The incidence of fires and explosions has increased in number over the years and authorities are still failing to implement policies and review to minimize the incidence rate. In spite of several incidences enumerated earlier, the rate of fire accidents are not coming down the nationwide. The incidence of fire breaking at ONGC is not fresh news. There were several incidences earlier recorded in their operations in drilling activities and some in the treatment plants themselves. Of late the latest fire broken at Uran ONGC plant has taken about 5 lives causing heavy damage to the plant.
It’s reminded time again the preventive measures that are to be taken care of these fire accidents have to be strictly implemented and a thorough assessment have to be reviewed to minimize the incidence rate. Most of the fire accidents reveal the disguising status of the implementation of fire safety and drives attention amongst the public.
Fire Safety Checklists for an effective fire prevention and control plan.
Fire safety checklists are excellent tools used to inspect for potential risks and fire hazards that can be mitigated to avoid serious injuries, workplace deaths, and property loss.
· What are the structural building materials?
· Are the walls, ceilings and floors, furniture, floor coverings and window treatments fire-resistant?
· Do they meet NFPA, state and federal codes?
· Are the fire suppression systems adequate to meet the needs of the facility and the potential hazards?
· Is the local water supply adequate to meet the needs of the sprinkler system and emergency responders?
· Are there adequate, properly marked emergency exits?
· Are there fire walls and doors to prevent or slow the spread of fire from one area to the next?
Fire Prevention measures- Promoting fire safety to manage fire hazards in the organization
· Keep work areas by cleaning up of oil and chemical spills.
· Check the possibility of electrical fires.
· Machinery should be de-energized before starting any maintenance works and the equipment shall be thoroughly inspected before the power is turned on.
· Keep away the tools from explosive or flammable materials that can cause sparks.
· Ensure the use of temporary sprinkler system in hot work areas.
· Proper alarms and controls should be incorporated all along the way of operations.
· Impart training to employees on the alarm system and emergency action to be taken.
· Routine inspection and testing of fire extinguishers.
· Ensure to have an emergency plan in place and initiate off-site emergency plan into the facility when necessary and conducting drills.
· Providing correct information on the location of all exits from the work areas.
· Day and night operations should be made with a humanitarian outlook to prevent accidents.
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Procedures to be followed in an emergency
Learn your building’s evacuation plans. Know the location of fire alarms, and learn how to use them. Post emergency numbers for the fire department near all telephones.
Learn the location of alternative exits from all work areas.
Use the stairs – NEVER use elevators. Elevators are normally tied to a fire detection system and are not available to occupants once the alarm sounds.
Stay low to avoid smoke, fumes, and superheated gases that may have entered.
Close doors as you leave to confine a fire as much as possible.
If the alarm doesn’t sound, pull the fire alarm on your way out of the building. If there is no alarm to activate, yell “fire” as you leave.
Move quickly to an open area, away from buildings, trees, power lines, and roadways. If your building has a designated assembly area and it is safe, head there.
Proper estimations should be scientifically evaluated to expect the fire accidents in all the plant operations and it is highly essential to ensure the compliance of fire safety norms that can help to avoid these accidents in the future.
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