A high-level team of officials of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was in Bhilai to ascertain and evaluate the emergency preparedness and response of all the agencies at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) including that of CISF and District Administration in a possible worst case scenario of chemical and industrial disaster in the plant.The joint mock exercise was organised as a new initiative of Arvind Ranjan, IPS, DG, CISF and BSP Management as an effort for better preparation and coordination to handle any possible disaster in a more professional manner.
To check the level of emergency preparedness of all the aforesaid agencies, it was desired by NDRF officials that a mock-drill be carried out at the lD Gas Holder as a possible worst case scenario of chemical and industrial disaster in BSP, under their supervision, officials stated.The exercise was also aimed at enhancing coordination among emergency support functions of various departments of BSP, CISF and stakeholders at district level and highlighting the roles and responsibilities of each of these agencies.
At around 11.00 am on January 9, 2015, an emergency situation was reported in lD Gas Holder area as heavy gas leakage because of water seal breakage was observed. Two persons conducting routine check-up got exposed to the gas and became unconscious at the walkway while another six persons working at ground level also got exposed to the toxic gas and fell down. Meanwhile, the operator at the Control Room, upon noticing on-line CO monitor alarm and seeing some workers fallen down in the surrounding area, raised the alarm to declare emergency and informed the Energy Centre.
Energy Centre further informed all concerned as per emergency preparedness plan and response procedure of the Department.This reporting of the incident triggered all the agencies to respond and tackle the emergency, all of which was closely monitored by NDRF officials. Over and above this, they increased the level of emergency necessitating the involvement of State administration and response from NDRF team themselves. The entire exercise was over at around 1 pm, officials stated.Addressing a de-briefing session after the mock drill exercise, IGP SB Singh said it is a positive sign that all the agencies involved participated spontaneously in the entire exercise.
The coordination between the agencies and stakeholders has been good, he said, adding, that the basic aim of sharing knowledge among all the agencies involved has been achieved. A positive step has been taken, he said, congratulating BSP, the CISF and other agencies.To assess the standard operating practices and emergency preparedness, a table top exercise was held earlier on January 8 involving top officials of BSP and CISF, visiting officials of the NDRF and officials of Industrial Health & Safety Dept, Durg.The participants engaged in a day-long exercise during which all aspects of the Plant’s Emergency Preparedness Plan was discussed threadbare by the visiting NDRF officials.
The Plant’s Safety Engineering Department presented Emergency Preparedness Plan of BSP while the Energy Management Deptt presented Emergency Preparedness Plan pertaining to Gas Safety. The Plant’s Medical & Health Services Deptt gave a presentation on Medical Response Plan during disaster.The Bhilai Fire Brigade and the CISF also gave presentations. The NDRF Team gave an introduction to Incident Command System and conduct of table top exercise. In order to evaluate the response in real-life situation, it was decided to conduct a mock drill in a highly gas prone area.
Among the senior officials of BSP and CISF who participated in the discussions were S Chandrasekaran, CEO, BSP who delivered the inaugural address, Smt Shikha Gupta, DIG, CISF, Bhilai who delivered the keynote address, and Y K Degan, Executive Director (Works) also addressed the participants. Also present were Dr S Hiran, Director I/c M & HS and Shri lT Sherpa, ED (P&A), RC Huria, DIG (Training) CISF, SS Sandhu, DIG, Disaster Management, CISF, MK Yadav, Senior Commandant, NDRF and TK Sahu, Deputy Director, Industrial Health & Safety.
The NDRF is a specialised agency constituted by an Act of Parliament to coordinate rescue and relief efforts during the time of disaster. The satisfaction expressed by the visiting high-level team of NDRF officials from Odisha who had stationed themselves in Bhilai to oversee and ascertain the response of BSP, CISF and other agencies has put a stamp of approval on the emergency preparedness and response of BSP.