EHSTODAY.COM article on "Reduce arc flash risks with MCCs"

In the article (link below), the author makes suggestions / methods to reduce arc flash risks (remote access and monitor, proper installation without openings/leaving tools/screws, etc, and use of arc flash resistant equipment).

https://www.ehstoday.com/arc-flash/article/21154204/reduce-arc-flash-risks-with-motor-control-centers?utm_source=OZ+EHS+Weekly+Update&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS210304094&o_eid=1936G3569489I9F&rdx.ident%5Bpull%5D=omeda%7C1936G3569489I9F&oly_enc_id=1936G3569489I9F

Fatal fire in a multistorey building in Kolkota

In a fire incident that happened yesterday at about 1810 hr on the 13th floor of a building, seven persons including firefighters and police lost their lives. It is reported that the personnel used the elevator/lift to reach the site quickly. In the process due to heat on the floor and asphyxiation, they choked and died. 

The general safety principle is not to use the lift in a fire as hot gases will flow upwards in the fire due to draft and can cause choking of persons inside. Also, it is likely that the fire can damage the metallic body, lifting cables and electrical cables endangering the persons inside. Also, Lift doors can get jammed due to hot conditions and trap the persons inside.  Hence, it is always advised not to use a lift but to use stairs in case of fire.

Further, to make a foolproof system, it is better to interlock such that the power supply to the lift will be cut off in the event of fire detection and the lift will go only to the next level and stop there and doors are opened automatically.

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/kolkata-7-dead-in-fire-at-strand-road-eastern-railway-building-7220006/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kolkata-fire-breaks-out-in-multi-storeyed-building/articleshow/81396334.cms

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/6-feared-dead-in-fire-at-high-rise-in-kolkata-2386463

Silly funny selfie by an intern in a prison causes change of 600 locks

An intern in a prison took a selfie and posted it. But the selfie revealed the picture of the master key that could have compromised the security of the prison. The officials have taken action to replace all locks.

https://www.ladbible.com/news/news-prison-has-to-change-600-locks-after-intern-shared-pics-of-keys-20210303#:~:text=News-,Prison%20Has%20To%20Change%20600%20Locks%20After,Pics%20Of%20Keys%20On%20WhatsApp&text=The%20intern%2C%20who%20worked%20(past,sent%20it%20to%20his%20mates.

https://www.eenadu.net/crime/latestnews/jail-has-changed-hundreds-of-locks-and-keys-aftar-selfie/0300/121046475

Attitude for safety

Every day we hear or read about accidents during transport, in factories, etc. Most of the time, reasons appear to be silly which could have been overcome. Still, it happens every day. 

Why it happens? 

Even though it is known that the accidents do take place for the causes in our control, occurrence indicates the perception of the person involved directly or indirectly ignoring the safety principles. 

Risk-taking is more in these instances. 

Risk-takers may earn more in financial circles, but, the benefits are always negligible compared to one major injury that cripples our as well as dependant's lives.

Easier said than followed, still one should always go for a safe method that protects him and others.

Death of crane operator

In a reported incident, a crane operator fell out on the road, after hitting another crane moving ahead on the road. The crane toppled and the person died under it.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/crane-driver-dies-in-freak-accident/articleshow/81280935.cms

It appears that the operator did not wear any seat belt. Safety requirements specify the use of a seatbelt to prevent such falls. It is often seen that operators of material handling equipment like cranes, forklift trucks, etc do not wear seat belts even though provided by the manufacturers. Some operators jump out sensing some trouble to protect themselves, but in the process, get injured from the crane/forklift or the load lifted falling on them. A seatbelt or restrain device keeps the person within the secured cabin.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2019/jul/03/operator-dies-as-crane-overturns-in-hyderabad-1998767.html

Managers should ensure the use of seat belts to avoid such (fatal) incidents by education, supervision, and enforcement.

http://aluminiumplantsafety.blogspot.com/2019/11/crane-operator-dies-in-freak-accident.html

Power failure - exposure to toxic gases - deaths and injuries

As per reports on the internet, 5 persons died and 8 persons got injured on exposure to toxic gases. It is stated that a short circuit led to power failure, stoppage of exhaust systems. After the restoration of power, persons got exposed while entering the plant for work.

The preliminary reasons given indicate the importance of exhaust systems in chemical plants or in areas where toxic gases can accumulate (like in confined spaces, mines, etc).

The way it looks, risk assessment, and safety measures for protection appear to be inadequate. Power failure for about 90-120 minutes caused the work area to be filled with toxic gases. This indicates that workers were working in such hazardous environments with dependence on the functioning of exhaust systems. This plant area seems to be the most dangerous area with continuous generation and exhaust of toxic gases to maintain a breathable atmosphere. If this is the case, entry to such areas should be with breathing sets and for a short duration. These areas are not fit for long-duration works. There should have been online gas detectors with audio-visual alarms with emergency power backup.

https://www.shine.cn/news/nation/2102285210/

https://www.caixinglobal.com/2021-03-01/blackout-caused-gas-leak-results-in-five-deaths-at-northeast-china-factory-101668798.html