SALIENT PROVISIONS OF CHEMICAL ACCIDENT ( EMERGENCY PLANNING, PROCEDURE AND RESPONSE )RULES ,1996 (AMENDED 1999)

1. Statutory provision for setting up of crisis groups at National state , District and locations having major accident hazards .
2. CCG is headed by secretary to govt. Of India , Dept.of Environment and forests .
3. Duty of CCG is to develop Crisis Alert system.
4. State crisis group is headed by chief secretary with following functions.
4.1. Reviewing district off-site Emergency Plan and send report to CCG.
4.2. Assist state government in managing chemical accidents at site .
4.3. Assist state government in planning preparedness and mitigation of major chemical accident
4.4. Continuous monitoring of Post Accident situations.
4.5. Review progress reports submitted by district Crisis Group.
4.6. Publish list of experts concerned with Management of chemical accidents.
5. District Crisis Group is headed by District Collector.
6. The function include .....
6.1.Assist in preparing district off-site Emergency Plan.
6.2. Review of on-site emergency plans of major accident hazard installations.
6.3.Assist district Administration in management of chemical accidents.
6.4. Continuous monitoring of chemical accidents.
6.5. Ensure Continuous information flow to CCG and SCG regarding accidents and mitigation measures.
6.6. Forward chemical accident within fortnight .
6.7. Conduct atleast one full mock drill.
7. Local Crisis Group (LCG) is each industrial pocket having major accident hazards headed by sub-divisional magistrate .
8. The functions include ...
8.1. Prepare local emergency plan for the pocket .
8.2. Train personnel involved in chemical accident management.
8.3. Aware public about remedies and preparedness for accident.
8.4. Conduct mock drill atleast once in six months
8.5. Respond public enquiries on the subject.

FIRE - Anotomy and its classification

Fire is an exothermic chemical reaction in which combustible material combines with oxygen in the atmosphere to give out heat and flame. But once fire has begun, the heat produced may often be sufficient to support or even accelerate the process. The materials involved in the combustion process may be in solid, liquid or gaseous state. They are also identified as two or three-dimensional

Two-dimensional fires are those where fire and fuel are on a single plane or flat surface. Ground fire or trench fire fall in this group of fires.Three - dimensional fires are complicated fires of falling liquid streams or fuel under pressure escaping from a container. Fire resulting from leak of transformer oil falls under this category.
Fire is not happen by their own self. It require some elements,Four factors/ Elements must be required in order before combustion occurs.

Heat-Sufficient to raise the temperature to ignition point Oxygen at sufficient quantity FuelChemical Chain reaction of above three mixtures.
These Four elements may be represented in the form of a Tetrahedron.

  Just as removal of one or more sides of a tetrahedron causes its breakdown, the removal of one or more factors causes the fire to cease.

Stages of Fire
The Fire Triangle/Fire Tetrahedron

Except explosion, most fires have humble starting and grow through the following four stages of combustions:

Incipient stage: At this stage decomposition is occurring at the surface of the fuel due to the influence of some form of heat. Products of combustion given off at this stage are invisible to the eye.
Smouldering Stage: At this Stage, up to 10% of the decomposing products released at the surface of the fuel are visible.
Flaming Stage: Vapours from the decomposing fuel have ignited and are at the stage where flames are self-propagating.
Heat stage: At this stage the burning has progressed to the point where the fire is still small but generating sufficient heat to warm the air immediately around the fire sending warm products of combustion upwards by convection. The above principle is used for the selection of fire detectors.

Classification of Fire as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
Combustible substance can be present in three states - solid, liquid and gaseous state. The burning of most materials produces a flame, this occurs when vapour or gas given off by the liquid or solid materials is ignited. Depending upon the nature and state of the burning material, fires are generally classified into A, B, C or D type.

Class - A: Fire
These are fires involving solid materials, normally of carbon compounds in which combustion.
Generally occurs with the formation of glowing embers. These types of fires are most common.Examples of Class A - fires are fires involving wood, rags, paper, plastic coal etc.

Class - B: Fire
These fires involve flammable liquids or liquefiable solids. That is, fires occurring in vapour-air mixture over the surface of flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, paints & thinners. These types of fires occur in storage tanks and chemical storages.

Class - C: Fire
These are fires involving liquefiable gases like propane, butane, LPG, H2, etc.

Class - D: Fire
These are fires that occur in combustible metals such as magnesium, Titanium, Sodium etc. For Controlling such fires, special extinguishing agents/equipment and techniques are to be used.

15 most commonly used hazardous chemicals

Acetone

Acetylene Gas

Ammonia Gas

Argon Gas

Benzene

Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide)

Chlorine Gas

Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrogen

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

Methanol (Methyl Alcohol)

Naphtha

Phosphoric Acid

Sulphuric Acid

Tri Nitro Toluene (TNT)

Precautions to be taken during and after the Chemical (Industrial) Accidents

Do not panic, evacuate calmly and quickly perpendicular to wind direction through the designated escape route

Keep a wet handkerchief or piece of cloth/ sari on face during evacuation

Keep the sick, elderly, weak, handicapped and other people who are unable to evacuate inside house and close all the doors and windows tightly.

Do not consume the uncovered food/ water etc open to the air, drink only from bottle

Change into fresh clothing after reaching safe place/ shelter, and wish hands properly

Inform Fire & Emergency Services, Police and medical services from safe location by calling 101, 100 and 108 respectively.

Listen to PA (Public Addressal) System of the plant/ factory, local radio/ TV channels for advice from district administration/fire/health/police and other concerned authorities

Provide correct and accurate information to government official.

Inform others on occurrence of event at public gathering places (like school, shopping centre, theatre etc.).

Don’t pay attention to the rumours and don’t spread rumours.

General Precautions During Normal Time

Do not smoke, lit fire or spark in the identified hazardous area

Sensitize the community living near the industrial units and they should be more vigilant about the nature of industrial units and associated risks.

Keep the contact numbers of nearest hazardous industry, fire station, police station, control room, health services and district control room, for emergency use.

Avoid housing near the industries producing or processing the hazardous chemicals, if possible.

Participate in all the capacity building programmes organized by the government/ voluntary organizations / industrial units.

Take part in preparing disaster management plan for the community and identify safe shelter along with safe and easy access routes.

Prepare a family disaster management plan and explain it to all the family members.

Make the family/ neighbours aware of the basic characteristics of various poisonous/ hazardous chemicals and the first aid required to treat them.

Adequate number of personal protective equipments needs to be made available, to deal with emergency situation.

Prepare an emergency kit of items and essentials in the house, including medicines, documents and valuables.

Types of Sprinkler head according to orientation as per NFPA13

FOR SAFETY'S - DO SOMETHING

Establishing  a safe working Environment

Employer:

Set safety policies and support the safety committee.

Allocate budget for safety programs and activities.

Fulfill the requirements for safety compliance.

Ensure all employees understand safety requirements for their jobs. 

Train and re-train as personnel and equipment change. 

Yield - analyze safety data and make changes for continuous improvement.

Employee:

Search out and eliminate hazards to prevent injuries. 

Assess the potential risk by completing a Safe Plan of Action for each task. 

Follow the “Lock Out, Tag Out” procedure for ALL energy sources. 

Exercise and do warm up stretching to prevent ergonomic injuries. 

Take part in and actively participate in safety training. 

Yell out and show your commitment to maintain safety at work and home. 

What are some general safety tips for working with or near electricity?

Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power bars, and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.

Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage extension cords causing fire and shock hazards.

Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.

Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.

Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring conditions exists. Unplug any cords or extension cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified electrician has checked the wiring.

Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fibreglass) when working with or near electricity or power lines.

Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.

Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.

Use a portable in-line Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) if you are not certain that the receptacle you are plugging your extension cord into is GFCI protected.

Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.

Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.

Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.

Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.

Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools with the guards removed.

Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes.

Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the power source first.

How do I dispose of waste toxic material safely?

Waste toxic material must be disposed of properly. Careless disposal of any hazardous waste presents a potential hazard to many individuals who may not be trained or equipped to deal with unexpected hazardous materials (e.g. caretaking staff, garbage collectors, plumbers, water treatment plant workers, firefighters, etc.). Careless disposal can also cause significant damage to the environment.

The following are some general recommendations for disposal of waste toxic materials:

Always review federal, provincial and local (municipal) government requirements prior to disposal of toxic materials. In some cases, disposal by controlled incineration or secure landfill may be acceptable. Specific requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction.

Toxic chemical waste must NOT be flushed down sewer or sanitary drains as a method of disposal. This practice is illegal and unsafe.

Do not mix hazardous waste materials with regular garbage destined for a landfill.

Ensure that the waste container used is compatible with the waste material.

Always ensure that the waste container is properly and accurately labelled.

To avoid potential explosions, fires or spills, do not mix incompatible mixtures in a single waste container.

Do not overfill liquid waste containers. Liquid waste containers should only be filled to about three-quarters capacity to allow for vapour expansion and to reduce the potential for spills occurring from moving overfilled containers.

In general, store waste material in the same manner as the non-waste material. Always consult the MSDS for any specific storage and disposal recommendations from the manufacturer/supplier.

Empty containers may contain toxic residues. Do not reuse the containers. Treat the container as hazardous waste unless the containers can be decontaminated safely and properly.

How do I handle toxic materials safely?

Safe handling and work procedures are crucial for workplaces where individuals use toxic materials. It is vital that people working with hazardous materials such as toxics are properly trained regarding the potential hazards. Remember, if, at any time an individual is unsure or has questions about working with a toxic material, they should always talk with the supervisor.

This section refers to general safe handling practices for toxic materials. Instructions and training for the specific handling of a particular toxic material used in a workplace is the responsibility of the supervisor (employer).

In general, when handling toxic materials:

Use only the smallest amount necessary to do the job.

Prevent the release of toxic vapours, dusts, mists or gases into the workplace air.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (if necessary) to avoid exposure (eye, respiratory or skin) or contact with contaminated equipment/surfaces.

Be aware of the typical symptoms of poisoning and first aid procedures. Report any signs of illness or overexposure immediately to the supervisor. Depending on the material, medical attention for an exposure may be required even if the exposure did not seem excessive. With some materials, symptoms of a severe exposure can be delayed.

Do not return contaminated or unused material to the original container.

Ensure containers are clearly labeled and inspect containers for leaks or damage before handling.

Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.

Ensure suitable emergency equipment for fires, spills and leaks are readily available.

Ensure emergency eyewash/shower stations are readily available and are tested regularly.

To prevent spillage, use proper tools to open containers and to transfer material.

Pour toxic liquids carefully from the container to avoid splashing and spurting.

Avoid any welding, cutting, soldering or other hot work on an empty container or piping until all toxic liquid and vapours have been cleared.

Maintain good housekeeping (e.g. clean surfaces, no accumulation of dust).

ined and authorized personnel.

How should I store containers of toxic materials?

For the storage of toxic materials, ensure that the storage area is clearly identified with warning signs, is clear of obstructions, and is accessible only to trained and authorized personnel.

Before storing toxic materials, inspect all incoming containers to ensure that the containers are undamaged and are properly labelled. Do not accept delivery of defective containers. Also, be sure to store toxic materials in the type of containers recommended by the manufacturer or supplier.

Some other important points for storage of toxic materials include:

Keep the amount of toxic material in storage as small as possible.

Inspect storage areas and containers regularly for any deficiencies, including leaking or damaged containers, expired shelf-life or poor housekeeping. Correct all deficiencies as soon as possible.

Ensure that containers are tightly closed when not in use and when empty. Keep empty containers in a separate storage area. Empty containers may contain hazardous toxic residue -- keep closed.

Store containers at a convenient height for handling, below eye level if possible. High shelving increases the risk of dropping containers and the severity of damage, injury and/or exposure if a fall occurs.

Store material within the temperature range recommended by the chemical manufacturer/supplier.

To contain spills or leaks, the toxic material containers should be stored in trays made of compatible materials. For larger containers such as drums or barrels, provide dikes around the storage area and sills or ramps at door openings. Storage tanks are above ground and surrounded with a dike capable of holding entire contents.

What should you do to safely secure extension ladders?

1. Place ladders on a firm, level surface and ensure the footing is secure.
2. Erect extension ladders so that the upper section rests on (e.g., in front of) the bottom section. This placement means the bottom section "faces" a wall or other supporting surface (see figures below).
3. Place the ladder feet so that the horizontal distance between the feet and the top support is 1/4 of the working length of the ladder. The ladder will be leaning at a 75 degree angle from the ground.

1. Raise and lower ladders from the ground. Ensure that locking ladder hooks are secure before climbing.
2. For access to an elevated work surface, erect ladders so that a minimum of 1 m (3 ft) extends above a landing platform. Tie the top at support points.
3. Use care when getting on and or off the ladder at the top or bottom in order to avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide.
4. Brace or tie off the ladder near the base. If there is no structure to tie off to, use a stake in the ground.
5. Leave all tie-off devices in place until they must be removed before taking the ladder down.
6. Maintain the minimum overlap of sections as shown on a ladder label. Refer to safety regulations.
7. Set up barricades and warning signs when using a ladder in a doorway or passageway.
8. Note: When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more above ground, wear a safety belt or harness with the lanyard tied appropriately to the structure. Make sure that you follow working at heights training that includes how to use fall protection devices safely.

What is the meaning of Fatal Current and the Physiological Effects of Electric Shock and the Minimum Danger - Low Voltage .

The Fatal Current

Strange as it may seem, most fatal electric shocks happen to people who should know better. Here are some electro-medical facts that should make you think twice before taking that last chance.

It's The Current That Kills

Offhand it would seem that a shock of 10,000 volts would be more deadly than 100 volts. But this is not so! Individuals have been electrocuted by appliances using ordinary house currents of 110 volts and by electrical apparatus in industry using as little as 42 volts direct current. The real measure of shock's intensity lies in the amount of current (amperes) forced though the body, and not the voltage. Any electrical device used on a house wiring circuit can, under certain conditions, transmit a fatal current.

While any amount of 

Current over 10 milliamps (0.01 amp) is capable of producing painful to severe shock, 

Currents between 100 and 200 mA (0.1 to 0.2 amp) are lethal. 

Currents above 200 milliamps (0.2 amp), while producing severe burns and unconsciousness, do not usually cause death if the victim is given immediate attention. Resuscitation, consisting of artificial respiration, will usually revive the victim.

From a practical viewpoint, after a person is knocked out by an electrical shock it is impossible to tell how much current has passed through the vital organs of his body. Artificial respiration must be applied immediately if breathing has stopped.

The Physiological Effects of Electric Shock

The chart shows the physiological effects of various currents. Note that voltage is not a consideration. Although it takes voltage to make current flow, the amount of shock-current will vary, depending on the body resistance between the points of contact.

As shown in the chart, shock is relatively more severe as the current rises. For currents above 10 milliamps, muscular contractions are so strong that the victim cannot let go of the wire that is shocking him. At values as low as 20 milliamps, breathing becomes labored, finally ceasing completely even at values below 75 milliamps.
As the current approaches 100 milliamps, ventricular fibrillation of the heart occurs - an uncoordinated twitching of the walls of the heart's ventricles which results in death.

Above 200 milliamps, the muscular contractions are so severe that the heart is forcibly clamped during the shock. This clamping protects the heart from going into ventricular fibrillation, and the victim's chances for survival are good.

Danger - Low Voltage

It is common knowledge that victims of high-voltage shock usually respond to artificial respiration more readily that the victims of low-voltage shock. The reason may be the merciful clamping of the heart, owing to the high current densities associated with high voltages. However, lest these details be misinterpreted, the only reasonable conclusion that can be drawn is that 75 volts are just as lethal as 750 volts.

The actual resistance of the body varies depending upon the points of contact and the skin condition (moist or dry). Between the ears, for example, the internal resistance (less the skin resistance) is only 100 ohms, while from hand to foot is closer to 500 ohms. The skin resistance may vary from 1000 ohms for wet skin to over 500,000 ohms for dry skin.