▼

Dec 29, 2017

14 killed in roof top pub fire at Mumbai

In a fire incident at a roof top pub fire at 0100 hr (in the early morning hours), at least 14 persons lost their lives.
About 50 persons were taken to hospital. Most died due to suffocation.
The bamboo roof caught fire and fell down.

As per reports, the deficiencies observed are, not having trained personnel for fire fighting, non-functioning of fire fighting equipment, only one staircase for entry/exit, blocking of fire exit.

 https://in.yahoo.com/news/mumbai-fire-live-violations-blaze-063005882.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/14-killed-as-fire-engulfs-mumbai-pub/article22328388.ece


 https://m.timesofindia.com/city/mumbai/above-the-law-14-die-as-blaze-guts-2-illegal-terrace-resto-bars/articleshow/62301543.cms?intenttarget=no&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Top_Headlines
at

Dec 14, 2017

Some times, strange clues help in investigation

Please see the attached link on the topic.

at

Dec 3, 2017

Underground metro travel exposes to carcinogens

http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/current-affairs-trends/underground-metro-exposes-commuters-to-cancer-causing-agents-study-2451331.html

As per the article, every year, 6.5 million persons die due to pollution. A study reveals that passengers of underground metro get exposed to cancer causing agents (carcinogens) due to dust from friction between rails and wheels; improper ventilation.
at

Nov 27, 2017

Issue of safety kit to registered construction workers by Maharashtra government

Maharashtra government decided to issue safety kit and essential items kit containing safety shoe, helmet, gloves, reflective jacket, dust mask in former and water bottle, mosquito repellant, plastic mat, bag , etc in later.

The news item is available in the link below:

at

Nov 23, 2017

Operator is crushed fatally due to trapping of hand between rollers in a rubber factory

In a rubber factory, while pushing a sheet into rollers, his hand got dragged and was crushed to death. 
Such accidents can be prevented by having fixed guards with gap less than 3 mm between guard bottom and job rest, optical curtain interlocked with power supply and applying of brake to stop rollers moving with momentum, pull wire (chord), emergency switches nearby.
Police booked case on shift engineer, supervisor, safety engineer as per IPC for causing death by negligence.

The newspaper report can be read from the following link.

at

Nov 21, 2017

A reason for diabetes is pollution

Pollution in surrounding areas is found to be a reason for diabetes.

 See the news item HERE.
at

Safety statistics of India - as per British Safety Council - an article in Times of India

Every day 38 fatal accidents in construction sector compared 137 in all sectors in Britain.
24.2% of fatal accidents are in construction sector.
Every year, 48000 workers die in work related accidents.

Read the full article here.
at

Nov 18, 2017

Safety awareness programme by 3M



To create awareness among industrial workers, 3M initiated two mobile vans for going around the country. Read the news item in the link below

https://yourstory.com/2017/11/3m-drives-industrial-safety-awareness/
at

Nov 17, 2017

EHS Today - worker suffers burns due to fire from rich oxygen work atmosphere

http://www.ehstoday.com/construction/worker-severely-burned-when-trapped-fiery-underground-duct?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20171116_OH-05_712&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_4&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=23112&utm_medium=email&elq2=4c69ad8c5a1d4c0f9872eb2a45dd0031

A worker suffered third degree burns due to a fire while working inside a duct that had rich oxygen.
The contractor was charged for safety lapses in confined space work, i.e. failure to ensure work area air monitoring, mechanical ventilation.
Many do not know the hazards of oxygen above atmospheric levels of 21% v/v. One should not think that compressed air and compressed oxygen are same.
Dress soaked in oxygen can catch fire easily. Materials burn easily in high oxygen conditions. 
Higher oxygen levels can cause damage to lungs and eyes.
That's the reason why safety professionals ask for measuring and finding reasons for oxygen levels in work area which are not at 21% v/v. 
Even if it is low, even slightly below 21% also, one should not think it is okay, because the difference can be some toxic/poisonous and pose health hazard. Similarly, for higher levels.
Then, we should ensure supply of fresh air (not oxygen) in the confined space work area. Generally, we supply air into the work area for 24 hours before work. Again, the work atmosphere will be measured for safe condition before permitting the persons inside.
Then buddy system also is to be ensured.

at

Nov 9, 2017

Metallic glue that may replace soldering and welding

Metallic glue that may replace soldering and welding

LINK
at

Gas leak explosion causes two deaths

After power  failure and resumption, explosion occurs in a house causing two deaths.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/gas-leak-triggers-explosion-in-farmers-kitchen-2-die/articleshow/60371272.cms
at

Nov 7, 2017

Increase in fines for safety violations that are likely to cause serious accidents in Singapore

The amount of fines is raised from 20,000 to 50,000 dollars for violations that are likely to cause serious accidents, in Singapore. Parliament passed changes accordingly in Workplace Safety and Health Act yesterday.
Safety inspectors and enforcement officers were given additional protection in the changes in Act. 
Full article can be read here.
at

Oct 9, 2017

Country growth measurement with per capita power consumption

Many compare growth or development of a country with per capita power consumption. Unless power consumption is productive and the power generation and transmission is by efficient means, it is wastage of resources, spread of pollution and damaging to the environment.
Many organisations use power for lighting, ventilation/air conditioning and they will be running continuously even when persons are not present. Similarly, many domestic users continue to run their utilities in the house.

This type of power consumption will show increase in per capita power consumption. But, it does not mean increase in development of the country. Instead, it is wastage of resources,  deprivation of resources to others in the present or to future generations, damage to the environment.
at

Oct 1, 2017

Aeroplane engine fails during travel, safely landed - BBC news item

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41454712
at

Sep 22, 2017

Unguarded opening - fall of person from height

A person fell down to death from possible unguarded opening at height. 
As per established practices and legislations, all openings that can lead to fall of persons  have to be provided with guard rails of 1.0 m height.

The news item is available here.
at

Sep 6, 2017

Real time gas alerts for quick emergency response

http://www.ehstoday.com/industrial-hygiene/emergency-response-real-time-gas-alerts?NL=OH-05&Issue=OH-05_20170905_OH-05_128&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_1_b&utm_rid=CPG03000007741031&utm_campaign=21710&utm_medium=email&elq2=2860de413b4a4fc1af1a7d690f749f26
at

Illustrative discussion on inherent safety and secondary prevention - an article

Please see the item on subject line below.

at

Sep 3, 2017

‘Toxicity a relative thing’: Worst industrial chemical disasters in human history

‘Toxicity a relative thing’: Worst industrial chemical disasters in human history: An explosion rocked the Arkema plant in Texas once again Friday due to degrading chemicals as a result of Hurricane Harvey. RT looks back at history’s worst industrial chemical disasters, following the plant CEO’s comments that “toxicity is a relative thing.”

LINK
at

Aug 31, 2017

Fatal accident during maintenance on underground enclosure

https://www.manufacturing.net

at

Aug 23, 2017

Rail track maintenance - safety issues

As per several news paper reports, the following appear to be the safety issues / challenges involved in track maintenance:


  1. Train schedules need to be maintained.
  2. This leads second priority for release of equipment / tracks for maintenance.
  3. Punctuality pressure is making concerned not understanding the problem and thus not giving top priority even for immediate maintenance.
  4. "unofficial work" i.e. doing maintenance on the tracks by putting red flags at 1200 m on either side of the track, but without restricting the speed of trains on the track will even put the lives of maintenance crew on tracks at risk, as it is likely that they make take chance to complete the work before the train passes through.
  5. If they start and do not complete the work, then all those on the train are at risk.
  6. Then, the observation of highly educated like degree holders in engineering, business administration etc joining as trackmen do not listen to supervisors also appears to be correct. For unemployed, getting job is first priority. After getting the job at junior cadre, they find that they are monitored by persons whose education levels are at SSC or so but they have become seniors due to experience. This makes ego hurt in some persons with BE / BTech / MBA qualification and leads to disobedience. Their non-cooperation leads to work pressure on others.
Unless maintenance is given top priority and the authority for decision making lies with field supervisor, these types of accidents appear to be routine. Due to availability of smart phones, the field persons can take photographs of the track to be repaired and can send through whatsapp or similar application to their next level official and can obtain permission for work. This will definitely put some control on abuse of authority by field staff but at the same allowing next higher level to make decision immediately and allow for maintenance.


at

Aug 20, 2017

Construction site deaths - scaffold collapse, fall from height, electric shock

Avoidable accidents at different construction sites led to death of 3 persons in construction sites.
The primary reasons are collapse of scaffold on which persons were working, fall of person from height and burns due to electric shock respectively.
The news item may be read in the link below.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/three-construction-workers-killed-within-5-hours/
at

Aug 14, 2017

Lab facility takes electrical repairs after fire safety audit

The premium lab initiates electrical repairs based on fire safety audit. The facility saw 14 accidents during last 15 years. Short circuit alone caused Rs 7.48 crore loss out of total loss of Rs 7.84 crores.
Anytime is better than ignoring.

The facility needs appreciation for taking up fire safety audit and initiating measures.
https://www.nyoooz.com/news/pune/894897/ncl-undergoes-fire-safety-audit-orders-fresh-electrical-repairs-on-its-premises/
at

Aug 13, 2017

Gas cylinder explosion during refilling - cylinder flies 800 m

A person died during explosion while refilling helium gas cylinder. The cylinder flew off 800 m.
at

Aug 7, 2017

Construction safety - lessons to be learnt

NDTV news report link provides details about construction industry hazards.

Read the report here.http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/even-after-fatal-accidents-indias-construction-sites-remain-death-traps-for-workers-1734233
at

Aug 3, 2017

Drop in accidents inspite of increase in number of vehicles in Delhi in last seven years

As per reports appeared in Times of India and Economic Times, 32 lakh vehicles are added in Delhi during last seven years. However, the accidents dropped by 26.4% during the period.
The traffic authorities are confident of improving safety by engineering measures, awareness and enforcement of regulations.
at

Jul 31, 2017

Electrical vehicles are not environment friendly totally

Electrical vehicles do not have emissions at the place of their use. However, the electricity that is required for charging has to be produced somewhere and if this comes from fossils, then the place of power plants are polluted. Further, the transmission losses and efficiency during charging are to be taken into account.
The other side is that the environment impact for transport of hydrocarbons to places of use also need to be considered.
Most of the times, we see that electrical vehicles are pollution free and hype is being created. The waste created from batteries also has to be seen, they great improvements are made during last decade.
But, we have to understand that they are good only at the place of use for above reasons.
at

Jul 30, 2017

Near miss incident - Tractor crossing rail track narrowly misses speed train

See the video here
http://www.ndtv.com/offbeat/caught-on-camera-shocking-moment-speeding-train-misses-tractor-by-inches-1730982
at

Jul 29, 2017

LPG cylinder blast kills fireman - Selfie madness of public affects more

A 19.2 kg LPG cylinder bursts in a fire incident in a bakery. About 47 persons including 37 local residents and others including firemen, police were injured in the incident.
It is reported that the curious onlookers were mostly interested in taking selfies, affecting fire fighting operations as well as endangered fire fighters affecting their free movement.


See the news item here.
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2017/jul/17/cylinder-blast-in-city-bakery-kills-56-yr-old-firefighter-1629638.html
at

Jul 25, 2017

Mistake by one - impact on all

Government authorities suspended works at all civil projects as a crane collapse in a site caused 7 deaths. Authorities would like to inspect all sites to ensure safety.
This shows that unless measures are taken by everybody in their work sites, their businesses can get affected, even if the mistake is by others in some other place. Industries of similar nature should interact regularly with each other to improve safety and implement the same. 
The following news item is an example.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-accident-idUSKBN1A809X?il=0
at

Fire safety tips

Read seven fire safety tips to save life and UK's history of fire disasters: can be watched in the link below, that appeared in Manchester Evening News web site.




http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/seven-fire-safety-tips-could-13372757

at

Jul 16, 2017

Sulphuric acid fumes leak from batteries affects 4 persons

The sulphuric acid fumes leak from batteries causes four persons at discomfort. 
Power supply was disconnected, and batteries were cooled with fans, as water can't be applied due to stored electricity and water on sulphuric acid will heat up further and aggravate the problem. Persons affected with toxic fumes were treated by attending personnel.

at

Jul 5, 2017

Minimum view distance for road signals - an important information from Knoxville News Sentinel

http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/2017/07/03/safety-concern-papermill-intersection-prompts-action/414437001/

It is stated in the above article, regulations require 390 feet clear view distance for vehicles moving at 40 mph. That is for vehicles moving at 40 mph speed (59 ft per second), sight distance time to see signals is recommended as 6.65 seconds.
at

Flying rock from planned blasting crushes a car

During planned blasting for bypass road works, an exclusion zone of 200 m was maintained within which nobody will be permitted.
However, a car without inmates parked within this distance got crushed from the piece of rock that flew during blasting.
at

10 major industrial accidents in Bangladesh during last 12 years - an article in Indian Express

A compilation of list of 10 major industrial accidents in Bangladesh during last 12 years is available. The link is as below:


Among these, six are of fire incidents, 3 are of building collapse including an 8 storey building collapse leading to 1136 deaths and several injuries, and one incident of toxic leak.

Above building collapse is worded as second major industrial accident in the world after Bhopal accident.
It requires tremendous efforts and careful planning when we plan to have buildings accommodating such huge number of persons with regards to emergency. It is a lesson for all of us.
at

Jun 26, 2017

Grenfell Tower fire - Release of hydrogen cyanide during fire is suspected as reason for deaths

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/819869/Grenfell-Tower-deaths-toxic-gas-insulation-Polyisocyanurate-Building-cladding-London

As per experts opinion, that appeared in an article, the tower building outside had 150 mm thick insulation boards containing polyisocyanurate with aluminum foil clad. These boards released dangerous hydrogen cyanide gas upon exposure to fire.

Many household items, vehicles, furniture, etc use a range of products that are made having chemical compounds and these materials release dangerous toxic gases upon exposure to heat.

Still we use, attracted by colours, price, etc.


at

Chaos - principle of present day living

Persons continue to suffer from accidents, let it be controlled areas like factories or uncontrolled areas, like roads, fields, forests, etc.
It seems nobody got control occurrence of events, even where it can be. 
Nobody cares about rules and regulations.
On one side, everybody says, safety first, welfare first, and so on. However, the ground reality is quite opposite. Rule breaking appears to be the first priority. Everybody is in hurry to break the rules, without caring for themselves or others about their actions. No logic / explanation can be made.
We don't have right over our life or others lives. However, subjectivity takes precedence in anybody's action. Otherwise, let us not talk about importance or value of life. Let the jungle law be there. i.e. the mightier rules the land. 

The person driving the car on the road cares least about pedestrians. The bus driver cares little about cars and pedestrians. Car driver can't complain about rashness of bus driver, as car driver will be doing the same on to the pedestrians. Pedestrians too do not bother about using roadsides. They roam across the roads.
But, when something happens, the police are blamed, as if they can be present at the ratio of one for every person on the road. Within the disciplinary forces also, junior is questioned for his inefficiency by superior. This superior will be fired by next superior. 
Similar thing happens in work areas too. 
Unless self discipline is there, nobody on earth can help anybody. Police or other monitoring agencies can be helpful only to control those violators who are a fraction of total population. If everybody becomes violator, then controllers will be in minority and they have to protect themselves from unruly masses. These unruly masses start making illogical statements, blaming the protection forces as reason for unrest in the world.

But, the system will correct itself. It can take a long time during which many have to suffer. But, finally, jungle law prevails. Somebody will take lead and then we may even see strict regimes. The law can be, hand for hand. 


at

Jun 25, 2017

Fatal oil tanker fire - greed of persons to collect oil

http://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2017/jun/25/death-toll-in-pakistan-tanker-fire-climbs-to-153-1620712.html

 Fire from overturned oil tanker causes more than 150 deaths. Upon hearing the news of fallen tanker, nearby residents rushed to collect and died from the flames. They should have thought of fire hazard. No amount of training can help in such cases. Greediness is the culprit.
at

Apr 26, 2017

Fatal Forklift Accident Results in Fine for Building Supply Company

Fatal Forklift Accident Results in Fine for Building Supply Company

LINK
at

Feb 5, 2017

Die Safety Blocks - need and use

There is a very useful article from EHS Today on the subject matter. The link is below.

 http://ehstoday.com/safety/die-safety-blocks-why-they-re-needed-and-how-use-them
at

Slab fall from demolition of adjacent flats damages common boundary wall

As per news reports, during the demolition of flats, a slab falls down on adjacent common boundary wall, causing damage. The area on this side was  not barricaded, though, it was barricaded on other two sides by the construction company. The debris and dust during the demolition will be an issue for the neighbours and needs cordoning for sufficient distance as a protective measure. 

As per statements, in the same report, there are no rules governing demolition buildings.
It is fortunate, that nobody is injured in the incident.
at

Jan 31, 2017

Lorry rams liquid oxygen road tanker causing leak

As per TV news channel visuals and reports, today afternoon, a lorry collided with a liquid oxygen carrying tanker causing leakage of liquid oxygen, with white clouds all around. As per visuals, it is found that a few firefighters were spraying the water, whereas most of others were recording the incident in their mobile, standing in the white clouds.

Then, somebody made a statement that it is only oxygen and is not a harmful gas.

As per reports, for about 100 m radius, there was poor visibility for two hours. Vehicles moving in the area were sent back by 500 m as a precautionary measure.

Pure oxygen, though, not combustible, can accelerate combustion. The cryogenic liquid can even cause frost bites. Metals soaked in rich oxygen can catch fire easily. Similarly, persons exposed for long duration above 35% oxygen concentration can suffer lung damage and eye damage.

As per some recommendations (I remember Indian Chemical Manufacturers' Association - ICMA), in case of any accident, the vehicle is to be taken aside, and initially, about 300 m radius is to be cordoned to prevent persons approach.

It is very dangerous, the way, persons are seen moving around.

A document on fire hazards of oxygen and enriched oxygen atmospheres by Asia Industrial Gases Association, Singapore HERE can help persons ignorant of oxygen hazards, who think that oxygen is a safe gas.

at

Persons die during tank sludge cleaning

As per reports, totally, nine persons died and another is injured in a work involving cleaning of sludge from an oil tank. Initially, four persons who entered for the work did not respond for few hours and three more entered to know about them.
Due to inhalation of toxic gases, persons died, as per reports.

Normally, when such works are to be carried out in confined spaces like oil tankers, closed vessels, equipment, etc, oxygen levels are to be measured and action to be taken to exhaust poisonous gases and admit air to keep oxygen levels as in the open atmosphere. Continuous exhaust is to be maintained. Where, it is not possible, they have to enter with compressed air cylinders on their back, connected to the face piece respirator. Further, there should be buddy system, i.e. for every one worker inside, there should be an equally capable person outside with safety belt extended rope in the hands of person outside; and to engage in constant communication, so that in case of any emergency, immediate rescue operations can be made.

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-seven-workers-die-inhaling-poisonous-gas-in-latur-district-4499670/

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/aurangabad/7-workers-die-of-suffocation-in-latur-oil-mills-chemical-tank/articleshow/56881624.cms


at

Menu cards in hotels are dirtier than the toilet covers, says study

As per a study carried out, menu cards in hotels are found to have more bacteria than toilet seat covers. Earlier, we came to know about such filthy things like, key boards of computers, cell phone, etc having more harmful bacteria. Now, menu cards too joined the list. Full article may be read here.

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/menu-cards-are-100-times-dirtier-than-toilet-covers/articleshow/56883531.cms
at

Jan 27, 2017

The EPA’s Latest Chemical Plant Safety Rules: They Sound Good, But…

The EPA’s Latest Chemical Plant Safety Rules: They Sound Good, But…

LINK
at

Jan 12, 2017

Statistics on toxic gas inhalation deaths in India

Chemical accidents:

http://www.hindustantimes.com/bhopal/mp-ranks-highest-in-industrial-toxic-gas-deaths/story-MdcQKYG9mApn73wJ53K9TP.html
at

Road accidents in India - a report from NDTV site

The report is available from the following link:

at