Fire and explosion in pharma factory

In an incident of explosions in pharmaceutical factories that stored combustible chemicals, one person died, few persons suffered burn injuries, 3 of them serious. As per the reports, it is not clear whether it is boiler explosion or chemical reactor explosion.  Blast could be felt 12 km from the factory site. Window panes of buildings at 3 km were shattered.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/four-injured-in-explosions-at-tarapur-midc-units/articleshow/63225257.cms

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/maharashtra-blast-fire-in-chemical-unit-in-palghar-5091363/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNJ-w6eEI3k


Additional info.: 3 persons die in the accident

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/city-others/three-die-in-tarapur-industrial-unit-set-up-in-1978-tarapur-midc-has-an-infamous-history-of-accidents-5092536/

One will be surprised with statements in the report!!!

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

Some times, strange clues help in investigation

Please see the attached link on the topic.

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/m.timesofindia.com/city/hyderabad/mutton-soup-burns-lovers-acid-plot-unravels-swap-of-identity/amp_articleshow/62046096.cms#ampshare=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/mutton-soup-burns-lovers-acid-plot-unravels-swap-of-identity/articleshow/62046096.cms

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.

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:

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/maharashtra-govt-to-provide-safety-kits-for-all-registered-construction-site-workers-4956258/

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.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysuru/mysuru-worker-crushed-to-death-at-jk-tyres-factory/articleshow/61676525.cms?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=TOIMobile

A reason for diabetes is pollution

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

See the news item HERE.

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.

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/

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.