equip ourselves for the days ahead.
Niranjan DashManager (EHS)
Kalinganagar Project,Odisha.
Anchoring of containers Workmen shifted to safe location by bus
Metallurgical & Material Handling32 HELMET July - Sep 2013
33HELMET July - Sep 2013
Are You Dehydrated?
If you feel thirsty, it means you are already dehydrated.
During exercise, the human body loses a lot of fluids
and it is very important to replace them as soon as
possible. A good way to stay hydrated while working-
out is to drink a lot of water well before you start
exercising.
Causes of Dehydration
Dehydration can be caused by losing too much of
body fluids, not drinking enough water or fluids, due
to excessive sweating,excessive urine output,fever,
vomiting or diarrhea.
Infants and children are more likely to become
dehydrated than adults because they weigh less and
their bodies turn over water and electrolytes more
quickly.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Mild:
y Thirst
y Dizziness
y Light-headedness
y Dry mouth and nose
y Slowed urine production
Moderate:
y Sunken, dry eyes with few or no tears
y Poor skin elasticity
y Rapid and deep breathing
y Low blood pressure
y Fast, weak pulse
Severe:
y Fainting
y Severe muscle contractions in the arms, legs,
stomach and back
y Convulsions
y Heart failure
y Kidney problems
y Lack of urine
y Cool, moist extremities
y Low or undetectable blood pressure
y Peripheral cyanosis (bluish skin)
y Death
Dehydration - Prevention
The following tips may help prevent
dehydration:
y Drink plenty of water before, during, and
after exercise at least once every 15 to 20
minutes
y Do not drink coffee, colas, or other drinks that
contain caffeine. They increase urine output and
make you dehydrate faster
y Avoid high-protein diets. If you are on a high-
protein diet, make sure that you drink at least 8
to 12 glasses of water each day
y Avoid alcohol. They increase dehydration and
make it hard to make good decisions
Power Transmission & Distribution
Dehydration - Prevention
33HELMET July - Sep 2013
34 HELMET July - Sep 2013
y Do not take salt tablets. Use a sports drink if you
are worried about replacing minerals lost through
sweating
y Stop working outdoors or exercising if you feel
dizzy, light headed, or very tired
y Wear one layer of lightweight, light-colored
clothing when you are working or exercising
outdoors. Change into dry clothing as soon as you
can if your clothes get soaked with sweat. Never
exercise in a rubber suit
Dehydration -Treatment
y Move the victim to a cool area.
y Keep the victim in lie-down position.
y Apply cool, wet cloths to critical areas of the
victim’s body (Wrists, Neck, Collarbone, Upper
arms/armpits, Inner thighs, etc)
y Keep the cloths on the body to prevent
evaporation, and re-moisten as needed.
y Give water and juice in small amounts
frequently.
y Seek medical help if the victim is dehydrated from
heat stroke or blood loss, or if dehydration is
severe.
Dehydration can lead to even death. The combination
of heat, high humidity, long exercising outside during
the hottest part of the day, working hard in the sun or
even just walking around in the sun and not drinking
enough water can lead to dehydration related
problems.
Kumar Shailendra
Head-EHS
Power Transmission & Distribution (Domestic)
Power Transmission & Distribution34 HELMET July - Sep 2013
35HELMET July - Sep 2013
Helmet Congratulates the following sites for achieving
ONE Million and more LTI Free Safe Man-Hours
I.E, TSL Project Site, Jamshedpur
Million Safe Man Hours, July 2010 to July 2013
Raw Material Handling Site, TSL, Jamshedpur
Million Safe Man Hours, January 2010 to
July 2013
Electrical works for 3600 MW SEPCO Nariyara
Power Project
Million Safe Man Hours, March 2011 to
September 2013
OMPL-MARC
Million Safe Man Hours, June 2011 to
September 2013
6X600 MW Sasan Ultra Mega Power Plant
Million Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to
September 2013
3X600 MW Talwandi Sabo Power Limited,
Mansa, Punjab
Million Safe Man Hours, August 2011 to
September 2013
TATA POWER – GIS, SAKI, Mumbai
Million Safe Man Hours, August 2010 to
July 2013
IOCL, Paradeep Refinery Project - E & I Pkg
Million Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to
August 2013
400KV D/C QUAD Barh-Gorakhpur TL
Million Safe Man Hours, July 2012 to
August 2013
400 KV D/C Quad JPL TL, Tamnar - Raigarh
Million Safe Man Hours, April 2011 to
June 2013
KKNPP Job site (E-1 Package)
Million Safe Man Hours, March 2013 to
September 2013
765kV S/C Gwalior-Jaipur-PGCIL
Million Safe Man Hours, November 2012 to
September 2013
10
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
SafetyRoll of Honour
Power Transmission & Distribution 35HELMET July - Sep 2013
36 HELMET July - Sep 2013 Power Transmission & Distribution
APPRECIATION
y PT&D IC, Electrical works at 3600 MW KSK - SEPCO
Nariayara Power Project has received a ‘Certificate
of Appreciation’ from client for achieving 3 Million
Safe Man hours during the period of June 2011 to
August 2013.
y 800 kV HVDC, Bipole from Biswanath Charilai
to Tongala Transmission line have received
Appreciation from client for incident free during
financial year 2012-2013
y PT&D-R-APDRP part-B works Davanagere project
appreciated by client Bangalore Electricity Supply
Company Limited Davanagere Division for achieving
1 Million safe man Hours during November 2011 to
July 2013.
y A Bengali version of the EHS passport has been
developed for contractors’ workmen. It is in pictorial
form and exclusively prepared for substation
&industrial electrification projects. This passport
will help to educate and propagate awareness for
continual improvement.
y Mr. J. S. Sudarsan, EVP & Head, PT & D IC handed
over the Annual EHS Rolling Trophies along with
certificates to the Project Managers and EHS In-
charges of the winning and runners-up jobsites
under Kolkata Cluster on 20th July 2013. The
program was organized by Mr. Aloke Chatterjee –
CEHSM-KKCO in co-ordination with EHSD-HQ & P &
OD-KKCO.
36 HELMET July - Sep 2013
37HELMET July - Sep 2013Power Transmission & Distribution
TRAINING PROGRAMMESSafety
DateName / Subject of the Training
ProgrammeTrainer Name
Duration (days/hours)
No. of Participants
16-17 Aug 2013Traininng on ISO
14001 & OHSAS 18001R.Sankaranarayanan & Gopi from
BVQI2 Days 25
07-08 Aug 2013Safety in Transmission
Line
Kumar Shailendra, Aloke Chaterjee, Krishna Kumar, Sukhen
Nandy2 Days 24
29-30 Aug 2013 Safety in APDRPKumar Shailendra, Kunal Banerjee, Krishna Kumar
2 Day 38
06-07 Sep 2013 Training on TL Safety Kumar Shailendra, Krishna Kumar 2 Day 34
24-25 July 2013Safety in Transmission
LineKumar Shailendra, G.R.Soundarraj
& R.Veeramani2 Days 19
17 July 2013 Safety in APDRP Kumar Shailendra 1 days 25
4-5 July 2013Safety in Transmission
LineJ.J. David 2 Days 26
38 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Project EHS VISITs
Project EHS visit has been practiced and widely used by organizations to show commitment and identify if the activities are conducted safely.
When such a visit is done well, it helps to drive an organization’s safety performance and culture. It will also help to demonstrate to the front-line workers and line managements, how committed the company is with regard to environment, health and safety.
What goes wrong to a site visit is that people are still doing a site inspection or conducting a checklist style inspection instead of looking beyond it.
In most organizations, a typical site visit involves managers taking some time to carry out safety inspection from his congested schedule and busy morning engagements. After such inspection, he will ask his subordinates to make it happen frequently.
Organization sometimes forgets the aim of such activity and sticks to what was previously been done. Project visits should not be done because it is required and needs to be done. It should be a commitment that aims to check if control measures are implemented well and improved.
The aim of such activity should focus on:
y Assure yourself that things are being done safely,
y Safety messages are getting through,
y Motivate people to work safely,
y Educate people about safety, or better understanding on how to do a particular job safely.
Let’s create a scenario to explain further.
From a busy early meeting, you have a scheduled site visit. Representatives of the project join you on such site visit. Along the way, you see a group of workers, not wearing PPE. You take a picture and ask them to wear PPE. You ask the representatives to do toolbox meeting afterwards and send you the attendance sheet of such toolbox meeting.
What you just did was that you dealt with the symptom rather than the cause.
The questions that should be asked are:
y What is the reason why they are not wearing PPE’s?
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)38 HELMET July - Sep 2013
39HELMET July - Sep 2013
y Is the correct PPE being worn?
y Did they know they have to use PPE?
y Were they given PPE’s?
y Is their PPE’s cost deducted to their salary?
y Was there any problem with the supplier?
y Is the PPE provided to them suitable for the activity?
In this approach, you’re far more wide reaching than simply catching a few people not using the correct PPE. You will be correcting the errors on the system.
You will be motivating them to work safely, apart from, perhaps, motivating them not to get caught working unsafely while you’re away.
On such visits, you have to demonstrate that it’s normal to see you walking around and asking because of yourfor concern for them and because safety is really important to you and the organization.
It is good to involve the people around you by asking them “what else would help you work more safely?”
Another focus that is beneficial on a site visit is the
education about safety, such as posting of signage’s, rules, policies, etc. Most of the observations given as why there is no signage’s. Why policies, rules and regulations are not displayed?
To be more effective, questions such as below should be asked:
y What do these posters mean to you?
y Is this important to you?
y How do they apply to what you do?
y What are the hardest rules to follow? Why?
y What would make things easier?
Highlighting accident statistics relating to identified unsafe acts or conditions will definitely open the minds of workers.
Ultimately, the positive impact generated by one safety visit, focused on addressing a specific problem is enormously useful for the whole organization.
P.V. Kaliappan Gulf EHS Head
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
40 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Helmet Congratulates the following sites for achieving
ONE Million and more LTI Free Safe Man-Hours
GTC/371/2010 - Qatar Power Transmission Expansion Phase 10 – Substations, Qatar Million Safe Man Hours
ADPC 1001-272 - Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone 33/11kv Electrical Substations Project, UAE Million Safe Man Hours
21033091/00 – HHR, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Million Safe Man Hours
N 5629.1 - Sudah Port, UAE 132/33 KV Substation Project Million Safe Man Hours
N-8033 – Kalba, UAE New 132/33kV Substation Kalba Million Safe Man Hours
N-11446 - LOT 2.2 Bab 2 to Habshan 5 and & LOT 2.3 Asab 2 Stations to Shah, UAE 220kV OHL Works Million Safe Man Hours
Al Kobar, KSA at Million Safe Man Hours
6
4
32
2
1.5
1
SafetyRoll of Honour
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
Customer Satisfaction
Receiving customer satisfaction is a honest way
for measurement of the company’s performance
in all aspect of the management system. L&T
construction uses this tool as an indicator for
more and accurate improvement within the
organization.
Since customer satisfaction falls under the stage
of implementation, monitoring and review on
EHS management system, the criteria will focus
on effectiveness of education, documentation,
coordination, proper execution, accreditation
as a proof of performing well and effectiveness
on setting up new measures for continual
improvement. Please see rating format.
Amit Om Prakash EHS Manager - Qatar
40 HELMET July - Sep 2013
41HELMET July - Sep 2013Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
From alternative fuels to low-rolling resistance tires
When you think about green, it’s usually
biofuels, solar power, electric cars which
come first to our minds. There is a need to
expand wider and look for ways to increase efforts to
go green.
One major effort to mitigate climate change is
reducing carbon footprint. Initiatives, studies and
experiments are conducted and yet when it comes to
motoring, greening your car is as much about how you
drive than about what you drive.
Vehicle owners’ intent on conserving fuel and reduce
emissions by driving less aggressively. Definitely,
less aggressive driving will reduce carbon footprint
according to the consumer resource council for an
energy efficient economy who provides green score
rating called GreenCars.
org. Also, it is said that
just one second of high
RPM driving can produce
nearly the same volume
of carbon monoxide
emission as half an hour
of normal driving.
Initiatives on making
drivers aware with
regard to reducing
carbon footprint are
conducted by the
concerned agencies. But
as we said earlier, efforts
have to be extended not
only on behavior but also
on engineering controls.
Way back, fleet manufacturers had already developed
designs that offered fuel efficiency. One among
this is automatic transmission. It simply leaves your
transmission in drive mode through which aggressive
driving is prevented.
More recently, revolutionary achievements are also
getting implemented. If you take a closer look, one of
the contributors for efficiency of fleet is by improving
the oldest technology, the wheel or at least one
crucial part of it. That crucial part is by decreasing
the rolling resistance by up to 3.1 percent compared
to conventional tires. A new compound of silica was
utilized and combined with a coupling agent to reduce
heat generation. Because of these, tires will be easier
to rotate and by doing so, the engine will exert less
effort and fuel burning to make it move.
Another effort that has been experimented and
continuously implemented in Dubai is converting
waste product into compressed natural gas. This
gas is called CNG. With the help of oil companies
together with Dubai government, buses from Dubai
Municipality are now using CNG.
These efforts are truly
essential but there are
many parts of your
car that will wear out
over time, and many
of these can affect
the car’s performance.
Because of these, it is
important to stick to the
maintenance schedule
recommended by your
fleet manufacturer.
By introducing and
improving fleet efficiency
through such innovations
and initiatives to our
transportation systems,
we are demonstrating and moving our focus on
reducing greenhouse gas emission reductions
and conserving our environment for our future
generations.
Dr. Ravikumar Rajappan
EHS Manager - UAE
42 HELMET July - Sep 2013 Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
Climate Change
The topic of climate change is like a puzzle with many different pieces-oceans, the atmosphere, ecosystems, polar ice, natural and human influences. Scientists have been working on this puzzle for more than a century, and while there are still gaps in our knowledge, most experts feel the puzzle is complete enough to show that human activities are having an adverse effect on our planet. This talk look at many of those puzzle pieces, the evidence behind them, and the conclusions we can draw from them.
Scientists have a good understanding of what has changed earth’s climate in the past. Those changes are:
y Sun’s output
y Earth’s orbit
y Drifting continents
y Volcanic eruptions
y Greenhouse gases
Earth’s surface absorbs heat from the sun and then re-radiates it back into the atmosphere and to space. Much of this heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases, which then send the heat back to the surface, to other greenhouse gas molecules, or out to space. Greenhouse gases are extremely powerful heat trappers. By burning fossil fuels faster and faster, humans are effectively piling on more blankets, heating the planet so much and so quickly that it’s hard for Mother Nature and human societies to adapt.
When it caused warming, more CO2 and other greenhouse
gases were released, producing additional warming. But today, the CO
2 released by human activities is far
above amounts in the previous 800,000 years. This CO2
is triggering the increase in temperatures we’ve seen in figure 1.
Certainly, past temperatures have been higher (and lower) than today, and CO
2 concentrations have
also varied. Large global swings were probably caused by such things as changes in Earth’s orbit, which changed the distribution of sunlight over the planet.
Earth is getting warmer by virtually every measure we know, and the temperature has been well above normal. In this sense too, humidity of the air was affected which absorbed more water which in effect cause heavy rains and flooding.
Therefore, each and every one of us has to help each other to reduce carbon emission, reservation of environmental resources and reduce waste disposal. These efforts have been adopted by L&T’s PT&D International Projects. A membership certificate has been given to L&T from EEG (Emirates Environment Group). Along with Emirates Environment Group, we spread the message and conduct initiatives in support of achieving this goal.
S.SamirajSr. EHS Engineer - UAE
42 HELMET July - Sep 2013
43HELMET July - Sep 2013
You can’t manage what you can’t measure. If you don’t know where you are going, chances are you will end up somewhere.
Measurement is an accepted part of the ‘plan-do-check-act’ management process. Measuring performance is as much part of a health and safety management system as financial, production or service delivery management.
The range of activities undertaken on any organization will create health hazards. Measuring the health of the employees will determine whether the risks on its activities with regard to health were controlled or a need to provide additional control measure is required.
Identifying what might be a factor of health illness will make the organization provide proper control measures or even removal of the cause. There are many angles and ways on how to conduct survey’s for the monitoring of health fitness of individuals. It could be within the data of absenteeism,it could be as per season or even trending as per work activities.
In the case of Middle East, Since UAE government has implemented a mid-day break, the possibility of
sickness due to weather conditions can be obliterated. Absenteeism also is not critical as most of the employees are not regularly absent. Therefore the most relevant analysis is to check trade type and age criteria.
One of the reasons that employees might have illness is because of the nature of work. For instance, office personnel have the possibility of having abnormal blood pressure (BP) & blood sugar (BS) because physical movements are not frequently being done in their kind of work. Age can also be a factor where physical fitness changes as our body condition changes.
Apart from the recommendation of the medical practitioners, who conducted the test, appropriate corrective action are being introduced such as physical exercise, etc.
Nick Abalde EHS Manager - UAE
Power Transmission & Distribution (I) 43HELMET July - Sep 2013
44 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Asbestos is a hidden killer
Before it was known that inhalation of asbestos fibers causes several deadly diseases including asbestosis, a progressive and often fatal lung disease and other cancers, asbestos was used in a large number of building materials and other products because of its strength, flame resistance, and insulating properties.
Asbestos was used in asbestos cement pipe and sheeting, floor and roofing felts, dry wall, floor tiles, spray on ceiling coatings, and packing materials. When buildings containing these materials are renovated or torn down, or when the asbestos containing materials themselves are disturbed, minute asbestos fibers may be released into the air. The fibers are so small that they often cannot be seen with the naked eye. The fact that you can inhale these fibers without knowing it makes asbestos an even more dangerous hazard.
It is important to consult a doctor, particularly if the following symptoms develop:
y shortness of breath,
y wheezing or hoarseness,
y persistent cough that worsens over time,
y blood in fluid coughed up,
y pain or tightening in chest,
y difficulty swallowing,
y swelling of neck or face,
y decreased appetite,
y weight loss,
y And fatigue or anemia.
Progressive fibrosis in the lungs varies the severity, progressing to bilateral fibrosis, honeycombing
of the lungs on radiological view with symptoms including riles and wheezing. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos at home, environment and work, should notify their doctors about their exposure history.
Asbestos warts happen when the sharp fibers lodge in the skin and are overgrown causing benign callus-like growths.
Pleural plaques discrete fibrous or partially calcified thickened area can be seen on X-rays of individuals exposed to asbestos. Although pleural plaques are themselves asymptomatic, in some patients this develops into pleural thickening. Diffuse pleural thickening is similar to above and can sometimes be associated with asbestosis. Usually no symptoms are shown but if exposure is extensive, it can cause lung impairment. Some reports have also linked the condition of pneumothorax to asbestos related diseases.
Nowadays, the only way a person will encounter asbestos is during dismantling old buildings or old installations since many countries have banned such material. To control the risk during demolition or dismantling,only specialized companies are allowed to facilitate such activities. Containment on the area is done to avoid spreading the dust and suitable PPE’s are being used.
A.Mohameed RafiqAssistant Manager - EHS - Saudi
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
45HELMET July - Sep 2013
Coordination
Audit
The level of support shown by Top Management to EHS is a driver on attaining remarkable EHS performance.A coordination meeting was held by UAE EHS team and headed by Mr. J.S. Sudarsan, Executive Vice President & Head - PT&D on 1st September 2013.
The meeting was attended by key drivers in EHS department within UAE division. They represented 10 individual and ongoing projects with the region.
It was also reminded that Larsen and Toubro has been performing well for the past decade and is still aiming to achieve more. The team should not deter on challenges but use it as a tool to improve.
Such meetings motivates each attendee to deliver more.
The focus of such coordination meetings are:
y Each Project EHS Milestones
y Implemented control measures
y Educational Systems
y Overcome challenges
y Unique and best practices implemented in a project
y Corporate EHS Management support.
Where are we now?One of the important parts of EHS Management System is audit. It is an essential tool to check whether a project is implementing according to the set standards. On 14th September 2013, an audit was conducted at Al Qurayyat City, KSA project. The audit covers the following criteria:
y Management Review y Document and Data Review y EHS Policy y EHS Training conducted y House Keeping & Site Access y Edge Protection y Lifting Equipment & Gears y MS & RA y Fire Equipment y Emergency Preparedness y Sub-Contractor Evaluation y Opening Protection
y Scaffolding & Ladder y Power Tools & Hand Tools y Signages y Inspection conducted y Electrical Installation y Personal Protection
Equipment y PTW y EHS Campaign & Motivation y Incident/Accident
Investigation y Welfare Arrangement
Power Transmission & Distribution (I) 45HELMET July - Sep 2013
46 HELMET July - Sep 2013
APPRECIATION
We will continue recognizing good performance
It is proven that motivation improves the quality of work of employees. Some organization thinks that merely giving salary is enough to motivate workers but Larsen and Toubro believes that it needs more than just this. Since human behavior is complex where it differs on the approach of motivation, you can use general motivational strategies or specific motivational appeals. General motivational strategies include soft sell versus hard sell and personality type. Soft sell strategies have logical appeals, emotional appeals, advice and praise. Example of such motivation is our Monthly BEST EHS CONSCIOUS WORKMEN AWARD where individuals are being identified for doing safe works and also an environmental friendly attitude. Hard sell strategies have barter, outnumbering, pressure and rank. Example of such motivation is the yearly appraisal of individuals on achieving set objectives or achieving work description set to him or her.
Quriyat Project in Kingdom Saudi Arabia
Award in Kuwait
Kahramaa, Phase 10 Project in QatarMMS Project in KSA
One Million Safe Man Hours Award at Al Kobar, KSA
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)46 HELMET July - Sep 2013
47HELMET July - Sep 2013
Dust & Sand Storm
Dust and sand storms are among nature’s most violent and unpredictable phenomena in the Middle East. High winds lift dirt or sand particles
into the air, unleashing a turbulent, suffocating cloud that can reduce visibility to almost nothing in a matter of seconds and cause property damage, injuries, and deaths.
Once you encountered a sand storm while you’re on foot, you can apply these basic tips:
y Put a mask over your nose and mouth,
y Protect your eyes by using sun glass or goggles,
y Get to high ground because sand concentration is high on lower ground,
y Try to shield yourself from any flying objects,
y Don’t try to move through the storm. Wait until storm is out,
When you are driving:
y Outrun the storm when you still have chance to do it but never put yourself in danger by driving very fast.
y If you can’t outrun it, pull over your car and stop,
y Do not attempt to move your car but instead, rest your car in covered area and stay put,
It is advisable to plan ahead your activities to avoid working during extreme weather occurrence. There are ways to monitor an upcoming sand storm by:
y Know ahead where dust and sand storms will occur,
y Dust storms are most likely to occur on hot summer days under certain atmospheric conditions, and meteorologists can frequently predict the possibility of these storms. Tune in to local TV or radio broadcasts before traveling in hot, dry conditions, and consider rerouting or delaying your trip if dust storms are predicted. Roadside signs may also be available to warn you of dust storm danger.
y An emergency procedure and drill should be conducted to know ahead what to do in the event of sand storms.
These are few useful tips that are helpful to avoid accidents during sand storms.
y If possible, avoid wearing contact lenses in areas prone to dust storms. Even small amounts of airborne dust can cause eye irritation and vision problems for wearers of contact lenses and dry, hot conditions alone can cause discomfort. Bring your eyeglasses or goggles when working or traveling in a desert.
y Stay with the group. If you are traveling in a group, do not venture off during a dust storm. You can quickly become hopelessly lost. Members of the group should stay together and hold hands or lock arms.
y Dust storms vary in both size and duration. Most are quite small and last only a few minutes, while the largest can extend hundreds of miles, tower more than a mile into the sky, and last for many days.
y In desert climates, vehicles often create their own mini-sandstorms. This poses a problem for convoys of vehicles, as the constant clouds of dust wreak havoc on moving parts, and impaired visibility can lead to accidents. It can also contribute to respiratory problems for people traveling in these convoys, so bring along a mask and eye protection if you will be traveling across the desert in the open.
Dust storms can be particularly dangerous to those with impaired respiratory function or weakened immune systems. Inhalation of even small amounts of dust can cause potentially lethal complications for people who already have difficulty breathing.
D. Kamelshwar EHS Manager - Kuwait
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
48 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Saving Life by using Fall Arrestor on your full body harness
According to studies, most fatal accidents are caused by fall from height. Therefore it is critical to provide controls to prevent accidents that involve working at height.
We have been exercising the control measure to prevent fall from height risk. Works that has higher probability of fall from heights such as tower installation or maintenance has been using fall arrestor. This operation allows the device to be optimized for the work site while providing the ultimate level of work safety. Trails and trainings are being conducted to make sure that workers are aware and are able to experience the actual and safe execution using the fall arrestor.
As shown in the photos, steps on how to setup a fall arrestor and how it will be used during rescue is given below:
y A full body harness shall be worn by a person as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
y He shall choose a strategic location on where he can anchor the fall arrestor in a reasonable place where if the person falls, he will not be hit or harmed by unwanted materials.
y Claim and place it to the anchorage point identified.
y During rescue, the person that has fallen can be lowered by anyone on the ground using the load extension of the fall arrestor.
When a person falls, it is essential to remove him or her from hanging position to allow proper blood circulation in the body. Most of fatality also happens due to blood stoppage where blood circulation was not rehabilitated.
Even if the objective of the fall arrestor is to protect a person when he falls, unsafe condition of fall arrestor might also cause accident. Inspection of the arrestor shall also be done on a monthly basis and before using the fall arrestor.
List of things to check but not limited to are:
y Have the manufacturer complied with EU standards
y Are there any broken parts, cuts, missing parts, corroded or dirty parts
y It shall have a safe working load not less 2275 kgs or 5000 lbs.
Antony Baskar EHS Manager - UAE
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
49HELMET July - Sep 2013
Conducting High Voltage Testing and Commissioning
High voltage testing is one of the most hazardous activities that will be engaged by any construction team specifically during the last phase of a project.
It requires experienced and expert engineers to execute the activity with the presence of client and consultant.
The hazards and risks including required control measures shall be discussed with all before starting work.
As electrical wave can also happen during the testing, it is recommended that a minimum of 2 meters and if possible wider range shall be barricaded and restricted for any entry or approaching distance to the live equipment.
It is always required to drain the line every time supply is given into the system to avoid any leftover electricity that might be a cause of an accident.
Basic safety control to be checked during testing and commissioning are:
y Isolation on both end points to be confirmed,
y Setup of reactor and parts are done properly and confirmed by the testing engineers from Client and L&T,
y Discharge rod and HV insulated gloves are used as suitable for the activity.
y Restriction signage’s and barricades are clear and visible.
y Emergency kit and fire extinguisher are available at site.
y Watchman should be assigned in all corners including blind spot should be assigned to restrict any entry during supply of electricity.
Manoranjan Behra Senior EHS Engineer - UAE
Discharge rod
Power Transmission & Distribution (I) 49HELMET July - Sep 2013
50 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Man-Machine Interface and Vehicle Reversing Safety
Across the global motor fleet industry, reversing incidents are invariably one of the top 5 collision types encountered by most organizations, and with their high potential for asset damage and injury to bystanders, drivers are being urged to take more care while travelling backwards.
The need for fleet managers and drivers to become more aware of the dangers has been emphasized through toolbox meetings and DEMO program initiatives which targets reversing safety. Such programs send an alert and warn that reversing often affects the most vulnerable of road users such as riggers, adjacent workers, pedestrians and outdoor workers. The program provides practical steps to reduce the risks involved in vehicle reversing safety.
Potential hazards while doing reverse parking can be classified as:
y Person struck by reversing vehicle and injury
y Vehicle collision and possible fire hazard
y Property / material damage
y And workers come behind the mobile equipment without any reason
To eliminate or reduce the risk relating the reverse movement of vehicles, control measure can be implemented as follows:
y Provide separate entry & exit for the equipment
y Operator should follow the instruction of signal man/banks-man/flagman advisor signals
y Operators & driver should inspect their machine before starting the work
y Keep eye to eye contact between vehicle operator and worker
y Install soft barricades around the work area
y And worker should stand at least 10 meters away from any moving machine or heavy vehicles
HOW TO REVERSE SAFELY? ¾ Find safe alternatives to reversing if at all possible.
¾ Walk around the vehicle and look for obstacles or hazards before moving.
Safety Demo using mannequin
¾ Reverse slowly - turn your head, use your mirrors and check both sides.
¾ Avoid reversing over a long distance.
¾ Look behind before reversing – not as you take off.
¾ When reversing and turning remember to watch the front of your car as well.
¾ If towing a trailer, practice reversing with the trailer in a safe location.
¾ Check for nearby pedestrians and traffic all around, in front of and behind you, over both your shoulders and in your mirrors.
¾ If your view is restricted, ask for help when reversing.
¾ If you are in doubt get out of your vehicle and check the area.
¾ Give way to other traffic or pedestrians.
¾ When reversing from a major road onto a minor road, wait until it is safe. Reverse slowly far enough into the side road to allow you to take up the correct position when rejoining the major road.
¾ You must not reverse from a minor road onto a major road as it is unsafe to do so.
¾ Take extra care when reversing in darkness.
N. NamperumalAssistant Manager - EHS - UAE
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)50 HELMET July - Sep 2013
51HELMET July - Sep 2013
Construction Safety Practice
Let’s have a look at some guidelines set by Dubai Municipality under Code of Construction Safety Practice
The current Construction Safety Manual called Code of Construction Safety Practice is designed to regulate the working conditions in construction projects for all employees who work with contractors or sub-contractors. It covers sensitive activities in construction that are identified to be a key factor to prevent accident from happening and arrangement that are required to be setup to address any emergency situations.
Since the coverage of such manual is wider, this article will only cover some requirements and guidelines that are widely important to any project.
The deployment of safety personnel’s to monitor, advice, educate, and set control measures to prevent accident.
One of the important arrangements is the deployment of medical practitioner to attend to emergency medical needs.
Without adequate and suitable sanitary facilities, health condition of the works will be affected. It is essential that arrangements on such facilities are complied to. Below are the guidelines set by the manual.
No. of employees in each workplace
Part-time first-aider (performing other jobs and permanently available in the workplace
Full time first aider
Less than 50 employees 1 ------------------
More than 50 to 250 employees 1 1
More than 250 to 500 employees 2 2
More than 500 to 1000 employees 3 3
Number of Employees in Every Shift
Required Safety StaffRemarks
Safety Officer Senior Safety Officer
From 1 to 150 employees 1 (part-time) ---
Any engineer in the workplace may be assigned to undertake the required tasks of the safety staff according to the conditions
and qualifications stipulated.
More than 150 up to 500 employees
1 --
More than 500 up to 1000 employees
--- 1
More than 1000 up to 2000 employees
1 1
The number of the safety staff shall be increased by one Safety Officer for every 1000 employees to more than 2000 employees
No. of Employees Minimum number of Sanitary facilities
20 or less 1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory
From 21 to 200 (1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory) per 40 employees
More than 200 (1 toilet seat + urinal + lavatory) per 50 employees
Power Transmission & Distribution (I) 51HELMET July - Sep 2013Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
52 HELMET July - Sep 2013
We all know that noise can affect our
behavior and health. It could make us
happy as well as create stress to our mind.
Most of the noises that creates stress to
a person defers from the level of sounds
that you can handle or even what type
of sounds you are hearing. Construction
creates a lot of un-wanted sound. The
manual has cited guidelines to avoid stress
caused by any unwanted sounds.
Our eyes are one of the most important parts in our body. By saying that, it is important to identify and set control measures to prevent any damage of it. One possible cause that our eyes will deteriorate is because your lighting is not bright enough to handle specific activities.
On this manual, clear guidelines are set to make sure that proper lighting will be provided to prevent damage to your eyes due to lighting. Below are the guidelines set by such manual as per specific work.
Even personal protective equipment are identified and should be considered as the last self-defense against injuries and accident, it is also an important part of a control measure to individuals from any hazardous impacts in the workplace.
Personal protective equipment called PPE can be identified as helmet, mask, gloves, ear plugs, goggles, full body harness, vest, safety shoes and coverall or any clothing protection.
Area Illumination intensity (Lux)
General construction area lighting 50
Excavation and waste areas and loading platforms 35
Tunnels and underground work areas 100
Warehouses, carpenter shops, living quarters, locker or dressing rooms and indoor toilets
100
First aid stations and offices 400
Engineering drawing locations 600
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)52 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Allowable Limits for Noise Level in Different Areas
Area
Allowable Limits for Noise Level (dBA)*
Day (7 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Night (8 p.m. - 7 a.m.)
Residential Areas With Light Traffic 40-50 30-40
Residential Areas in Downtown 45-55 35-45
Residential Areas which include some Workshops & Commercial Business or Residential Areas near the Highways
50-60 40-50
Commercial Areas & Downtown 55-65 45-55
Industrial Areas (Heavy Industry) 60-70 50-60
*dBA means decibels adjusted. dBA is used for determining the sound exposure to humans.
53HELMET July - Sep 2013
The manual also stipulate basic guidelines on fire extinguishers and what are the type of fire extinguisher that can be used to a specific activity and materials.
B.Rajagopal EHS Manager - UAE
Power Transmission & Distribution (I) 53HELMET July - Sep 2013
54 HELMET July - Sep 2013
0 1 2 3
Cable Pulling & LayingDefensive Driving
Desert Hazard & UXO …Environmental …
Fire Safety & WatchmanFirst Aid Training
H2S AwarenessPPE & Hand Safety
Heat StressSafety Devices
Placing TransformerWorking at Height
Kuwait TrainingJan. 2013 to Sept. 2013
0 2 4 6 8
InductionHSE Plan OrientationHSE Stewrad Training
Emergency DrillDust Hazards
Heat StressIMS Orientation
Internship TrainingMan & Machine Training
Construction SafetyRigger Training
Work on Mountain …Working at Height
UAE TrainingApril 2013 to October 2013
With knowledge, you create a lot of possibilities. Using it well will surely provide achievements. On health, safety and environment aspect, it will prevent accident from happening. Regret always comes in this form, “If I knew that, I will never do that mistake”. That is why it is essential that we continue to educate our workers and one such education is by conducting essential and identified trainings that will enhance and increase the knowledge of our workers to prevent accidents from happening.
12
KSA Trainings
Sept. 2013
01
1
Case Studies Training
Since training can help prevent accident, choosing the right topic and style is also important to be tailored.
Identifying topics should consider the following:
y Type of activities to be conducted,
y Laws and regulation,
y Nationalities, culture and language,
y Gender,
y Trades,
y Age,
y Budget,
y Timing of the training.
It is also important to measure the improvement of knowledge of the attendees on such trainings to know if the training conducted is effective and learnt by the audience.
Bottom-line is that workers will have a knowledge on how to implement measures to avoid accident on their activities.
0 1 2 3
Cable Pulling & LayingDefensive Driving
Desert Hazard & UXO …Environmental …
Fire Safety & WatchmanFirst Aid Training
H2S AwarenessPPE & Hand Safety
Heat StressSafety Devices
Placing TransformerWorking at Height
Kuwait TrainingJan. 2013 to Sept. 2013
0 2 4 6 8
InductionHSE Plan OrientationHSE Stewrad Training
Emergency DrillDust Hazards
Heat StressIMS Orientation
Internship TrainingMan & Machine Training
Construction SafetyRigger Training
Work on Mountain …Working at Height
UAE TrainingApril 2013 to October 2013
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)54 HELMET July - Sep 2013
55HELMET July - Sep 2013
Highlighting best practices at sites
Making sure that plastic road barriers are filled with water so that it will serve the purpose.
Proper stocking with pallets suitable for the materials
Preventing oil spillage to the ground by using deep trays are being practicedat all project site.
Segregation and clear marking on garbage boxes
Power Transmission & Distribution (I)
56 HELMET July - Sep 2013
“Living on the earth is expensive but it includes a free trip around the sun each year.”- Unknown.
Solar power is becoming a fast growing energy
source partly fueled by the belief that sustainable
energy sources are the answer to global warming and
increasing costs of power. Solar panel systems on a
building are also a way of demonstrating commitment
to improve the environment. Commercial world
treated solar power panel system as a grand success
immediately after it was launched, but they also put
potential challenges for fire safety professionals across
the world. It is mainly because there are no proven
standard protection concepts currently available as
it is a new and emerging technology and complete
research on the fire risks as well as safety operations
are yet to be done.
Hazards
In US, Germany, and rest of European countries
where there are more roof top solar panel
installations, there are cases of frequent major fire
incidents.
A more deliberate hazard is that in this case of fire
using of water and fire fighters moving over the Roof
is more dangerous as there may be possibilities of
electrocution.
Hazards due to the solar panel system can be classified
into two categories.
1. Electrical hazard
y With activated panels, the cable that run through
and over the building are always ‘live’, with
potentially dangerous levels of direct electricity,
until they reach the first isolator switch.
y Even when the switch is off, the cables remain live,
and so do the panels as long as sunlight comes into
contact with them.
Solar Risk
y A solar panel array produces hundreds of volts, a
shock from which could be fatal to fire fighters
attending an Incident at the building with solar
panel installations.
2. Fire hazard
a. Fires initiated by the solar panel system
1. The solar panel systems are subjected to faults like
any other electrical systems such as arc faults, short
circuits, ground faults and reverse currents which
can produce fire.
2. The system specific failures like cable insulation
break down, rupture of a module, and faulty
connections, can result in hot spots that can ignite
combustible material in their vicinity. Wrongly
installed or defective DC/AC Inverters have been
the reason of several photo voltaic fires as well. In
worst cases, it will result in DC arc which is known
to be one of the main reasons for the larger roof
top fires.
3. The DC arc can further develop as arc flash
when there is a sufficient amperage and
voltage, hence, more chances for this to happen
in solar panel system, because of continuous DC
current (> 10 A) and high voltage (300 – 1000
V) involved that can develop heats as high as
30000 C (even metals can melt at this range of
temperature).
b. Combustibility of the solar panel system
It is the property of the solar module system
to catch fire when there is prevailing external
fire/ fire accident in the building. The frames,
cables, mounting systems and boxes can add
to the combustible loading of an installation
and eventually to the combustibility of the
entire roof.
Water & Renewable Energy56 HELMET July - Sep 2013
57HELMET July - Sep 2013
Precautionary Measure prior to start of Construction Activity at a Roof top Solar System:
Precautions:
1. Prior to start of Installation / Construction activity on the Roof, a survey can be made on the Roof material, load capacity of the roof, fall arrestor systems, Access egress to Roofs, adjacent buildings and other precautionary measures.
2. The first line defense is the quality of the components and the installation as well as presence of protective devices for the entire electrical system.
3. Standard procedures for installation and safety operations are to be strictly followed.
4. Proper installation of isolators can serve as life savers at the time of fire operations that can reduce the DC currents and voltages to levels which are no longer harmful.
5. Installation of “fireman’s switch” can prevent electrical dangers.
6. All components of a solar panel system exposed to sunshine and other exterior elements of weather proof need to have highly durable characteristics.
7. Fire resistant insulation system can reduce the arc effect to a great extent.
8. The installation arrangement must be made in such a way that sufficient free space is available for fire crew for their operations at the top of the roof.
9. All the isolators, control panels should be easily identifiable during fire operations.
10. All persons working on roof top solar systems are to be trained with working on roofs and the fall arrestor systems.
11. The customer shall be aware of the lifetime of the panels, cables and other accessories to have a proper preventive mechanism in place.
S. AnanthaPrasanna VenkateshCEHSM – Chennai Cluster
*Safety Net for Fall Protection *Metal Platform for Marking & Drilling Works *Safety Helmet & Safety Belt Ensured
*Mobile Scaffold for climbing to Rooftop *Aluminium Walkway & Lifeline Rope Provided on the Rooftop
Water & Renewable Energy 57HELMET July - Sep 2013
58 HELMET July - Sep 2013
Helmet Congratulates the following sites for achieving
THREE Million and more LTI Free Safe Man-Hours
SafetyRoll of Honour
10
6
5
5
4
Storm Water Drainage Project, JabalpurMillion Safe Man Hours, October 2010 to
September 2013.
BWSSB - UGD Packages 7A,B,C & 3B, BangaloreMillion Safe Man Hours, December 2011 to
September 2013
Storm Water Drianage & Reservoir – Paradip Refinery Project IOCL Million Safe Man Hours, June 2010 to
September 2013
Punjab Water supply & Sewerage Scheme Jalandhar & Hoshiarpur projectMillion Safe Man Hours, December 2010 to
September 2013.
Hogenakkal Water supply & fluorosis – Mitigation Project Pkg. 5, WSD BU – KrishnagiriMillion Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to
September 2013.
Underground Drainage & Water Supply Improvement Scheme - NizamabadMillion Safe Man Hours, March 2008 to
September 2013.
Trans Varuna Sewerage Work, VaranasiMillion Safe Man Hours, November 2009 to
September 2013.
Nellore Water Supply Improvement Scheme – Nellore Million Safe Man Hours, February 2008 to
September 2013.
Nalgonda Underground Drainage & Water Supply Scheme – NalgondaMillion Safe Man Hours, July 2007 to
September 2013.
Hogenakkal Water supply & fluorosis – Mitigation Project Pkg. 5, WSD BU – Krishnagiri Million Safe Man Hours, July 2011 to
September 2013.
4
4
3
3
3
APPRECIATION
Housekeeping Contest Award
IOCL, Paradip Refinery Project received the best housekeeping contest award for the 1st Quarter (April’13- June’13) for the 7th time.
The Award was received by Shri B. K. Sinha, EHS Manager and Shri.Ratan Lal, Asst. Manager-Civil from Shri.Ramjee Ram, Executive Director- Projects, IOCL on 1st August, 13 in the presence of RCM’s and HSE Managers of Consultants and Contractors of PDRP. We got the 1st prize.
Water & Renewable Energy58 HELMET July - Sep 2013
59HELMET July - Sep 2013
TRAINING PROGRAMMESSafety
DateName / Subject of the Training
ProgrammeTrainer Name
Duration (days/hours)
No. of Participants
July 24 &25 Pravas Programme, Mysore V.Balaji 2 days 83
Aug 26 & 27 Pravas Programme, Mysore V.Balaji 1 day 77
Aug 2 & 3Construction Safety Programme, Delhi
“V.Balaji; S. Anantha Prasanna
Venkatesh”2 days 26
Sep 2 & 3Construction Safety
Programme, Chennai
“V.Balaji; S. Anantha Prasanna
Venkatesh”1 day 24
Aug 6 - 9 Behavior Based Safety, Jodhpur Dr. H.L Kaila 1 day 27
Water & Renewable Energy 59HELMET July - Sep 2013
Printed at RR Donnelley Publishing India Pvt. Ltd., Sriperumbudur. Edited by Mr. V.S. Ramana for L&T Construction from L&T Construction Headquarters, Manapakkam, Chennai - 600 089. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Management. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without the written permission of the Editor. Not for sale. Only for circulation among employees of L&T Construction.
CIRCLE GAME Circle the 13 EHS related words
H A R M A A A S A L A B R I S K
A E C A A A J A A K A A A N A A
V A A A A I A A A A A S A C A A
A A A T H A Z O P A A A A I A A
A A A A A A A A O A A A A D A A
A A A W A A A A L I F E A E A N
A A R E C Y C L I N G A A N A AA A R E C Y C L I N G A A N A A
A A A L A A A C C I D E N T A D
L H F F A T A U Y A S A W A P A
A A H A Z A R D N A M A A O A E
A A I R D A G J A V A X D A T A
S A F E T Y B A S E A W Z A J Q
¾ACCIDENT
¾HARM
¾RISK
¾DATA
¾LIFE
¾WELFARE
¾HAZARD
¾SAFETY
¾BASE
¾SEA
¾HAZOP
¾RECYCLING
¾POLICY
ANSWERS: