September 2012 Issue

SAFETY & SECURITY

NEWSLETTER
 MESSAGE DESK

Thought for the month

Safety is a choice, not a chance

CONTENTS

1 Spontaneous combustion in coal

2 Safety theme- Identification of Electrical Equipment &

Appliances

3 Safety Education and Training

4 First-Aid tips for Heart attack

5 Learning from Incident

6 Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of incidents in Tata Power –

. Aug’12

7 Security Highlights
1. Spontaneous combustion in coal Courtesy COALspot.com

How Coal Self-Ignites?

The coal's temperature begins to climb above ambient. At about 150-300 degrees F, it begins to
give off minute, but measurable, quantities of gas--aerosols, hydrogen, and CO (2)--precursors
of combustion. As the temperature increases further--at about 600-700 degrees F--relatively,
large, visible particulates are emitted. Soon, as the heating rate increases in intensity to about
750-800 degrees F, incipient combustion, and ultimately self-ignition and flame, will occur

The risk from fire exists anywhere significant amounts of coal are in use or storage. Coal is a
combustible material, making it susceptible to a variety of ignition scenarios. Preventing
spontaneous combustion coal fires involves attention to many different factors. Among the most
critical are the type, age, and composition of coal, how it is stored, and how it is used. Given the
right kind of coal, oxygen, and a certain temperature and moisture content, coal will burn by
itself
Spontaneous combustion has long been recognized as a fire hazard in stored coal.
Spontaneous combustion fires usually begin as "hot spots" deep within the reserve of coal. The
hot spots appear when coal absorbs oxygen from the air. Heat generated by the oxidation then
initiated the fire. Such fires can be very stubborn to extinguish because of the amount of coal
involved (often hundreds of tons) and the difficulty of getting to the seat of the problem.
Moreover, coal in either the smoldering of flaming stage may produce copious amounts of
methane and carbon monoxide gases. In addition to their toxicity, these gases are highly
explosive in certain concentrations, and can further complicate efforts to fight this

Type of coal fire

Even the most universal firefighting substance, water, cannot be used indiscriminately. Because
of the remote possibility of a steam explosion, it is advisable that water be applied carefully and
from a safe distance. Certain chemicals such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen may mitigate fire
effects, but their use has had mixed success from a DOE perspective. The above information
suggests that coal fires require awareness and prior planning to extinguish efficiently,
completely, and safely.

Causes of Spontaneous Coal Fires

The following general factors have been mentioned as contributing causes:
1. Coal handling procedures allowed for long-time retention of coal, which increases the
possibility of heating
2. New coal added on top of old coal created segregation of particle sizes, which is a major
cause of heating
3. Too few temperature probes installed in the coal bunker resulted in an excessive period of
time before the fire was detected
4. Failure of equipment needed to fight the fire (drag chain conveyer)
5. Ineffective capability and use of carbon dioxide fire suppression system
6. Delay in the application of water
7. Inadequate policies, procedures, and training of personnel prevented proper decision
making, including the required knowledge to immediately attack the fire
Preventing Spontaneous Combustion in Stored Coal
Hugh quantities of coal are stored in bunkers, silos, hoppers and open air stockpiles. How
susceptible such stocks of coal are to fire from spontaneous combustion depends on a number
of factors, from how new the coal is to how it is piled

Recommendations:
Know your coal. Anthracite (sometimes called eastern coal) has high carbon content and is
much less combustible than low oxygen content bituminous (or western) coal. Freshly mined
coal absorbs oxygen more quickly than coal mined at an earlier time, and is more likely to head
spontaneously
1. Storing coal with low sulphur content is helpful. Sulphur compounds in coal liberate
considerable heat as they oxidize
2. Air circulating within a coal pile should be restricted as it contributes to heating; compacting
helps seal air out
3. Moisture in coal contributes to spontaneous heating because it assists the oxidation
process. Moisture content should be limited to 3 percent; sulphur content should be limited
to 1 percent, "as mined." Coal having high moisture content should be segregated and used
as quickly as possible. Efforts should be made to keep stored coal from being exposed to
moisture
4. Following the "first in, first out" rule of using stock reduces the chance for hot spots by
helping preclude heat buildup for portions of stock which remain undisturbed for a long term.
The design of coal storage bins is important in this regard
5. A high ambient temperature aids the spontaneous heating process
6. Use coal as quickly as practicable. The longer large coal piles are allowed to sit, the more
time the spontaneous process has to work
7. The shape and composition of open stockpiles can help prevent fires. Dumping coal into a
big pile with a trestle or grab bucket can lead to problems. Rather, coal should be packed in
horizontal layers (opinions range from 1 1/2' to 3' high) which are then leveled by scraping
and compacted by rolling. This method helps distribute the coal evenly and thus avoids
breakage and segregation of fine coal. Segregation of coal particles by size should be
strenuously avoided, as it may allow more air to enter the pile and subsequent heating of
finer sizes
8. The height of the coal pile is also important. Limit un-layered, un-compacted high grade coal
to a height of 15' (10' for low grade coal); maximum height is 26' for layered and packed coal
9. Properly inspect, test and maintain installed fire protection equipment
10. Maintain an updated pre-fire plan and encourage regular visits to coal facilities by the site or
local emergency response force
2. Safety theme- Identification of Electrical Equipment and Appliances

Training on Safety theme “Identification of Training on Safety theme “Identification of

Electrical Equipment and Appliances” at Electrical Equipment and Appliances” at
Agaswadi Visapur

Distribution Support Services (DSS)

MPL, Maithon
3. Safety Education and Training

Safety training for Consumers’ Wiremen at “Working at height” training for Transmission
Borivali Capex Engineers

Training on “Use of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)” for Dharavi Office Safety
Committee members

Rescue from height training and Mock drill at Visapur wind farm
 Training on Permit to Work (PTW) Training on Permit to Work (PTW) and Job
Safety Analysis (JSA)

Awareness session on venomous bites & its first-aid and CPR at Sadawagapur Wind Farm

Office Safety Training for office based employees at Carnac

Training session on “Basic Fire fighting & First Aid” at Technopolis
 Emergency evacuation mock drill at Haldia

Mock drill for electric shock at Agaswadi wind Mock drill for fire emergency at Supa wind
farm farm

“Do Not Rest Under Trucks” posters display at Trombay

Mass safety communication meeting at Kalinganagar
4. First-Aid tips for Heart attack compiled by Suresh Suram

Angina / Heart Attack

 Due to inadequate blood supply to the heart.
 Major killer all over the world
 Speedy treatment and admission to hospital is vital for a
positive outcome

Identification / look out for:

 Continuous crushing / constricting pain of the chest (more on left side) may even appear at
rest
 Possible pain to left arm, left shoulder, jaw and back, but not always
 Nausea / vomiting
 Perspiration
 Feeling of impending doom / death
 Difficulty in breathing
 Faintness and dizziness
 Cold clammy skin
 Ashen coloured face (pale)
 Pale skin and blue discoloration of skin
 Initially rapid pulse which weakens
 Confusion
 Sudden collapse
 Shock

What to do:
1. Make the patient sit down in a comfortable position - Half Sitting using
pillows as support
2. If patient has to be shifted / moved do not make the patient exert - carry
the patient with full support
3. Call ambulance without delay
4. Monitor closely, reassure, allow patient to take their own prescribed
cardiac medication if they have previous history
5. Be prepared to perform CPR if they become unresponsive.

Do not:
1. Make the patient exert physically not even a few steps, as it will further deteriorate their
condition
2. Allow the person to continue with medical help, it may save their life
5. Learning from incidents

Date: 19th August 2012

Time: 08.45 Hrs
Location: EMD office, Technical Building
Injury Details: LWDC
Description:
Injured person was doing housekeeping job in
electrical Department on the 1st floor of Technical
building. He consumed some liquid kept in the plastic
bottle assuming it as juice. It was electrolyte sample of
nickel cadmium battery brought from ICHS a day
before, for testing by chemical lab on the next day.
Sample was kept in "Appy Juice bottle" pasted with warning label conspicuously. After taking
one sip, victim started vomiting. He was immediately taken to our first aid center thereafter
referred to Harsh Hospital at Mandvi for further treatment. Injured is relieved from hospital on
25th August 2012.

PHYSICAL FACTORS:
6.2 Inadequate equipment (Soft drink bottle was used for sampling)

HUMAN FACTORS:
4.1 Improper decision making or lack of judgment (mistook the contents for cool drink)

SYSTEM FACTORS:
8.3 Inadequate correction of prior hazard (Sample bottle was left on table from the previous
day. No one corrected it)
12.5 Improper storage of materials (Sample bottle left on work station)
12.8 Improper identification of hazardous materials (Non standard sample bottle and Label)

Recommendations:
1. Only proper sampling bottle to be used. Other containers shall not be used for sampling
and storing of chemical
2. Sampling bottle shall be labeled as per UN chemical classification label standard
3. Sample bottle shall not be left on work table or any other unauthorized locations. It should
be handed over to chemical lab immediately on collection
4. A general awareness on chemical safety shall be included in safety induction for all
contractors workers
6. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of incidents in Tata Power – Aug’12

Human Factors Physical Factors

System Factors
7. Security Highlights

TROMBAY

 IP based connectivity of Dharavi Transmission Station at Trombay via the SCADA Network
is established on 6th Aug’12.

 Port Facility Security Advisory Committee (PFSAC)

Meeting was held at Trombay on 08 Aug’12. The
representatives from MbPT, BPCL & HPCL CISF,
BARC, Mahul Nagari Suraksha, PS RCF, IB,
AEGIS, CTTL & MMD attended.

 Mumbai Operation Security Officers Meeting was

held on 11 Aug’12.

 M/S Blue Sky International Israel (Security agency) has carried out security audit of entire
Trombay Plant on 14th and 15th Aug’12.
 The Independence Day was celebrated on 15th Aug 2012.

 On job training on use of X-RAY BAGGAGE SCANNER was conducted on 23 Aug’12.

 On 29th Aug’12, M/S AVANA Integrated Systems Limited delegates visited MO Area for E
Security Automation & Solution.
 On 31st Aug’12, a meeting was held with Contractor’s Supervisors; briefing was given on
security and CAC.

 On 31st Aug’12, Security and Safety awareness session was conducted for Personal
drivers.

 Mr. Vinod Roy was recognized with R & R Certificate for his dedicated work.
T&D

 On 09 Sep’12, demonstration on fire fighting was given for Security Guards deployed at
Borivali, Malad, and Versova Receiving station.

HYDROS

 Mr. Jatinder Rana has taken charge as Executive Security. He

has served Indian Army for 17 Years.

CGPL

 On 7th Aug’12, Asian Development Bank (ADB) officials visited CGPL site.
 On 25th & 26th Aug’12, Chief Operations, Mr. Ashok Sethi and Exe. Dir. BHEL Mr. N K Bansal
visited CGPL site. .

 Independence Day was celebrated at CGPL site.

 On 18th Aug’12, DARBAAR was organized at Security lines in CGPL Labor Colony.
JOJOBERA

 The Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm.

 Security guards participated in the mega laser program on housekeeping.

 Security awareness session was organized for contract workmen (152).

 The Fire training was imparted to security personnel (34).

MPL

 Independence Day was celebrated; Dy. Project Manager Mr. V.V.Namjoshi hoisted the
National Flag.

 A voluntary blood donation camp was organized by Security & Fire dept to mark 66th
Independence Day in coordination with Patliputra Medical College & Hospital, Dhanbad.

 On 24 Aug’12, fire occurred at Birla Dhal (Nirsa) and they requested for support in
extinguishing the fire. MPL fire tender along with fire tender from DVC and one fire tender of
Jharkhand Govt. extinguished the fire. This help was appreciated and the Local news
papers flashed this news.
 Mr. Raj Kumar Rai has joined MPL fire team as Lead Associate – Fire.
He has done Post diploma in fire engineering from Nagpur.

We invite your feedback on this newsletter. Write to us at safety@tatapower.com