DPMC Safety Bullatin April & May 06.pdf

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Vol. 01 / No. 01 April-May 2006Ankleshwar Environmental Preservation Soc iety

Page 1of 10 Time for Safety Is All the Time Safety

CONTENT

OSHA Hearing Prote c t ion Sta nd a rd 1

Sha re th e Lesso n - Sta tic Elec tric ity 5

Co mm unica ble Disea se 6

Ma ter ia l Sa fety Da ta Shee t- CHLORINE 6

Sa fety Tips for Na tural Ga s Han d l ing & Usa g e 7

Lea rning ’s from the M ista kes 8

14 Ap ril observed as Fire Serv ice Day th 8

EDITORIAL

We are ve ry hap py fo r relea se o f first issue of DPMC Safe ty Forum -

Safe ty Bulletin. This bu lleting b eing b rough t out to spa red the

knowled ge ab out safety for the b ene f it of a l l safety p rofessionals

& the industria l emp loyees.

The first eve r effort ma de b y the Industrial Safe ty Forum to tou c h

up on th e va rious aspe ct o f Ind ustr ial Hea lth Safe ty, Hea lth &

Environm ent in the fo rm o f new s letter. This is an exp erienc e

sha ring exercise by ou r safe ty p rofessiona ls.

We h op e tha t read ers wo uld find this issue u seful.

Your sugg est ions for further improvem ents are w elcom e.

Sd/ -

Editor ia l Co mm it tee .

Hearing Protection Standard (OSHA Standard)- 29 CFR 1910.95

The purpose of this standard is protect employees over

exposure to noise and to prevent hearing loss. This

standard also states that employees must understand

how to protect their hearing.

The ac tions needed to comply with this standard include:

Training: UHS trains employees and fits them with hearing

protection devices at the time of their initial and annual

hearing tests. This training includes the explanation of

reasons for using hea ring protection, the proper useof hearing protectors, how to care for hearing protectors,

the University’s Hearing C onservation Program, and an

introduction to audiometric testing

PPE: The department must provide personal protective

equipment (PPE), in the form of hearing protectors, to any

employees who work in a high noise area. UHS will work

with employees to determine what offers the best

protection. The department must provide a clean place

to store PPE when not in use.

Medical: Employees who work in high noise areas are

required to have their hearing checked before they

begin work, then once a year until they leave the

University. Anyone with a suspected work-related hearing

loss will have a follow-up with an audiologist.

The supervisor must ensure that employees go to UHS for

the initial and annual tests, and keep any follow-up

appointments

Written Plan: The University has a written plan to c omply

with OSHA’s regulation. This plan, the University of

Rochester Hearing C onservation Plan, is ava ilab le on

request by contac ting Environmental Health & Safety

(EH&S) at ext 5-3241.

EH&S EH&S is responsible for maintaining the University’s

written plan and for identifying high noise areas.

I. PURPOSE This program is intended to comply with the

Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Noise

Exposure Standard The University of Roc hester’s Hea ring

Conservation Plan is designed to protect employeeswhose duties require them to work in areas where the

potential for high intensity noise exposure exists. The

purpose of this program is to prevent exposure to or injury

from potentially damaging noise levels and serves the

University’s overall goal of providing a workplace that is

free from all recognized hazards.

This document provides information on the University’s

Hearing Conservation Plan, as well as other references,

including the OSHA Occupational Noise Standard

II. GENERAL PRINCIPLES The OSHA Oc cupational Noise Exposure Standard (29

CFR 1910.95 (a) and (b)) was enac ted to protec t

employees against the effects of high intensity

occupational noise. The original standard includes the

following c omponents:

• The standard sets permissible exposure levels and

exposure duration at sound levels at or above 90dBA as

an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) per workday

• The standard requires the employer to reduce

employee exposure to within this level by the use of

feasible engineering/administrative controls

• If engineering/administrative controls do not reduce

sound levels to the specified exposure range, personal

protective equipment (PPE) will be provided to the

employee and used to reduce sound levels to the

spec ified level

• The standard requires the combined effect of noise

from varying sources be given special consideration

• The standard requires that distinctions between

continuous and intermittent noise and associated sound

levels be identified

• Exposure to impact or impulse noise should not exceed

140dBA. In addition, the hearing conservation

amendment (29 CFR 1910.95 (c)(1)) requires that a

“continuing effective hearing conservation program” be






implemented whenever employee exposure exceeds 85

dBA as an 8-hour TWA, or an equivalent dose of 50% of

the exposure limit, without regard to the use of hearing

protectors. This hearing conservation amendment also

requires that employees whose noise exposures at the

work site equa ls or exceeds the action level of 85dBA be

included in a hea ring conservation program. The

components of this program shall be described later in

this document. The amendment (29 CFR 1910.95 (c)

through (o)) also details provisions dealing with

monitoring employee noise exposures, annual

audiometric testing for employees exposed to 85dBA or

more as an 8-hour TWA, retesting under some

circumstances, selection of appropriate hearing

protectors, employee training and educa tion, and record

maintenance.

III. Summary of the Requirements of OSHA's OccupationalNoise Exposure Standard

The following sec tions describe the requirements of the

Hearing C onservation Standard. The Federal Register (48

FR 9738, March 8, 1983) discusses these topics in greater

depth.

A. Monitoring - The hearing conservation amendment

requires employers to monitor noise exposure levels in a

manner that will accurately identify employees who are

exposed at or above 85-dBA as an 8-hour TWA, or

equivalently, a dose of 50% of the PEL. The monitoring

requirement includes the following points:

1. All exposure measurements shall include all noise within

the 80 to 130 dBA range, and includes both continuous

and intermittent sources of noise

2. Some workers may experience varying sound level

exposures due to high mobility, significant variations in

sound levels, or significant impact noise, and area

monitoring may be inappropriate. Personal sampling that

is representative of the employee’s exposure, produces

equivalent results, and complies with the standard shall

be used in these cases.

3. Instruments used for monitoring employee exposure

must be calibrated to ensure that measurements are

accurate

4. Employers shall re-monitor worker exposure for sound

levels whenever there is a c hange in continues or

intermittent noise levels due to a c hange in

process/equipment or work assignment

5. The employer shall notify employees exposed to sound

levels at or above 85dB as an 8-hour TWA of the results of the monitoring

6. Affected employees shall have the opportunity to

observe the monitoring Please refer to 29 CFR 1910.95 (d),

(e) and (f) for a more complete review of this sec tion.

B. Audiometric Testing - Audiometric testing not only

monitors employee hearing acuity over time, but also

provides an opportunity for employers to educate

employees about their hearing and the need to protect

it. The audiometric testing p rogram includes:

• Baseline audiograms

• Annual audiograms

• Training and follow-up procedures

Audiometric testing must be made available at no cost

to all employees who exceed a 50% noise dose (the

action level). A designated professional (audiologist,

otolaryngologist, or physician, etc.) must be responsible

for the program and meet with the professional and

competence standards described in the Noise Control

Standard. Professiona l responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the program and the work of the

technicians

• Reviewing problem audiograms

• Determining whether referral is nec essary

Both professionals and trained technicians (as certified by

the Council of Accreditation in Occupational Hearing

Conservation) may c onduc t audiometric testing. In

addition to administering audiometric tests, the

supervising professiona l is also responsible for :

• Ensuring that the audiometer works properly

• C onduc ting audiometric tests in an appropriate test

environment

• For reviewing audiograms for standard threshold shifts

(STS)

• identifying problem audiograms requiring further

evaluation by a professional.

There are two essential components of the medica l

testing program. These include conducting and

evaluating all audiogram tests.

1. Audiograms - There are two types of audiograms

required:

a. Base l ine aud iogram -an audiogram performed within 6

months of an employee’s first exposure to oc cupational

noise at or above the action level 85dBA. This audiogram

serves as a reference aga inst which future audiograms

are compared. If the baseline audiogram will be

obtained more than six months after the employee’s first

exposure a t or above the action level, the employee shall

wea r hearing protectors until the baseline audiogram is

obtained. In addition, whenever a baseline audiogram is

to be obtained from an employee, the employee shall

have limited noise exposure at least 14 hours prior to

testing. If necessary, hearing protec tors may be used to

limit the employee’s exposure to noise.

b. Annua l aud iog ram -once the baseline has been

established, the employer must obtain a new audiogramwithin one year of the baseline, and then subsequent

yearly audiograms if the employee is exposed above the

Ac tion Level.

2.Audiogram Evaluation The employee’s annual audiogram shall be compared to

his or her baseline audiogram to determine if the annual

audiogram is valid and to determine if a standard

threshold shift (STS) has oc curred. The standard defines an

STS as an average audiogram shift of 10dB or more at

2,000, 3,000 or 4,000 Hz in either ear.






Whenever a problem audiogram has been identified the

audiologist

• May retest the employee within 30 days and consider

the retest the employee’s annual audiogram

• Shall review problem audiograms and determine

whether further evaluation is required

• Shall provide all information necessary to perform the

evaluation including the employee’s baseline and most

recent audiograms, and information pertaining to test

room and equipment requirements as outlined in the

noise standard and its appendices. Whenever an STS has

been identified, follow-up procedures include:

• That the employer shall inform the employee, in writing,

of the test results within 21 days of the determination

• If an STS is determined to be work related, employees

shall be fitted and trained for hearing protec tors if they

are not currently using them or refitted and retrained in

the use of hearing protectors if they are currently using

them

• That the employee shall be referred for further clinical or

audiologic testing or evaluation, as appropriate, shall be

examined to determine if the hearing protectors are

aggravating or promoting any medical conditions, andinformed of any medical condition of the ear that is

unrelated to the use of hea ring protectors

• If subsequent testing of the employee, exposed at or

below 90dBA as an 8-hour TWA, shows that the STS is not

persistent, the employer shall inform the employee of the

new test and evaluation result and discontinue the use of

hearing protection for that employee A recent, or annual

audiogram may be substituted for the baseline

audiogram, if the audiologist determines that:

• The STS identified in the audiogram is persistent

• There has been an improvement in the employee’s

hearing over the baseline The replac ement audiogram is

known as the revised b a sel ine , which will help to identify

any subsequent shifts in hearing should they occur.

As defined by the standard, an STS is a shift in hearing of

10dB or more in either ear, at 2,000, 3,000 or 4,000 Hz. The

standard recognizes the effects of natural aging upon

hearing, and makes allowances for the application of

age correction factors in evaluating an employee’s

annual audiogram.

In order to obtain valid audiograms, audiometric

equipment and facilities must be used, calibrated and

maintained according to specifications described in the

noise control standard. Please refer to 29 CFR 1910.95 (g)

and (h), and appendices C, D, E and F for a complete

discussion of the audiogram and testing requirements.

C. Hearing Protectors and Protector Attenuation - Hearing

protectors are made available to all workers exposed ator above the Action Level for noise (85dBA TWA) at no

cost to the employee. The employer shall ensure that

hearing protectors are worn by employees whenever:

1. Feasible engineering/administrative controls fail to

reduce noise levels to 90dBA or less

2. An employee is exposed to 85dBA and has

a. Not yet had a baseline audiogram or

b. Experienced and STS.

Employees will have the opportunity to select hearing

protec tors with the help of a professional trained in the

selection and fitting of these devices. The protectors

should be comfortable to wear and provide sufficient

attenuation of noise to specified levels.

The employer shall also provide for employees

1. Training in the use and care of the protectors

2. Appropriate fitting and supervision to ensure correc t

use of these devices at the work-site.

Hearing protec tors shall provide adequate attenuation of

noise for each employee.

Hearing protector attenuation shall be evaluated for

each specific work environment (Appendix B of the noise

standard) by the employer, and the protectors must

1. Reduce noise exposure to 90dBA or less as an 8-hour

TWA

2. Reduce noise exposure to 85dBA or less for workers

who have not yet received a baseline audiogram or whohave experienced a nd STS

The adequacy of hearing protectors shall be re-

evaluated by the employer whenever

1. There is a c hange in the employee’s work conditions or

noise exposure levels, and the current protectors may not

provide adequate attenuation

2. An STS has oc curred in a worker, therefore exposure

levels need to be reduced through the use of PPE to

85dBA or less as and 8-hour TWA

Where necessary, the employer shall provide more

effec tive hearing protectors. 29 CFR1910.95 (i) and (j) and

corresponding appendices provide a complete

discussion on hearing protectors and attenuation of

noise.

D. Training - The University of Rochester is responsible for

providing training to employees exposed to noise at or

above an eight hour time-weighted average of 85dBA.

The training program shall be repeated annually for each

employee, and will contain information that is up to date

and includes any changes regarding the work

environment or process, as well as changes in personal

protec tive equipment (such as hearing protec tors).

A training program shall be provided by the employer

and will include the following components:

1. The effects of noise on hearing2. The purpose, advantages and disadvantages of

properly fitting hearing protectors for attenuating noise

levels

3. Selection of hearing protectors

4. Fitting and use of hearing protec tors

5. The care of hearing protectors

6. The purpose and procedures for audiometric testing






The employee or their supervisor shall have ac cess to

information and materials, upon request, regarding this

program including:

1. Copies of the noise control standard

2. Access to training and hearing conservation materials

for this program

3. Training or educational materials from this program

pertaining to the noise control standard

The employer will provide training and educ ational

materials that best suit each situation as it pertains to

noise exposure, control and hearing conservation. The

training requirements are such that they will promote

employee awareness and participation, and allow for

routine assessment of the level of compliance of the

program by the employer.

E. Record Keeping and Access to Records - The employer

is responsible for maintaining records for certain periods

of time as specified in the hearing conservation

amendment (29 CFR 1910.95 (m)). Rec ording keeping

requirements of the noise control standard include:

1. Maintaining noise exposure measurement records for a

period of 2 years

2. Retaining hearing test records that include

a. The name and job classification of the employee

b. Dates of all audiogram tests

c. Examiner’s name

d. Date of the last acoustic or exhaustive calibration

of test equipment, measurements of the background

sound levels in audiogram test rooms

e. The employee’s most recent noise exposure

measurement

3. Audiometric test records must be maintained for the

duration o f the affected individual’s employment

The records required by this sec tion must a lso be made

available upon request to affected employees and other

specified individua ls as described under this sec tion and

also under 29 CFR 1910.20 (a)-(e) and (g)-(i). For a

complete discussion on record keeping, please refer to

these sec tions of the Standard.

IV. RESPONSIBILITIES

This sec tion provides a description of each department’s

responsibilities in accordance with the Hearing

Conservation Program.

A. Industrial Hygiene Unit (IH Unit) of Environmental Health& Safety (EH&S)

1. Perform environmental sound pressure level

measurements in areas of potentially excessive noiseexposure, or whenever there is a change in process,

equipment, or production that may affect an individual’s

exposure to noise:

a. Evaluate noise measurements and identify

exposure at or above the permissible exposure level

(PEL) of 90 dBA as an 8-hour TWA

b. Monitor employee exposures in areas where noise

levels may exceed 85 dBA as an 8-hour TWA (action

level)

c. Recommend feasible engineering c ontrols

d. Perform Noise exposure computations

e. Estimate adequacy of hearing protectors

2. Report findings to employees, appropriate department

supervisors and UHS

3. Provide program oversight and make

recommendations

4. Maintain necessary records

5. Maintain the University’s written plan

B. Supervisors and Facilities Managers1. Make them selves familiar with the University’s Hearing

Conservation Program, and ensure that employees

comply with the requirements of this plan

2. Ensure that all of their facilities have been surveyed

and that all high noise areas or work activities have been

identified

3. Help to identify employees who have the potential for

exposure to sound levels that exceed the OSHA

permissible exposure limit (PEL)

4. Enrol eligible employees in to the hearing surveillance

program with University Health Services (UHS)

5. Make sure that employees are educated and trained

on safe working practices

6. Ensure that employees are trained and properly fit

tested for the use of hearing protectors7. Ensure that hea ring protectors are properly used by the

employees where necessary

8. Provide a clean area where hearing protectors can be

stored


C. University Health Service (UHS)1. Administer a continuing and effective hearing

conservation program that includes audiometric testing

for all employees whose exposure equals or exceeds an

8-hour TWA of 85dBA (action level)

2. Conduct baseline and annual audiograms, evaluate

the audiograms for standard threshold shifts (STS),

conduct retesting when necessary and provide

evaluations to the employee

3. When an STS has occurred, provide medical follow-up

of exposure testing results and make provisions for

retesting and revising baseline audiograms where

necessary

4. Provide general training and fit testing in the use of

hearing protectors

5. Retrain and refit employees in the use of hearing

protec tion if an STS has occ urred

6. Maintain an audiogram test system that complies with

the noise standard, meets with the calibration

requirements of the National Standard Specification

Audiometers S3.6-1969, and with the requirements

described in Appendices C, D and E of the standard


D. Employees1. Comply with the University of Rochester’s Statement of

Safety Policy (Appendix 1) and with the Hearing

Conservation Program

2. Ca rry out their duties in a manner so as to promote safe

work practices

3. Use the provided hearing protectors in accordance

with training and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

4. Make sure that their hearing protectors are in good

condition

5. Inform their supervisors when they need replac ement

hearing protectors





Page 5of 10

6. Communica te any problems in the work process or

new hazards that may compromise the effec tiveness of

the hearing c onservation prac tices

7. Keep all medical surveillance and audiogram

appointments at UHS

V. APPENDICES

A. Appendix 1 - University of Rochester Statement of

Safety Policy It is the policy of the University of Roc hester

to provide a work environment that is free from all

recognized hazards. The University’s general and specific

safety programs are intended to comply with the various

policies set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health

Administration. The intent and purpose of each policy is

to promote safety and well being of all persons on

University property and to protec t its facilities from

damage from unsafe ac ts or conditions.

It is the responsibility of all employees, students and staff

to participate in the University’s efforts to control hazards

and to promote safety. It is the responsibility of each

supervisor and of the University’s Chief Safety Officer to

administer the University’s Safety Program. Programs willbe developed where necessary by departmental

supervisors with the guidance and assistance of the Chief

Safety Officer and other appropriate individuals so as to

design and execute such programs.(Sou rce : OSHAS we b site)

Time for Safety Is All the Time Safety

Share the Lesson - Static Electricity

Static Electricity in Petrol Stations:As a c ontinuation of the

video about static electricity in which a girl had a fire

accident on getting out of her car and directly touching

the nose piece, we c ome across a similar case:

Car a f te r the inc iden t

With the generalization of self-service facilities in petrol

stations (in abroad) people should be warned about the

outbreak of fires resulting from static elec tricity while theyare pouring in petrol. 150 cases of this type of fire have

been investigated and the results were very surprising.

1.Of the 150 cases, more happened to women than men,

due to their habit of getting in and out of the vehicle

while the petrol is being poured in.

2.In the majority of cases the people had re-entered their

cars when the hose was still pouring petrol out (the

danger of the triggers on the nose pieces). When they

finished re-fueling and got out to remove the hose

pistol the fire began, as a result of the static e lectricity.

3.The majority of those affected used rubber-soled

footwear and c lothes of synthetic fibers.

4.Never use mobile phones when filling up with fuel.

5.It is well known that it is the vapour that comes from the

petrol that burns and causes the fire when it makes

contact with static charges.

6.In twenty-nine of the cases analysed, the people re-

entered their vehicles and later touc hed the pistols

during the petrol fueling process. This happened in cars

of different varieties of makes and models.

7.Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately

after the cap of the petrol tank was removed and

before starting to fill up with petrol.

8.The static charge often results from when a passenger

rubs their clothes against the upholstery of the seats on

getting in or out of the vehicle. To avoid this, it is

recommendable that NOBODY gets in or out of thevehicle while the petrol is being poured in. Movement

in or out should only be done BEFORE starting, or when

the fueling is finished and the petrol cap placed.

9.MAXIMISE THE PRECAUTIONS if the petrol has spill or

splashed onto the ground. Highly inflammable vapors

are immediately produced which can be ignited by

sparks of static electricity from the turning on of

electronic equipment (mobile phones, remote controls,

etc .) or by the ignition of the vehicle itself. BEFOREstarting up the engine again, the spill petrol must begathered or neutralised by the petrol station staff.

LOADING PETROL

IN YOUR VEHICLE: Stop, put the handbrake on and turn

off the engine, radio and lights.

NEVER: Never return to your vehicle while you are pouring

in fuel.

AS A PRECAUTION : Get used to closing the car door on

getting out or into the vehicle and in this way the static

electricity will be discharged on touching something

metallic.

After closing the door TOUCH THE METAL PART OF THEBODYWORK before touching the petrol pump pistol. By

doing this the static elec tricity in your body will be

discharged on the metal and not on the pistol.

RESPECT THE SAFETY REGULATIONS

As mentioned, we undertake this as a daily task, bothinside and outside the company. The following bulletin

aims to raise public awareness of this danger.

We ask you information to ALL your friends and family,

especially those carrying children in the cars when

pouring in petrol.(Source : Petroleum Journal )






Communicable Disease

What is cholera?Cholera is a bac terial disease that affec ts the intestinal

trac t. It is caused by a germ ca lled Vibrio cholera.

Who gets cholera?

While cholera is a rare disease, those who may be at riskinclude people traveling where outbreaks are occurring

and people who consume raw or undercooked seafood

from warm coastal waters subject to sewage

contamination. In both instances, the risk is small.

How is the germ spread? The cholera germ is passed in the stools. It is spread by

eating or drinking food or water contaminated by the

fecal waste of an infected person. This occurs more often

in underdeveloped countries lacking adequate water

supplies and proper sewage disposal.

What are the symptoms of cholera?People exposed to cholera may experience mild to

severe diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Fever is

usually absent.

How soon do symptoms appear? The symptoms may appea r from a few hours to five days

after exposure.

What is the treatment for cholera?

Because of the rapid dehydration that may result from

severe diarrhea, replacement of fluids by mouth or by the

intravenous route is critical. Antibiotics, such as

tetracycline, are also used to shorten the duration of

diarrhea and shedding of the germs in the fec es.

Is there a vaccine for cholera?A vaccine is available. However, the vaccine offers only

pa rtial protec tion (50%) for a short duration (two to sixmonths).

How can cholera be prevented? The single most important preventive measure is to avoid

consuming uncooked foods or water in foreign countries

where cholera occurs unless they are known to be safe or

have been properly treated.(Source : Web site New York Sate Dep artme nt of Hea l th)

Material Safety Data Sheet: CHLORINE

Chemical Name: CHLORINE

Formula : Cl2 UN Hazard Class: POISON GAS, CORROSIVE

UN Number: 1017

CAS Number: 7782-50-5

NFPA Code :

Fire Health Reac tivity Special

0 4 0 Oxidizer

General Description :

¾ A greenish yellow gas with a pungent suffocating

odour. Toxic by inhalation.

¾ Slightly soluble in water.

¾ Liquefies at -35°C and room pressure. Readily liquefied

by pressure applied at room temperature. Density (as

a liquid) 13.0 lb / gal.

¾ Contac t with unconfined liquid can c ause frostbite by

evaporative cooling.

¾ Does not burn but, like oxygen, supports combustion.

¾ Long-term inhalation of low c onc entrations or short-

term inhalation of high conc entrations has ill effects.

¾ Vapors are much heavier than air and tend to settle in

low areas.

¾ Used to purify water, bleac h wood pulp, and to make

other chemicals.

Rate of onset: Immediate to hours

Persistence: Minutes to hours

Odour threshold: 3.5 ppm

Source/ use/other hazard: C leaner/disinfectant in many

industries; water treatment; World War 1st as war gas;

irritating c orrosive fumes heavier than air.

Fire Hazard: May ignite other combustible materials

(wood, paper, oil, etc.). Mixture with fuels may cause

explosion. Container may explode in heat of fire. Vapor

explosion and poison hazard indoors, outdoors or in

sewers. Hydrogen and chlorine mixtures (5-95%) are

exploded by almost any form of energy (heat, sunlight,

sparks, etc.). May combine with water or steam to

produce toxic and corrosive fumes of hydrochloric acid.

Emits highly toxic fumes when heated. Avoid plastics and

rubber. Avoid heat and contact with hydrogen gas or

powdered metals.

Fire Fighting: Evacuate area endangered by gas. Stay

upwind; keep out of low areas. Wear positive pressure

breathing apparatus and full protective clothing. Move

container from fire area if you can do so without risk.

Spray cooling water on containers that are exposed to

flames until well after fire is out. If it is necessary to stop the

flow of gas, use wa ter spray to direc t escaping gas away

from those effec ting shut-off.

Will not burn, but most combustible materials will burn in

chlorine as they do in oxygen; flammable gases will form

explosive mixtures with chlorine. Dry chemical, carbon

dioxide, water spray, fog or foam.

Protective Clothing:

Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to

prevent skin from becoming frozen from contact with the

liquid or from contac t with vessels containing the liquid.

Eyes: Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eyecontact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue

damage from frostbite.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the

need for washing the substance from the skin (either

immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the

need for removing clothing that becomes wet or

contaminated.

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the

need for the worker to change clothing after the work

shift.

Provide: Quick drench facilities and/or eyewash fountains

http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/communicable_diseases/en/index.htm

http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/communicable_diseases/en/index.htm






should be provided within the immediate work area for

emergency use where there is any possibility of exposure

to liquids that are extremely cold or rapidly evaporating.

Non-Fire Response: Keep material out of water sources

and sewers. Attempt to stop leak if without undue

personnel hazard. Do not apply water to point of leak in

tank car or container. Apply water spray or mist to

knock down vapors. Vapor knockdown water is corrosive

or toxic and should be diked for containment.

Land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to

contain liquid or solid material. Dike surface flow using

soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed

concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement

powder. Neutralize with dilute caustic soda (NaOH) or

soda ash (Na2CO3).

Water spill: Add dilute caustic soda (NaOH). If dissolved,

in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply

activated c arbon at ten times the spilled amount. Use

mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized

masses of pollutants and precipitates

Health Hazard: Poisonous; may be fatal if inhaled.Contact may cause burns to skin and eyes. Bronchitis or

chronic lung conditions.

Properties:

Auto Ignition Temp: Not flammable

Melting Point: -150° F

Vapor Pressure: 760 mm Hg at 86° F

Vapor Density: 2.49

Specific Gravity: 1.56

Boiling Point: -30.3° F at 760 mm Hg

Molecular Weight: 70.91

IDLH: 10 ppm

TLV TWA: 0.5 ppm

TLV STEL: 1 ppmWater Solubility: 0.7 %

Not classifiable as a human carcinogen.

First Aid:Warning: Effects may be delayed. Caution is advised.

Chlorine is corrosive and may be converted to

hydrochloric ac id in the lungs.

Signs and Symptoms of Acute Chlorine Exposure: Signs

and symptoms of ac ute exposure to chlorine may include

tachycardia (rapid hea rt rate), hypertension (high blood

pressure) followed by hypotension (low blood pressure),

and ca rdiovascular collapse. Pulmonary edema and

pneumonia are often seen. The eyes, nose, throat, and

chest may sting or burn following exposure to chlorine.

Cough with bloody sputum, a feeling of suffocation,

dizziness, agitation, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting are

common. Dermal exposure may result in swea ting, pain,

irritation, and blisters.

Emergency Life-Support Procedures: Acute exposure to

chlorine may require decontamination and life support

for the victims. Emergency personnel should wear

protective clothing appropriate to the type and degree

of contamination. Air-purifying or supplied-air respiratory

equipment should also be worn, as nec essary. Rescue

vehicles should carry supplies such as chlorine-resistant

plastic sheeting and disposable bags to assist in

preventing spread of contamination.

Inhalation Exposure:

1. Move victims to fresh air. Emergency personnel should

avoid self-exposure to c hlorine.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory

rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected,

provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial

respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen or

other respiratory support.

3. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from

the local hospital for administration of an antidote or

performance of other invasive procedures.

4. Transport to a health ca re facility.

Dermal/Eye Exposure:

1. Remove victims from exposure. Emergency personnel

should avoid self- exposure to chlorine.

2. Evaluate vital signs including pulse and respiratory

rate, and note any trauma. If no pulse is detected,

provide CPR. If not breathing, provide artificial

respiration. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen orother respiratory support.

3. Remove contaminated c lothing as soon as possible.

4. If eye exposure has occurred, eyes must be flushed

with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.

5. Wash exposed skin areas for at least 15 minutes with

soap and water.

6. Obtain authorization and/or further instructions from

the local hospital for administration of an antidote or

performance of other invasive procedures.

7. Transport to a health ca re facility.

ReactivityAIR AND WATER REACTIONS:

Water dissolves about twice its volume of chlorine gas,

forming a mixture of hydrochloric ac id and hypochlorous

acids. Will be corrosive due to acidity and oxidizing

potential. Slightly soluble in water.

CHEMICAL PROFILE: CHLORINE reacts explosively with or

supports the burning of numerous common materials.

Ignites steel at 100°C in the presence of soot, rust, ca rbon,

or other catalysts. Ignites dry steel wool at 50°C. Reacts

as either a liquid or gas with alcohols (explosion), molten

aluminum (explosion), silane (explosion), bromine

pentafluoride, carbon disulfide (explosion catalyzed by

iron), 1-chloro-2-propyne (excess chlorine causes an

explosion), dibutyl phthalate (explosion at 118°C), diethyl

ether (ignition), diethyl zinc (ignition), glycerol (explosion

at 70-80°C), methane over yellow mercury oxide

(explosion), acetylene (explosion initiated by sunlight or

heating), ethylene over mercury, mercury(I) oxide, orsilver(I) oxide (explosion initiated by heat or light),

gasoline (exothermic reaction then detonation),

naphtha-sodium hydroxide mixture (violent explosion),

zinc c hloride (exothermic reac tion), wax (explosion),

hydrogen (explosion initiated by light), Reac ts as either a

liquid or gas with carbides of iron, uranium and zirconium,

with hydrides of potassium sodium and copper, with tin,

aluminum powder, vanadium powder, aluminum foil,

brass foil, copper foil, calc ium powder, iron wire,

manganese powder, potassium, antimony powder,

bismuth, germanium, magnesium, sodium, and zinc.






Causes ignition and a mild explosion when bubbled

through cold methanol. Explodes or ignites if mixed in

excess with ammonia and warmed. Causes ignition in

contact with hydrazine, hydroxylamine, and calcium

nitride. Forms explosive nitrogen trichloride from biuret

contaminated with cyanuric acid. Readily forms an

explosive N-chloro derivative with aziridine. Ignites or

explodes with arsine, phosphine, silane, diborane, stibine,

red phosphorus, white phosphorus, boron, active carbon,

silicon, arsenic. Ignites sulfides at ambient temperature.

Ignites (as a liquid) synthetic and natural rubber. Ignites

trialkylboranes and tungsten dioxide.

REACTIVE GROUPS:Inorganic Oxidizing Agents, Halogenating Agents, Strong

Reactive Hazards

Strong Oxidizing Agent, Water-Reac tive(Sou rce : CA MEO U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION A GENC Y)

Safety Tips for Natural Gas Handling & Usage

Natural Gas Do’s:

¾ Do inform GGCL of any fire at or near gas installation,

suspected gas leakage or malfunctioning of gas

equipment, close main isolation valve

¾ Do call GGCL from a safe place outside suspected

gas leak area.

¾ Do keep a (dry chemical powder) fire extinguisher

near gas installation

¾ Do install and maintain caution boards at gas

installations

¾ Do inform GG CL in advance for necessary advise /

precautions if any excavation work is to be carried

out near / above the underground NG pipeline

¾ Do keep appliance surfaces free of dust and grease.

¾ Do keep the area around furnace & furnace vents,

gas appliances & burner and heater & hot surfaces

clean and free from debris & flammable materials -

curtains, paper, cleaning products, paints, rags.

¾ Do keep the gas pipeline & equipment free from

effect of other pipelines / chemicals to avoid

corrosion.

¾ Do prevent any external load acting upon gas

pipeline or equipment

Do keep chimney flues and vents for appliances clean

and in good repair for proper venting of gas byproducts /

furnace flue from gas appliances through properly sealed

ventilation ducts to outside.

¾ Do clean or replace air filters of heating system

regularly before they become c logged with dirt.

¾ Do allow only trained & authorised person to operatenatural gas equipment / appliances. keep

unauthorised persons away from gas appliances

¾ Do educate everyone what to do if they notice /

suspect gas leak.

¾ Do ensure easy accessibility to appliance doors and

furnace panels.

¾ Do ensure correc t installation, inspection, regular

service and/or repairing of natural gas appliances,

equipment, gas burner & furnace by licensed or

qualified professionals only for maximum

performance, safety and longevity.

¾ Consult GG CL if any modification / construction works

are to be carried out near or on gas pipeline or

equipment

¾ Do get adjusted carefully gas burner to provide the

correc t air-gas mixture.

¾ Do know how to shut appliances off in an emergency.

¾ Do follow manufacturer's instructions for turning

equipment on or off, or maintenance of equipment.

¾ Do check the flexible connectors on gas appliances

for gas leak if they are old or have been moved

frequently.

Natural Gas Don’ts:

¾ Do not try to locate a gas leak yourself.

¾ Do not cover gas appliances' sources of fresh air that

supply air to gas appliances / burners. Adequate

"combustion air" is critical to safe operation.

¾ Do not sleep in a room with an un-vented gas.

¾ Do not wear loose garments that can catch fire.

¾ Do not keep /store flammable materials like petrol,

diesel, oil or paint thinner indoors or near gas

appliances / burner / furnace / installation.

(Especially, do not use the oven / furnace area as astorage area for anything.)

¾ Do not hang things from gas pipes.

¾ Do not change setting of gas equipment like

regulator, safety valve etc on gas installation

¾ Do not make any modification / extension from the

installed gas pipeline without approval of GGC L.

¾ Do not add / replace / remove any burner /

equipment / appliance without approval of GGCL

¾ Do not carry out any hot work near producing hea t or

spark near gas installation

¾ Do not allow unqualified / un-authorised persons to

turn on or attempt to light gas appliances.

¾ Do not lay other utilities like electrical / telephone

cable near underground gas pipeline laid in your

premises

¾ Do not allow wiring or other objects to touch any gas

connection or piping.

¾ Do not allow chemicals, cleaning solutions or insect

sprays around c onnectors and pipes, as they cause

corrosion.

¾ Do not allow gas burner / heater / oven to dry staff

clothes.

¾ Do not open isolation valve to resume gas supply

without instruction of GG CL during shut down job on

gas installation or network.(Sou rce : GG CL Safe ty Tips)

Learning’s from the Accident

Case Study of Industrial Accident:Date : 04/01/2006 Time : 14:47 hrs.

Incidence: During nitration in reac tor runaway reaction

occurred and suddenly the pressure of reactor rose and

explosion took place within few seconds. Manhole of

reac tor was given away due to high pressure. Nitric Acid,

sulfuric Acid & Benzoic Acid were involved in reaction.

In this incident the mixtures of acids were splashed in

process plant, company ground and nearby company.

The roof sheets of plant were broken due to explosion. It

was sprayed up to about 200 – 300 meters in down wind

direction.





Page 9of 10

Cause: As per information received from company

officials the explosion was occurred due to runaway

reac tion during nitration from reactor of process plant.

Actions during emergency:

Lime was sprayed on the acidic mixture in whole the

affected area in company & on the road also for

neutralization. Collected the neutralized mixer & sent for

incineration. After that the road was washed out with

water. Company people also sprayed lime on the acid

mixture in their company ground & Process Plant.

Preventive Measures:1. Process parameters to be followed strictly.

2. PRV & safety valve to be maintained in good working

condition with proper venting system which shall be

tested at regular frequency.

3. Such vessel shall be provided with Rupture disc & a

Dump tank to contain the spillage & effects of such

reactions.

4. Periodical maintenance & inspec tion should be done.

5. Laboratory Study for knowledge relative to normal &abnormal known deviation in raw material, process

parameter.

6. Process Safety management shall be followed in total.

7. Material Incompatibility study shall be done.

8. Detailed Risk assessment study shall be carried out in

the form of HAZOP & FMEA.

9. Employees should be trained in process safety.(Source : DPMC Eme rgenc y Ca l l Deta i ls)


14th April observed as Fire Service Day

14th April every year is observed as Fire Service Day in

India as a part to pay homage to those brave Fire

Fighters who sacrificed their live in line to their duty on 14th April, 1944. Industries and Civil Fire Services observe this

day as Fire Service day and conducts Training, Drills and

Rehearsals to demonstrate the Preparedness to combat

emergencies.

This case study to understand how a nd what went wrong

which lead to multiply the severity of the accident

resulting heavy toll of which was paid by lives of fire

fighters and thousands of c ivilians.

The Ship in which ac cident took plac e named S S Fort

Stikline having capacity of 7000 Tons belonged to Ministry

of War and Transport. The ship left Birkinhead – UK on 24th

February, 1944. Convey of 20 other ships with cargo for

Karachi and Bombay was loaded. The Karachi Cargo

Contained RAF Planes, General Stores, Explosives and

Ammunitions. Bombay Ca rgo wa s 1395 Tons of Explosives

and Ammunitions and Service Stores. The ship reached

Karachi on 30th March, 1944 where a part of Cargo was

discharged, leaving void 2,86,000 cu. Feet in her hold. The

new Cargo loaded was cotton, timber, lubricating oil,

resin, sulphur and other combustible material. The ship

then left Karachi on 9th April, 1944 and reached Bombay

on 9th April, 1944. No explosives or ammunition were off

loaded until the ship has been a longside for 24 hours.

Now BY LAWS OF B.P.T [Bombay Port Trust]

A Ship carrying explosives is not allowed into docks, but

under Rule 88 of the Defense of India Rules, This By-Law is

suspended in case where Military Officer has given a

Certificate of “G RAVE EMERGENCY”. Such a certificate

was issued for S S Fort Stikline

The ship was anc hored at Victoria Doc k Bombay and the

Memorable Day, throughout the morning, she was active

as cargo hooks swayed a load of commodities from the S

S Fort Stikline. Firemen were at Fire Stations as usual shining

their brass to keep their fire engines shining.

On 14th April, 1994, at 1400 hrs.

A Whip of smoke noticed from No.: II hold of the ship.

Frantic series of short blast of whistles were heard warning

of fire board. The ship c rew started pouring musky water

in the ship hold. Fire Engines from Alexandar Dock and Air

Force Squad arrived immediately and started hose

streams in smoking hold to control fire spread. The fireman

though aware of the dangerous situation, there was no

panic. The prompt arrival of the Fire Engines seemed no

reason to think that the fire could not be controlled. Soon

it became apparent that the firemen were loosing

ground. A call was put through to Mumbai Fire Brigade

control for Additional appliances.

At 1430 hrs. a large part of Fire Service were on pliers.

Total 32 Water J ets came into ac tion pouring gallons of

water into ship hold to quench the fire. The Fire was still

gained. There was something preventing the water from

reaching the seat of fire. The deck head under the

firemen’s feet grew hotter and hotter. The water stream

played over the dec k head turned into steam. It was now

clear that the fire was out of control. Slides and Deck

became CHERRY RED, blenching thick black and brown

smoke. Flames shot mast high but sound never reached

firemen’s ear.





Page 10of 10

1605 Hrs. : Ground rumbled and EXPLOSION:

S S Fort Stikline Blew Up with its ga llant firemen and fire

engines disappeared from the face o f earth. No. of ships

destroyed nearby. At one stroke the key port of Bombay

was taken out of war.

1636 Hrs. : SECOND EXPLOSION:

Explosion was heard miles away. Entire Dock up to few

kms and was in flames. 14 other ships standing aside

destroyed. 336 people burned. All nearby/around people

and animals died. Many Fire Fighters died or disab led. The

Number of persons who d ied in the Explosion will never be

known and figures are conflicting. NFPA Handbook listed

731 dead whereas other sources said 1500 Died/ Missing

and more than 3000 Injured.


Recorded Fatalities were:

ORGANIZATION KILLED INJURED

Bombay Auxiliary Fire Service 42 85

Bombay Fire Brigade 24 -

Bombay Salvage Corps 12 02

Bombay Port Trust Employees 84 Not Known

City Police 14 55

Ship Crews 41 123Army 15 30

Air Force - 15

Navy 07 160

Crew of Country Craft 04 10

Couple of months after the Disaster, 3083 people had

requested claims for damage by Fire or Explosion to their

property. 11735 had put up Claim for uninsured

properties. 466 Uninsured people claimed as

compensation for personal injuries.

The Compensation paid out 850 Lakhs as damage by

fire/ explosion. Marine Insurance was 150 Lakhs. Paid for

uninsured properties were 300 lakhs and personal injuries

were 13 lakhs with miscellaneous policies of 4.5 lakhs.

Government of India dec lared this day of 14th April every

year to be observed as Fire Service Day in recognition of

the valor and sacrifice of the courageous FIRE FIGHTERS

who laid down their lives in Line of their Duty.

Industries conduct Fire Fighting Training Moc k Drills, Fire

Drills or Emergency Drills every year on this da y to pay

homage and create awareness and knowledge about

handling emergenc ies in their fellow workers.

Ensure to do the following at works:

Always ensure your work area clean before starting

the job.

Avoid use of damaged cords & temporary

connections.

Always ensure immediate repairing / replacement of

damaged electrical sockets.

Ensure strict supervision while carrying out Welding /

Gas Cutting jobs.

Know where the nearest Fire Call Point along with

location of all fire fighting equipments in your area.

Keep firefighting equipments & means of escape

clear of obstructions.

Ensure all your fire extinguishers are available at their

designated p lace.

In curiosity, don’t operate any fire fighting

equipment.

Ensure availability of fire trained personnel in every

shift (in your sec tion).

Always smoke at areas designated for Smoking.

(Lega l Sta tem ent : Th is is not an authent i ca ted do cum ent and hence no

Cla im to a ny da ta o r deta i ls prov ided in th is top ic .

The p hotog raphs used are not o f the sh ip in which a cc ident oc cur red . )

For an y sugg estions & d eta ils write to Ankleshwa r Environme nta l Preservatio n Soc iety

Disaster Prevent ion & Ma nag em ent Ce ntre,

Plot No -G/ S-3, Fire Stat ion,

GIDC , Ankle shw a r – 393 002

Tel: (02646 ) 220229, 653101,

Ce ll: 9426889616

Em a il: dpmcank@sancharnet . in

dp mc ank@d2v isp.co m

Editor ia l Com m ittee

Vija y Asar - DPMC, Ankleshwa r Environm enta l Preservat ion Soc iety Pra sha nt B. Am rutka r - Asia n Paints Ltd .

Dilip S. Lote - Gujarat G a s Co m pa ny Ltd (GG CL)

J. C . Trive d i- United Phosph o rus Ltd .

D. V. Petka r - Lup in Ltd .

Atu l K Ch itnis - Disa ster Preve nt ion & M a na ge m en t Ce ntre

For private c ircu lation o nly.

mailto:[email protected]




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