RJ Oil Production - Projects

SPEARHEADING HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT

Fire Service Week Observance & Fire Safety

Background
On 14th April 1944, a major explosion took place on board ship S.S. Fort Stikline carrying explosives and other combustibles
and berthed at Bombay Docks. The explosion and the fire that followed had resulted in massive destruction of ships, port
facilities, and residential area in the neighbourhood besides claiming lives of over 68 fire service personnel, about 150 port
personnel and unaccounted number of civilians. In commemoration of the precious lives lost in the event. April 14 is being
observed as the Fire Service Day and the following the Day as the Fire Service Week (FSW).
The FSW is a grim reminder of the destructive potential of fire and need for fire prevention efforts. Every year fires take a
heavy toll in terms of human lives and property loss. The risk of damage due to fire depends on the combustible available,
the physical arrangement, the geometry of the work location, likelihood of ignition etc. The risk is also controlled by fire
protection measures in place, which related to both fire prevention and fire control. Statistic reveals that nearly 8 – 10% of all
fatalities in industries are due to fire and explosion.
Fire prevention is intended to reduce sources of ignition, to educate the people, to take steps and action to prevent
occurrence of fires and is a protective method in reducing emergencies and the damage caused by fire.

Common Work Place Fire Result From

 Combustible & flammable materials in work area due to Poor housekeeping standards.
 Lack of hazard / risk awareness of task supervisors and personnel
 Release of flammable gas in the vicinity of ignition sources
 Oxygen enriched or saturated atmospheres. (Normally available in air approx. 21%).
 Presence of vapours of flammable liquids.
 Failure to implement specific PTW control measures.
 Poor work planning and multiple tasks.
 Inadequate fire blanket enclosure for the hot work locations.
 Faulty electrical connections, damage equipment, poor workman ship.
 Unauthorised operations.
Work Place Fire Prevention Methods
 Always maintain good housekeeping at work locations which includes the removal of combustible material, cleaning
of hydrocarbon traces from cellar pits & X’mas trees, valves & flanges nearby.
 Inspect the work location and complete the Hot Work check list. Verify inspection sticker/colour coding to verify the
integrity of all hand and power tools and equipment prior to use.
 Store, use and handle gas cylinders, related appliances and other flammable material as per safety rules.
 Obtain PTW and conduct Gas Testing prior to performing hot or spark potential works in any process area. Also
ensure relevant certificates for all mobile equipment.
 Conduct continuous gas monitoring when required. Ensure fire watch man for all hot work.
 Implement and maintain all PTW and JSA stated control measures at site. Communicate with team task specific
safety requirements.
 Provide proper fire blanket enclosure for the Hot Work locations. Ensure 100% spark containment.
 Ensure fire extinguishers, charged fire hose and trained fire watch assigned for all hot work locations at process area.
 Be aware of potential for fire blanket contamination by hydrocarbons or other flammable material.
 Conduct Toolbox meeting on fire safety and enhance awareness. Implement SIMOP recommendations.
 Plan tasks to avoid/reduce same time multiple activities inside confined space (such as cellar pits).
 In-case of any fire emergency – STOP the work, Switch off the equipment, Inform Supervisor / Radio room / fire
department and go the nearest assembly point as per wind direction.

FIRE PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN FIRE FIGHTING

आग की रोकथाम आग से लड़ने से बेहतर है

Bulletin- April 2019