Dec 4, 2016
Sleep fall deaths
A security guard of an apartment block in Bangkok during sleep on a plastic chair, tries to settle down and falls into an adjacent drain, and dies due to head injuries. During fall, he hits on the concrete base of the drain resulting in head injury.
The link of the news report is HERE.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3912736/Horrific-moment-security-guard-killed-falls-chair-sleeping-uncovered-drain.html
In another incident in Hyderabad, a hotel security person falls down on to the ground from chair during sleep and dies while undergoing treatment.
An article from wikipedia on falling asleep during work can be read.
Many times persons think of fall hazards only while working at heights say 3.0 m. Some persons make fun of safety officials, when ask for proper access, scaffold, working platform safety belt etc. But, from the incidents above, it is clear any place above ground is a potential condition for fall. Such persons who don't think of height hazards should be summarily kicked out to save poor workmen.
Something more, though, different, is worth noting, as below.
A serial killer getting angry on persons sleeping at work used to injure such persons, was caught. We learn so much from internet and should be cautious.
In another incident, a person trying to commit suicide by jumping from a three storey building falls on a 75 year old woman below, killing the poor lady.
Bypassing of safety procedures - poor inerting causes burn injury on the face of the work
To save time, a worker bypasses procedure for inerting, leading to burn injury.
Full report is also available in the link.
Chemical reactor explosion kills one, injures three
As per news report in The New Indian Express, an explosion in a chemical reactor in a bulk drug company, caused death to a person and injuries to three persons.
The metal piece of reactor after explosion, flew by 100 meters, passed through by breaking a wall and hit the person working at distance. The person died immediately due to head injury.
The incident reveals dangers of flying fragments from explosion and need for assessment of explosion consequences.
The metal piece of reactor after explosion, flew by 100 meters, passed through by breaking a wall and hit the person working at distance. The person died immediately due to head injury.
The incident reveals dangers of flying fragments from explosion and need for assessment of explosion consequences.
Crane crushes the person under rear tyre
In a news report appeared in Times of India, a person sleeping under the crane was crushed when the crane operated moved the crane. The person was crushed under rear tyres. Normally, we see persons / animals resting under vehicles, particularly in hot sun. The crane driver was arrested and a case was registered by police.
When I visited port trust in Chennai several years ago during industrial visit as a part of our safety diploma course, the authorities there told us that persons coming under vehicles is one of the most serious causes for accidents.
In port trust, movement of heavy vehicles and mobile cranes is common.
I see such hazard even on public roads, where reversing of all sorts of vehicles takes place, without regard for safety.
About, thirty years when I went to Vizag, I saw person in a pool of blood. I came to know the reason as reversing of bus from the stand.
I myself was hit on the ankle by a reversing car behind, in Chennai, and suffered for about three weeks. I was lucky not get fracture.
Authorities should seize vehicles without loud reverse horn and cancel the driver licence and vehicle registration immediately.
When I visited port trust in Chennai several years ago during industrial visit as a part of our safety diploma course, the authorities there told us that persons coming under vehicles is one of the most serious causes for accidents.
In port trust, movement of heavy vehicles and mobile cranes is common.
I see such hazard even on public roads, where reversing of all sorts of vehicles takes place, without regard for safety.
About, thirty years when I went to Vizag, I saw person in a pool of blood. I came to know the reason as reversing of bus from the stand.
I myself was hit on the ankle by a reversing car behind, in Chennai, and suffered for about three weeks. I was lucky not get fracture.
Authorities should seize vehicles without loud reverse horn and cancel the driver licence and vehicle registration immediately.
Blast/explosion during welding on oil tanker dismantling causes deaths/injuries
Loud blast due to explosion during welding on a oil tanker parked in ship breaking yard, caused more than 10 deaths and injuries to about 50 persons. 8 explosions took place during the incident. A fire followed the explosion. Rescue efforts were hindered due to explosions and fire.
It is stated that about 100 persons were working in the ship tanker at the time of the incident.
To protect themselves, some of the workers jumped in to the sea, after the explosion.
The photos of the incident reveal massive destruction can be seen.
Earlier, three months ago, in another blast during explosion on a oil tanker in oil terminal, during welding, three persons died and two were injured.
It is stated that about 100 persons were working in the ship tanker at the time of the incident.
To protect themselves, some of the workers jumped in to the sea, after the explosion.
The photos of the incident reveal massive destruction can be seen.
Earlier, three months ago, in another blast during explosion on a oil tanker in oil terminal, during welding, three persons died and two were injured.
Nov 29, 2016
Nov 27, 2016
Construction scaffolding collapses, killing 74 at Chinese power plant - World Socialist Web Site
Construction scaffolding collapses, killing 74 at Chinese power plant - World Socialist Web Site
It is reported that during construction work in a power plant, a tower crane collapsed. This caused a 70 m high scaffolding collapse leading to more than 74 deaths and injuries to others. Reports say 90% of the workers at site died in the accident. The accident occurred during shift changeover at about 0730 hr, resulting in more deaths.
Speeding up of the work, possibly with bypassing of safety procedures to cut costs appears to be the cause, as per the reports.
One has to know that safety is not cost addition, but a cost saving measure. Any work completed without accidents by safety procedure violations, is only by luck. And, one can't depend on luck for ever. Companies will face the consequences leading to closures with this type of attitude.
One can sacrifice productivity, but not safety of persons.
It is stated that in the year 2015, about 66000 persons died in the country during industrial accidents at 181 per day (appears exaggerated, but reports say so).
13 persons were arrested in connection of with this accident as per the report.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/chinese-officials-detain-13-construction-accident-kills-74-article-1.2887359
Photos of the scene can be seen in the link above.
It is reported that during construction work in a power plant, a tower crane collapsed. This caused a 70 m high scaffolding collapse leading to more than 74 deaths and injuries to others. Reports say 90% of the workers at site died in the accident. The accident occurred during shift changeover at about 0730 hr, resulting in more deaths.
Speeding up of the work, possibly with bypassing of safety procedures to cut costs appears to be the cause, as per the reports.
One has to know that safety is not cost addition, but a cost saving measure. Any work completed without accidents by safety procedure violations, is only by luck. And, one can't depend on luck for ever. Companies will face the consequences leading to closures with this type of attitude.
One can sacrifice productivity, but not safety of persons.
It is stated that in the year 2015, about 66000 persons died in the country during industrial accidents at 181 per day (appears exaggerated, but reports say so).
13 persons were arrested in connection of with this accident as per the report.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/chinese-officials-detain-13-construction-accident-kills-74-article-1.2887359
Photos of the scene can be seen in the link above.
Aug 29, 2016
Need for fire NOC should be made compulsory for all buildings irrespective of heights and nature of activities
As per legislations, generally, fire no objection certificate (NOC) is issued by concerned fire service department, if the height of the building is above 15 m.
However, this requirement needs to be changed to all buildings, irrespective of height and use.
Many fire incidents are attributed to short circuits, as we read from news papers.
Some incidents are due to materials handled in the buildings, and these buildings / dwellings are not necessarily above 15 m height.
Many use part of the house/commercial complex as storage of substances, solvents, fire crackers, etc legally / illegally.
Some may not intend to use the building initially for dangerous substances, but later on, may use for the same. The initial conditions are not valid, later.
All the above, make one to feel it necessary for legislations that require fire NOC, apart from other requirements, mandatory.
However, this requirement needs to be changed to all buildings, irrespective of height and use.
Many fire incidents are attributed to short circuits, as we read from news papers.
Some incidents are due to materials handled in the buildings, and these buildings / dwellings are not necessarily above 15 m height.
Many use part of the house/commercial complex as storage of substances, solvents, fire crackers, etc legally / illegally.
Some may not intend to use the building initially for dangerous substances, but later on, may use for the same. The initial conditions are not valid, later.
All the above, make one to feel it necessary for legislations that require fire NOC, apart from other requirements, mandatory.
Aug 26, 2016
Do not ignore leg pain - it can be the deadly peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
Smokers, heart patients, hypertension persons, diabetics may get PAD. Arteries in the leg get clogged, limiting blood flow. This may lead to pain.
Regular checkups are suggested.
Details can be seen here.
Aug 21, 2016
LPG explosion during welding inside a pipeline
While doing welding inside a pipeline below the ground level, with LPG gas cylinder outside at ground level, there was an explosion inside the pipeline. Unable to escape, four persons inside suffered burns. One person received 87% burns.
The reasons for gas leakage into the pipeline are not known. Poor quality of hoses, not following confined work procedures (like checking the flammable atmosphere, oxygen levels, having arrangement for emergency escape, buddy system), etc can be possible reasons.
The report can be read from the link below.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Four-welders-suffer-burn-injuries/articleshow/53757037.cms
Aug 8, 2016
Some thoughts on weight reduction
My understanding on weight reduction (based on my experience, thoughts and self interpretation - need
not be correct):
1. We can’t reduce our weight overnight. We abused our body
by having so called enjoyment for years and in return gained the weight.
Therefore, we have to work for getting rid of the same. It will take less time compared
the period of weight gain.
2. Exercise should not be thought of as a painful activity.
Initially, it may look so, but I started liking it and got addicted later.
3. Fast reduction in weight may lead to gain in weight also,
if we stop working for it.
4. Our body should be coached / tuned gradually about our
intentions by diet control and exercise. I mean this as slowly reducing the
stomach size by reducing our intake very slowly. If we start starving, we may
eat more also thus opposite consequences will be there.
5. Dieting does not mean fasting.
6. Fasting may lead to acidity and other problems.
7. For weekly fasting, if being done, we can follow what our
ancestors advised i.e instead of keeping empty stomach, we can fill it with
fruits like watermelon, papaya, banana, apples, etc
8. Taking only water instead of food is not correct method
of weight loss programme. It may lead to calcium loss resulting in weak bones
and joint problems.
9. There may or may not be desired reduction in weight or
there may be short / long periods of little or no change in weight inspite of
our best efforts. But, we should not get despaired. I underwent this
experience. I had weight stagnation durations for 30-45 days, sometimes,
particularly in the range of 75-77 kg. But, we should continue our efforts and
we can definitely reach our goal, if not in the desired period, but somewhat at
a later period. Heavens will not fall as already we have carried our weight for
much longer periods.
10. We need not try all available methods learnt from
internet/experts/friends/ books, simultaneously. This may lead to unknown
complications. Better to consult a doctor, before starting a method.
Jul 17, 2016
Explosion in petrol pump - tank thrown 500 m away
In an explosion in petrol pump, the tank was thrown 500 m away, captured by a passerby in mobile.
One person died and 17 injured in the incident. Flying of the tank can be seen in the video linked above.
Jul 11, 2016
Reduced my weight from 96 to 76 kg and tummy from 38-40 to 34-35 inches in about 9 months
I
am working in the safety department of a government organization. As a part of
the job, I used to go around and interact with persons. Some of them used to
look at me in a way not giving much attention to my words and said that they
are elder and senior enough by experience and know what they are doing. I thought, I should look elderly by
appearance. I allowed my body to shape bigger, sometimes, by forcing my tummy
bulge. I was happy with increase in waist, chin bags, etc.
28
years ago, I was 65 kg when I completed my college studies and joined for work
and was 75 kg, 21 years ago. My weight was in early eighties about 6-8 years ago.
I used to compare my weight with one of my senior colleagues who too weighed
nearer to me and was happy. I never bothered about my weight.
One
day, about 9 months ago, my weight was 95.6 kg. I thought, soon I will touch
0.1 Ton (100 kg). And I was proud. But, soon, I realized that this is not
correct.
I
am living with hypothyroid for the last 4-5 years. I was told that I can’t
reduce my weight due to this. I too thought that bringing down my weight to
eighties may be a dream and wondered whether I can reduce my weight to 84 or 85
kg.
My
senior colleague used to wear a health band that reads steps/distance through bluetooth
on the mobile phone. He advised and convinced me to buy and use a health band.
I purchased, but did not use for few weeks. Even if I used, it was only sparingly.
But, once I saw my weight at 95.6 kg, I
thought I should do something.
Long
ago, I heard many lectures on exercise, health, weight reduction etc. But, call
it lethargy or something, I found excuses not to exercise and continued to gain
my weight.
I
realized that I should reduce my weight; else, I may become burden for somebody.
Whatever, my excuses earlier, I kept aside and started various methods to
reduce my weight.
As
per the advice of a friend in Mumbai, which worked for him, after getting up
from bed, I started taking a spoon of honey, spoon of lemon squeeze and half to
full spoon of dalchin (cinnamon) powder in a glass of luke warm water. This I
tried for about three months without success. I got despaired and slowly
stopped this. After few days like this, again I motivated myself to do
something. I recollected the lectures on health which I heard on many occasions
earlier and started combination of walking and food control, every day. Also,
followed some other methods (all listed below), if not every day, but atleast
on few occasions in a week.
Following
are the methods I followed during the last 9 months.
1.
Walking: Walked every day (but for 2-5 occasions
a month) atleast 10,000 steps (my average is about 12,200 steps/day, 11 km/day as on date,
averaged for last 9 months) that included about 8250 steps at a single stretch
and others logged during my work. Due to difficulty in getting up in the
morning at 0500 hr, stray dog menace on the roads and due to other commitments
to take care of my children needs, I walked generally in the evenings. I
avoided vehicle for my visits inside the plant. Generally used stairs instead of lift, even if
it meant walking 7-8 floors. I walked about 3000 km in these 9 months. I
purchased good walking shoes and changed as soon as they started skidding/slipping
during the walk. Each pair of shoes generally lasted for about 600-900 km.
2.
Food control: I am a vegetarian and non-alcoholic. In
order not to waste food, I used to consume whatever left on the plate, though
stomach is full, thus making it a dustbin. (I read a telugu story on this about
an year ago, but did not follow at that time).
a.
But,
now, I made a point to eat upto the point of first signal of stomach getting
full and adhered to it generally for most of the occasions.
b.
Stopped
eating junk food like mixture, khara, etc and instead started taking 1-2 bananas/apples
or some other fruit, a day. I stocked fruits in the house. I heard a proverb,
which read, “do not bargain to buy fruits”. This is because, we should not stop
buying fruits just because they are costly; as not eating fruits will have more
severe consequences on our health. Also, buying fruits from a street vendor
does not make him rich. But, we buy many things including junk food at MRP without
bargain from super markets.
c.
I
reduced my rice intake by a third and substituted with vegetable salads or
fruits.
d.
Sometimes,
I carried a keera (cucumber), an apple / papaya pieces for lunch.
e.
I
carried lemons to office with lunch box. I get a cup of curd every day, squeeze
a lemon in it, prepare butter milk of about 500 ml and consumed between lunch
time and upto leaving the office (during 1300-1700 hr). I read that this helps
in better digestion, increases metabolism.
f.
I
heard that banana helps in reducing tummy fat, helps to get away from thyroid
related problem, and the material sticking to its peel helps to protect against
paralysis.
g.
Generally,
I avoided high calorie items like samosa/chocolates/wafers/chips etc served
during meetings or at home.
h.
Initially,
I starved but this did not help much. Instead, taking a bit less than usual
intake appeared a better option. Garlic, onions, chilly powders too are part of
my food during dinner.
i.
Wherever
available, during meetings / parties / seminars, etc, I avoided rice/roti
totally and instead took only soup, salads, curries, etc.
j.
Overall,
reduced rice items and increased curries/sambar/rasam/butter milk.
3.
I
took about 2 liters of water every day.
4.
Beverages:
Normally, I don’t take any coffee / tea during work. But, to avoid empty
stomach, I started taking tea without sugar (though I am not diabetic) at about
1100 hr and at 1500 hr. I preferred green tea without sugar, with honey and
lemon, wherever available.
5.
Dry nuts: Sometimes, I took dry nuts like 8-10
almonds a day. I kept pea nuts in the office, which I munched whenever I felt
hungry.
As
per recent medical checkup, all health parameters are good. I do not feel any
weakness, though many friends and colleagues said that I looked like a patient.
With
the above, now I weigh about 76 kg. And, I am continuing with my regime. My BMI
reduced from 28.9 to 23.1 (acceptable range is 18.9-24.9). Recently, I resized few of my trousers from 38-40
inches to 34-35 inches and purchased some more of size 34. I am also wearing t-shirts
which I avoided earlier due to bulging tummy.
Initially
my target was 84-85 kg. I revised it to just below 80 kg. Now my target is 72
kg, to be in the middle of BMI range. Though, I reduced my weight considerably
and reduced my tummy also by 4-5 inches, still I have to do something to reduce
my tummy from 34-35 inches to 32 inches. When I pull the skin at tummy, it
comes out by 1-2 inches. I am hopeful of reducing to my target levels, if not immediately,
may be in the next 6-12 months.
Many
of my colleagues as well as neighbors noticed the change in my body and
enquired about my health and then they learnt about my intentional weight
reduction practices. I am happy with the way I am doing in this aspect and
hopeful of sustaining, if not reducing further.
There
were periods of no change or increase in weight which made me frustrated. But,
the overall trend is downwards. Also, the appreciative words of others also
made me to get motivated again and to continue without losing hope.
Some
other tips taught to us in childhood/from internet/etc:
1. Chew for long (32-50 times) to feel eating for long time
and reduce intake, as signal about stomach full goes to brain only after about
20 minutes of starting eating.
2. Take water 30 minutes before or after taking the food to
avoid dilution of digestive juices.
3. Reduce the stomach by shrinking it gradually over a long
period of time so that we can feel stomach full after taking food lesser than
what we had earlier days/weeks/months. Starvation will not help.
4. Eat lesser quantities of food for more times (4-6) in a
day to keep the stomach occupied instead of taking large quantities when are
hungry.
5. Not to go for fried items, so called fast foods, oily
items, etc.
6. Exercise as exercise appears as burden. Instead, if we
enjoy the surroundings, nature, do walking meditation, introspection of our
life, etc, then we can enjoy. And, I am doing this. I got addicted to walking
now. If I do not walk, I feel numbness in my feet.
Exercise is not like a medicine to be done only when we are not well. It is
part of our every day routine. Like we take food every day, sleep every day,
exercise too needs to be done every day.
Initially, I did not record my weight. Later, based on the advice my senior colleague, I started recording and plotting, which is reproduced below.
From the above, one can conclude that, my weight is fairly maintained between 73-76 kg range for the last 6-9 months.
Jun 19, 2016
Measures mooted for safe transportation of chemicals
Measures mooted for safe transportation of chemicals: Among the 20-point guideline formed at the end of the session of Kerala's National Safety Council meeting, to have atleast two experts on barges for handling emergencies, preference to pipeline transport, training, etc
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/measures-mooted-for-safe-transportation-of-chemicals/article8747804.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/measures-mooted-for-safe-transportation-of-chemicals/article8747804.ece?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
May 25, 2016
Safety norms thrown to winds at pharma, chemical units?
Safety norms thrown to winds at pharma, chemical units?: “All the three versions will be clubbed and submitted to the District Collector for action,” said Joint Collector-2 D.V. Reddy, who had come to inspect the accident site at Srikar Laboratories.“Firstl
LINK
LINK
Apr 23, 2016
Termites eat currency notes kept in bank locker - to be careful next time!
A woman found her currency of Rs 1,00,000/- kept in a bank locker was consumed by termites.
As per bank, it can be replaced only if damaged in fire or stolen. But, bank accepted application for possible replacement.
Apr 19, 2016
Intense heat, poor construction led to collapse?
Intense heat, poor construction led to collapse?: A senior structural engineer and professor at JNTU, Hyderabad who was part of a number of committees related to fire accidents said on the incident, “Beyond a certain temperature, the steel melts, causing collapse of slab,...".
Similar reason was found during collapse of twin towers of US WTC, long ago.
LINK
Similar reason was found during collapse of twin towers of US WTC, long ago.
LINK
Demand for punishment to the guilty in metro construction accident
Government official desires jail term for persons responsible for the accidents.
See the link here.
Apr 15, 2016
Something we should learn - Man runs wrong code - deletes his company (by mistake)
Owner of a small hosting provider, ran the command, "rm -rf" causing entire data to be deleted and is unable to restore.
rm stands for remove
r tells to delete everything in the directory
f tells to ignore warning messages during deletion
https://developers.slashdot.org/story/16/04/14/1542246/man-deletes-his-entire-company-with-one-line-of-bad-code
rm stands for remove
r tells to delete everything in the directory
f tells to ignore warning messages during deletion
https://developers.slashdot.org/story/16/04/14/1542246/man-deletes-his-entire-company-with-one-line-of-bad-code
This is a lesson to know well before doing something. The forum he consulted informed him that unless backups are available, nothing can be done in this case.
http://serverfault.com/questions/769357/recovering-from-a-rm-rf
A comment on backups is as follows:
Backups need to be offsite, offline, and incremental. That you could delete them from your main server means they weren't what I would call backups. – Tim
http://serverfault.com/questions/769357/recovering-from-a-rm-rf
A comment on backups is as follows:
Backups need to be offsite, offline, and incremental. That you could delete them from your main server means they weren't what I would call backups. – Tim
Mar 26, 2016
Watching fires is not a fun
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/502597/petrol-station-explode-blast-Russia-Dagestan-multiple-dead-natural-gas-firefighters-police
In the video, it is seen, persons walking aside, not knowing the dangers of such fires. Fragments from explosion can travel great distances and can kill the persons. Thermal radiation from fireball also will be felt at longer distances, the overpressure in the form of pressure waves can lift the equipment/persons off the ground, making them to hit other objects and thus get injured/killed.
Feb 16, 2016
Mumbai fire
https://in.news.yahoo.com/mumbai-fire-warning-came-afternoon-052200615.html
Heavy winds at 25 kmph in the afternoon brought down a LED screen. Fire works were used during the performance. The sparks from it are suspected to have spread the fire. As per the article, pyrotechnics are avoided at wind speeds of more than 10 kmph.
Heavy winds at 25 kmph in the afternoon brought down a LED screen. Fire works were used during the performance. The sparks from it are suspected to have spread the fire. As per the article, pyrotechnics are avoided at wind speeds of more than 10 kmph.
Shifting of chemical plants close to residential areas
http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=71221
After the chemical accidents, the authorities are shifting 10 plants identified as closer to residential areas.
After the chemical accidents, the authorities are shifting 10 plants identified as closer to residential areas.
Jan 28, 2016
Locking of emergency door leads to death in a fire incident
An explosion and fire during filling of gas cylinders led to the death of a person (apprentice) doing the work. The main door was blocked by flames. The second door was locked and could not be opened in time resulting in suffocation and burn injuries related death.
Jan 18, 2016
Possible danger from open top cars, while speeding and stopping all of a sudden
Today evening, while walking, I watched a car going at high speed on the road. The car got a open top with two children in standing position and having the fun. It is not known, whether the two children were held by others inside the car or not.
What scared me was the thought that if for some reason, the car driver applies brakes suddenly, these two children may fly off and get injured.
What scared me was the thought that if for some reason, the car driver applies brakes suddenly, these two children may fly off and get injured.
