Risk Assessment

1.1 Risk Assessment

The principal objective of the risk assessment study is to identify and quantify the major

hazards and the risk associated with various operations of the proposed project, which may

lead to emergency consequences (disasters) affecting the public safety and health. Based on

this information, an emergency preparedness plan is to be prepared to mitigate the

consequences. The approach involves hazards identification, hazards assessment and

evaluation, developing Disaster Management Plan (DMP).

1.1.1 Objective of the study

The main objectives of the Risk Assessment Studies are as given below:

To identify the potential hazards and their sources.

To define various accident release scenarios with respect to the hazard.

To assess the damage caused by the source in the event of accidents.

To devise strategies for the prevention of the accidents.

To define and assess emergencies, including risk impact assessment.

To control and contain incidents.

To safeguard employees and people in vicinity.

To minimize damage to property and environment.

To inform the employees, the general public and the authority about the hazards /

risk assessed, safeguards provided, residual risk if any and the role to be played in

them in the event of emergency.

To ensure safety of the workers before personnel re-enter and resume work.

To work out a plan with all provisions to handle emergencies and to provide for

emergency preparedness and the periodical rehearsal of the plan.

1.1.2 Identification of hazards

The proposed facility would collect and dispose infectious bio-medical waste through

autoclaving (disinfection) and incineration. The potential hazards associated with the

proposed facility are primarily classified into:

Chemical/Biological Hazards:

Toxicity

Flammable

Health hazards due to infection

Physical Hazard:

Noise

Electrical Hazard

1.1.3 Hazards associated with Diesel Storage

1.1.3.1. Details of Diesel Storage Facility

The list of hazardous materials with classification, state and storage details are given in

following Table 1.1 and Table 1.2.

Table 1.1

Hazardous Chemicals at Site

Sl.

No

Chemical Use Nature of

Chemical

(Schedule 1 & 3)

Type of Storage

& No’s

Storage

Quantity

1 High Speed

Diesel

Fuel for DG Set and

Incinerator

Highly Flammable Stored in MS

Barrels

1.2 KL

Table 1.2

Summary Table on the Inventories for HSD

Chemical Codes/ Label

TLV FBP MP FP LEL UEL

%

HSD (High Speed Diesel)

Flammable 800 ppm 215 - 3760 C NA 320 C 0.6 6.0

TLV : Threshold Limit Value FBP : Final Boiling Point

MP : Melting Point FP : Flash Point

UEL : Upper Explosive Limit LEL : Lower Explosive Limit

1.1.3.2. Pool Fire of HSD Storage Tanks

A storage tank of HSD with a capacity of 1.2 KL is considered for the proposed project. Tank

fire would occur if the radiation intensity is high on the peripheral surface of tanks leading to

increase in internal tank pressure. Pool fire would occur when fuel oil collected in the dyke

due to leakage gets ignited. As the tanks are provided within the dyke the fire will be confined

within the dyke wall.

Site Data

Location Lohardaga - Jharkhand

Chemical Data

Chemical Name High Speed Diesel

Molecular Weight 114.23 g/mol

Upper Explosive Limit 6%

Lower Explosive Limit 0.6%

Boiling Point 215-376 ° C

Ambient Saturation

Concentration

3.60%

Atmospheric Data: (Manual Input of Data)

Wind Speed 2.30 m/s

Wind Direction NW

Ambient Temperature 36° C

Stability Class D (Neutral)

Relative Humidity 80%

Source Strength

Source Puddle

Type of Puddle Burning Puddle

Initial Puddle Temperature Air temperature

Puddle Volume 1200 liters

Puddle Area 10 square meters

Flame Length 11 meters

Burn Duration 16 minutes

Burn Rate 53.1 kilograms/min

Total Amount Burned 832 kilograms

Threat Zone

Threat Modeled Thermal radiation from pool fire

10 kW/m2 less than 10 meters (potentially lethal within 60 sec)

4.5 kW/m2 14 meters (2nd degree burns within 60 sec)

1.6 kW/m2 23 meters (pain within 60 sec)

Figure 1.1

Risk Contours with Pool Fire Threat Zone

greater than 10.0 kW/m2 (potentially lethal within 60 sec) (not drawn)

greater than 4.5 kW/m2 (2nd degree burns within 60 sec)

greater than 1.6 kW/m2 (pain within 60 sec)

Figure 1.2

Damage distances of Pool Fire scenario

1.1.3.3. Safety precautions for the storage of fuel

- Separately stored with proper enclosures and marked within premises in closed shed

- Proper ventilation to be provided

- Sufficient fire extinguishers and PPE to be provided

- Flame proof fittings to be provided

- Smoking to be prohibited

1.1.4. Process Hazards and Control Measures

Hazards associated with proposed processes (incineration and autoclaving) are listed out

in Table 1.3 along with proposed control measures. In addition, potential hazards

associated with other hazards are listed out in Table 1.4 along with proposed control

measures.

Table 1.3

Process Hazards and Controls

S.No Name Of Plant

Hazardous Process And Operation

Materials In The Process /

Operation With Their Quantity

Name Of The Vessel

And Its Location

Operating Parameters

Type Of Hazards Possible

Control Measures Provided

1. Incineration plant

Incineration Yellow category

waste

Primary chamber

and secondary chamber

Incineration area

Temperature 800±50oC –

primary chamber and 1050±50oC –

secondary chamber

Fire, Explosion,

Burn

Fully Automatic PLC & SCADA

Control Emergency Local Stop

Fire Extinguisher CO2)PPE

Emergency provision for Fire

Brigade from outside source.

2. Autoclave Sterilization Red Category waste

Autoclave Temp. around 135 oC & 2.2

Kg./sq.cm pressure

Fire, health Hazard

Fully automatic Computer based

automation Emergency Local

Stop PPE

Table 1.4

Other Hazards and Its Control

S.No

Name Of The

Possible Hazard

Or Emergency

Its Source &

Reason

Its Effects On

Persons,

Property &

Environment

Place Of

Effect

Control Measures Provided

1. Transformer Blast/Fire

Electrical Short circuit/Power Fluctuation

Burning , Personnel injury Fire

Within transformer yard & substation

Regular inspection electrical equipment PPE, Emergency provision of Fire Extinguisher (CO2) and Fire Brigade from outside source. First Aid facilities within premises.

2. Building/ Structure collapse

Corrosion/ Erosion

Personnel injury, material

Within premises

Regular inspection to check corrosion/erosion in the steel structure.

damage Regular maintenance of building and structure

3. Earthquake Natural

Personnel injury, material damage

Operating Plant

Earthquake resistant plant

4. Cyclone Natural

Personnel injury, material damage

Operating plant

Design of plant with consideration of wind speed

5. Flood Natural

Personnel injury, material damage

Operating Plant

Drainage system to make way for water

1.2. Firefighting system

Management to take into consideration fire prevention measures at the project planning

and during plant commissioning stage to avoid any outbreak of fire. But looking to the

operation, the chances of outbreak of fire cannot be totally refuted. Hence to avoid such a

scenario, following fighting equipments will be employed.

Table 1.5

List of Proposed Fire Fighting Equipment

S.No Name of Equipment Proposed

1. ABC type fire extinguisher 5 kg 5

2. ABC type fire extinguisher 2 kg 10

3. Foam type fire extinguisher 50 Liters 1

4. CO2 type fire extinguisher 4.5 kg 5

5. Hydrant Post 3

6. 10 liter Sand Bucket 5

7. Hose Reel 3

8. Trailer driven pump 1

1.3. Risk assessment and Mitigation measures

Workers handling and disposing biomedical waste are at potential risk of exposure to

infection from sharps- related accidents or when containers of waste burst, open and leak,

or spills of certain waste materials occur.

Exposure to a needle or other sharp object contaminated with the blood of an infectious

person presents the greatest potential risk for transmission of HBV, HIV, and other blood

borne pathogens to the health-care worker and waste handler.

Mitigation measures:

Company will take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of exposure to infection by

establishing written policies and procedures based upon the most currently accepted

clinical and occupational health and safety information in consultation with workers,

handling and disposing of biomedical waste. These policies and procedures will be

reviewed and updated regularly, with compliance to their requirements verified as

necessary.

Make sure that waste haulers and handlers will always be proper clothed and wear

personal protective equipment so that harmful agents, whether physical, chemical, or

infectious, are prevented from gaining access to open wounds, cuts, or by absorption

through the skin. Personal protective equipment may include cut proof gloves, gowns,

safety glasses, protective foot wear, etc.

A course of Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine will be offered to all employees dealing with

handling and disposing of biomedical waste who are at risk of exposure to human

blood, blood products, or body secretions.

Appropriate protective equipment, including dust masks, heavy gloves and safety

shoes with puncture-proof toes and soles to avoid injury to Staff responsible for

loading and cleaning out incinerators.

Mitigation measures to minimize risk in case of spillage of infectious fluid are

Visible material will be first removed with disposable towels or other appropriate

means that prevents direct contact with blood. If splashing is anticipated, both

protective eyewear and clothing will be worn.

The area will be decontaminated with an appropriate germicide.

Hands will be washed after gloves are removed.

Soiled cleaning equipment will be cleaned and decontaminated or placed in an

appropriate container for disposal.

Plastic waste-holding bags will be made available for removing contaminated items

from the site of the spill.

Shoes and boots can sometimes become contaminated with blood. If there is

massive blood contamination on floors, the use of disposable, impervious shoe

coverings will be considered.

1.4. Disaster management plan

The objective of the study is to assess the likely hazards and risk associated with process and

preparation of preliminary Disaster Management Plan (DMP). These guidelines would be in

addition to the Guidelines issued by the NDMA which are available at

http://ndma.gov.in/ndma/guidelines.html. The main objectives of DMP are:-

To control and contain the incident/accident and if possible, eliminate it

To minimize the effects of the incident on persons, property and environment

On-site Disaster

If an accident/incident takes place within the Industrial Area and its effects are confined to

the premises, involving only the persons working in the Industrial area and the property

inside the Industrial area, it is called as On-site Disaster.

Off-site Disaster

If the accident is such that its affects inside the Industrial Area are uncontrollable and it may

spread outside the premises, it is called as Off-site Disaster.

1.4.1. On-Site Disaster Management Plan

Action Plan for On-Site Disaster Management Plan

Designated Control Centre/Room

Key Personnel

Control Center is the main center from where the operations to handle the emergency are

directed and coordinated. Facilities to be made available in the control centre are:-

i. Internal and external communication.

ii. Computer and other essential records.

iii. Daily attendance of workers employed.

iv. Storage of hazardous material records and manufacturing records.

v. Pollution records.

vi. Walky-talky.

vii. Master plan of the Industrial Area

viii. Note Book, Pad and Pencil.

ix. List of Key Personnel with addresses, telephone number etc.

Table 1.6 Key Persons and their Responsibilities during Emergency

S.No Key Person Responsibilities

1

Site Main

Controller

On reaching he will assess the magnitude of the situation in

consultation with Incident Controller and decide whether inside

or outside help are to be called (i.e. Fire Service, Police, and

Ambulance etc.).

Ensure that key persons are called in.

Give guidance and direction in vital and important activities to

control the emergency situation.

Direct to close down and evacuation of the plants in

consultation with Incident controller and key personnel.

Inform the Government authorities such as Collector, MC,

Factory Inspector, Health Officer & medical Officer and request

them for their help as situation demands.

Give prime importance to human life and guidance in

organizing the rescue operations as well as ensure whether

injured people getting proper medical attention in time.

Always be in touch with the Incident Controller to get further

progress and decide further plan.

On completion of emergency situation declare the normalcy

through Administrative Officer.

Control the re-occupation of the affected areas on

discontinuation of emergency.

Do not permit to re-start the plant unless it is safe.

Give authentic statement of the incident to News Media &

Government Authorities.

2 Incident

Controller

Take the charge of situation and assess the magnitude of the

event.

Control and guide all the operations with priorities to the Safety

of Personnel, minimize pollution, loss of material and loss to the

plant equipment and property.

Provide advice and guide to the Fire Fighting and Rescuing squad

and Fire Brigade while they arrive.

Establish communication with emergency control center.

Report on all significant developments to the emergency control

center through phone/Messenger.

Ensure that evacuation of the areas in the factory getting

affected is complete.

After the emergency situation is brought under control, assure

that the necessary evidence for further investigation in the

incident is preserved and inform Site Controller regarding control

of emergency.

3 Personnel

Officer

When emergency declared immediately rushed to emergency

control center.

Basically he will work as a Liaison Officer and will station at

emergency control center during emergency. He will work under

the direction of Site Controller.

To ensure that the casualties receives adequate attention at first

aid center, also ensure additional help if require from

Government authorities or outside agencies.

Arrange transport facility for injured personnel to get timely

medical help.

He will also arrange for head count at assembly points and will

inform Site Controller.

Also be in touch with the Security and Other Departments for

help.

Will check the Roll call from Time Office for availability of trained

personnel during emergency situation at the site.

Determine the need to inform statutory authorities of the

accident and fill the necessary forms for submission with

consultation of the Site Controller.

When emergency is prolonged, arrange for the relief of

personnel as well as inform the families of injured persons and

organize refreshments / catering facility.

4 Administrative

Officer

When emergency declared, immediately rushed to the

emergency control center and establish contact with Site Main

Controller.

Ensure the communication between site controller and incident

controller. Keep messenger for communication.

Make arrangement to send portable megaphone and torches to

the Incident Controller if required.

On receiving instructions from Site Controller, organize

transportation for the evacuation of people from the assembly

points.

As per instructions from Site Controller will inform to Head

Office, Insurance Surveyor, other relevant authorities and

neighboring areas.

On getting instructions from Site Controller / Incident Controller,

he will be in touch with other Industries for help in emergency.

Will arrange to announce necessary instructions for all

personnel.

Ensure that telephone operator keeps the EPABX free to extend

possible for incoming calls.

Ensure that Press and other Media do not publish unauthentic

news.

5

Engineering

Services Key

Personnel

When emergency declared, immediately proceed to Emergency

Control Center.

Ensure the availability of electrical wiremen, utility, maintenance

employees and drivers.

Ensure the water supply & electric power generator in case of

power failure.

Be in touch with the Site controller / Incident Controller to

extend help as and when required.

Arrange the vehicle as per required by Administrative /

Personnel Officer.

6 Security & Fire

In-Charge

On getting instruction from Site Controller/Incident controller,

cordon the affected area to maintain law and order.

As per instruction from Site Controller/ Incident controller,

arrange to use the fire extinguishers.

Ensure the following duties by Security Guards;

Stop all vehicles and visitors entering into the factory, except any

Government authorities such as Fire Brigade, Police, Factory

Inspector, Medical Staff and inform the Administrative Officer on

their arrival.

If any press reporter and local Leader come at the main gate,

take them to the Administration Office.

Do not allow any vehicle to park at the main gate or nearby at

main road.

Assure that the entrance of the gate is clear for thorough fare. In

Similar way control/ guide internal traffic for smooth operations.

Act according instructions given by Personnel and Administrative

Officer.

Ensure that all essential personnel evacuated and assembled at

Assembly points.

Arrange effective security nearby the incident place.

7 First Aid

Attendants

As per the instructions given by the Incident Controller, arrange

the supply of additional emergency related equipment to the

incident place. Give necessary First Aid treatment to the affected

persons immediately.

Inform the Personnel and Administration Officer regarding the

severity of injury and advice for further medical help if

necessary.

Ask for additional trained First-Aider, if required.

On arrival of Doctor, assist him to give medical treatment to the

affected people.

8 Safety Officer

On hearing emergency siren rush to the spot and assume the

position of incident controller and take care of the situation till a

senior personnel arrives and on their arrival work with them in

team, extending their own expertise.

Give instructions and guideline to the people involved in control

measures. As well as help in providing required PPE

Give instructions to the safety attendants.

Brief the Site Main Controller about the progress of control

measures.

Advise site controller regarding type of help required from

outside.

Give instructions to other department through internal phones

/Communication Officer.

Make arrangement to carry out monitoring whenever necessary

and appraise results to the concerned seniors

1.4.2 Off-site Disaster Management Plan

The main objectives of the off-site emergency plan are:-

i. To save lives and injuries

ii. To prevent or reduce property losses and

iii. To provide for quick resumption of normal situation or operation.

Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and Response) Rules, 1996 prescribes

for the constitution of the State Crisis Group as apex body at the State Level to deal with major

chemical accidents and to provide expert guidance for handling major chemical accidents.

Schedule 7 and Schedule 8 of the Chemical Accidents (Emergency Planning, Preparedness and

Response) Rules, 1996 prescribes for the constitution of District and Local Crisis Groups.

The composition of the District Crisis Group has been prescribed under the chairpersonship of

District Collector and Local Crisis Group under the Chairpersonship of Sub-Divisional Magistrate.

The District Crisis Group shall meet every forty five days and send a report to the State Crisis

Group. The Local Crisis Group shall meet every month and forward a copy of the proceedings to

the District Crisis Group.

The Off-site Emergency Plan shall be prepared by the District Magistrate in consultation with

the factory management and Govt. agencies. The plan contains up-to-date details of outside

emergency services and resources such as Fire Services, Hospitals, Police etc. with telephone

number. The district authorities are to be included in the plan area.

a. Police Department

b. Revenue Department

c. Fire Brigade

d. Medical Department

e. Municipality

f. Gram Panchayat

g. Railway Department

h. Telephone Department

i. Factory Department

j. Electricity Department

k. Pollution Control Department

l. Explosive Department

m. Press and Media

Mock exercises on Off-site plan should be carried out at least once in a year to train the

employees, up to date the plan, observe and rectify deficiencies.

Each industrial unit or group of units should prepare separate emergency preparedness and

DMP which will be in sync with the main DMP of Industrial area incorporating details of action

to be taken in case of any major accident/disaster occurring within the unit. The plan should

cover all types of major accident/occurrences and identify the risk involved in the industry.

Mock drills on the plan should be carried out periodically to make the plan foolproof and

persons are made fully prepared to fight against any incident in the industry. The plan will vary

according to the type of industry and emergency.

1.5 Natural Disasters

Some of the points we can keep in mind when disaster happens

If there is a tornado, take shelter in a place without windows.

In an earthquake, remember to crouch under some heavy furniture or stand under the

doorframe for cover.

In case of a fire in the building, leave the building by nearby exit

If the site is flooded, then climb up to the roof.

Do not use the telephone, except to call for help, so as to leave telephone lines free for

the organization of response

Listen to the messages broadcast by radio and the various media so as to be informed of

development

Carry out the official instructions given over the radio or by loudspeaker

Keep emergency kit ready. In all the different types of emergency, it is better to be

prepared than to get ready, to get information so as to get organized, to wait rather that

act too hastily

During floods turn off electricity to reduce the risk of electrocution

As soon as flood begins, take vulnerable people (old, children, sick, etc) to upper floor

Beware of water contamination, wait until the water is declared safe before drinking or

boil the water before drinking.

Clean and disinfect the room that is flooded

During storms and hurricanes do not go out in a car or a boat once the storm has been

announced

If caught outside in a storm, take refuge as quickly as possible in shelter (never under a

tree), if there is no shelter, lie down flat in a ditch.

In a thunderstorm keep away from doors, windows, and electrical conductors, unplug

electrical appliances and aerials. Do not use any electrical appliances or the telephone.

During earthquake keep calm, do not get panic, People who are indoors should stay

there but move to the central part of the building, people who are outside should stay

there, keeping away from buildings to avoid collapsing walls and away from electrical

cables. Anyone in a vehicle should park it, keeping away from bridges and buildings

During spread of clouds of toxic fumes, close doors and windows, seal any cracks or gaps

around windows and doors with adhesive tape. Organize a reserve of water (by filling

wash basins, baths, etc. Turn off ventilators and air conditioners.

Figure 1.3 Flood Hazard Zonation Map

1.6 Occupational Health and Safety Program for the Project

Some of the preventive safety measures to be taken to minimize the risk of accident with

respect to Technical Safety, Organizational Safety and Personal Safety are listed below:

All reasonably practicable measures to minimize the risk of such accident in compliance

with the legal obligation under the relevant safety.

All building plans and installations to be as per relevant acts and duly approved by

competent government authorities.

Treatment equipment to be designed by qualified and experienced professionals and

fabricated to applicable national / international codes with stage wise inspection.

Entire processes to be operated by trained workers and to be looked after by qualified &

experienced supervisors.

Safety features such as fire extinguishers, fire hydrant system and suitable Personal

Protective Equipment (PPE) to be provided. Regular operations and testing of fire

extinguishers to be carried out.

Use of flameproof electrical and equipment.

Bio medical waste to be stored separately to confine any spillage and facilitate easy

collection.

Periodic inspection and testing equipment, machineries and equipment bio-medical to

be done.

Training of workers and Staff to be given for safe waste, firefighting, first aid and

integrating safety, in all activities.

Good housekeeping in premises to be ensured.

Accident / Incident reporting system and information of employees about the same to

be done for better awareness.

Suitable notices / boards to be displayed at several locations indicating appropriate

hazards warning as well as DOs and DON’Ts for ensuring operational and personal

Safety for information of workers / staff and visitors.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like goggles, safety shoes, helmet, apron, earplugs,

facemask & clothing to be provided to employees as per the job requirements.