National Conference on

“ Chemical (Industrial) Disaster Management, Pipelines, Storages, & Medical Preparedness” (February 11-13, 2009) at FICCI, New Delhi Session : National Guidelines and Statutory Framework

Presentation on :

“SAFE TRANSPORTATION OF HAZARDOUS GOODS”

K. C. Gupta DG, NSC

•

Explosion of a Fuel Tanker in Kenya

On 31st January, 2009 near Molo in Kenya • A gasoline tanker overturned and exploded • killed 111 people- toll may rise • wounded 200, • blast impact felt for miles.

-hundreds of people trying to scoop up free fuel -People screaming & running with flames on their bodies

Flash Back to Gasoline Tanker Overturning in 1991 In India

• on 22nd November, 1991 at Mendhwan in Palghar Taluka in Thane District in Maharashtra • 96 persons died and 117 injured • Many people tried to collect petrol from the tanker. Similar incidents on smaller scale happened in some other states (Tamil Nadu, Andhra)

Flash Back to Gasoline Tanker Overturning in 1991 In India

Follow-up Measures Triggered by this incident • Committee set-up by Maharashtra Govt under Chairmanship of the State Transport Commissioner • State Motor Vehicles Rules enacted under the Motor Vehicles Act • After some years Central Motor Vehicles Rules enacted based on the success in Maharashtra • Educational and Awareness campaigns by media, chemical industries, transporters, Institutions and Enforcement Agencies.

Flash Back to Gasoline Tanker Overturning in 1991 In India Conclusions

• 18 years back we had similar level of awareness in the public about gasoline hazards • Current level of public awareness regarding the risks of hazardous liquid spills in road incidents is good that is why we don’t now find people being tempted to collect free fuel. This is the outcome of focused measures taken by the stake-holders over the years.

GAS TANKER OVERTURNS Salient Points of the Incident • On 30 th January, 2009, A RPC tanker carrying propane gas overturned on Panvel-Raigad High-way • Driver immediately summoned fire tenders and Police. They rushed to the spot to take control • No leakage of gas occurred • Potential disaster averted

GAS TANKER OVERTURNS Conclusion 1[Positive aspect]: Drivers of HAZCHEM consignments originating from large and reputed MAH units are generally well trained regarding their roles and responsibilities in case of transport mishaps. They are held accountable by the managements for acting in a responsible manner for responding to the mishap as was the case in this incident.

  Negative Action of the Same Incident The Propane tanker overturned while overtaking an oil tanker.

Conclusion 2 [Negative Aspect] The same driver though well trained and generally responsible fell to his human weakness of thrill of overtaking momentarily forgetting the safety norms of transporting hazardous chemicals  Issue to be addressed Repeated refresher training and re-training of drivers to constantly remind them of their obligations using lessons of such case studies

LOCAL INITIATIVES

• 3 different types of initiatives would be shared • All relate to transportation sector • All are voluntary and at local level • All are sustainable over the years • NSC has supported all these initiatives

They need to be replicated in other parts of the country

Initiative 1

:

Trium Institute of Logistics Management • Set up by 3 tanker transport owners in 2004 in Mumbai inaugurated by the DG, NSC • Previously NSC conducted 3 seminars for transporters and HAZCHEM units in collaboration with RIL & BPCL in the same year.

• Last 3 years they trained 1583 drivers on road safety & health issues.

2005-06 … 184 2006-07 ….425

2007-08 ….520

2008-09 ….454

• Only institute in the private sector organising training for truck drivers; recognized by the Govt. of Maharashtra & Ministry of Transport.

Trium Institute of Logistics Management • Networked with institutions 1. Tie-up with Muslim Ambulance Society for X-ray & blood grouping of truckers 2. Tie up with Private Opthalmologist for eye check-up of truckers • Strengths A.C.Hall with capacity of 30 - Training aids - Dedicated Team of Members from domain of Transport, good linkages with major players in the industry Conclusion • Despite constraints the model has been successful as because it is taken by the industry which is directly affected.

Initiative 2: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) • Another local level initiative studied, analysed and published at the national level by NSC relates to EMS by the Lokamanya Medical Foundation in Pune. • operational since 1996. • covers Mumbai-Pune Express-way and High-ways of Panvel Satara, Pune-Khed and Pimpri-Chinchwad accounting to 600 kms. • Presently has 18 Mobile Trauma & Critical Care Units (MTCCUs), 4 rapid rescue units and 3 hydra-cranes. • Till November, 2008 rescued 22,787 road accident victims. • has health care infra-structure: well equipped hospitals, para medical staff, ambulances (MTCCUs) with life saving Medicines, equipment • Joint funding by MoST, Maharashtra State Govt and their own.

NSC strongly supported this initiative by providing technical inputs and MoU for training on transportation.

Initiative 3: By Local Industries in Industrial Pocket of Rasayani-Patalganga • Operational since 1996 • Four of 11 MAH units viz. HOC, Reliance, Hindustan Insecticides and Bombay Dyeing jointly operate in a radius of 20 kms • To provide immediate technical response through a well equipped HAZardous MATerial Van (HAZMAT VAN) to stop A leak. • 10-seater vehicle which can carry a team of technicians, equipments & tools. • 1996 to 1984 attended 84 incidents involving 30 chemicals.

• Last year attended 29 calls involving 10 chemicals. Thus the initiative is sustainable.

Some Issues

• Multiplying above-mentioned initiatives • Strengthening response capabilities of Hospitals, Fire Brigade, & Police on transport routes particularly in Mofusil towns • Training and awareness of tanker Helpers • Maintenance of HAZCHEM Vehicles particularly those not covered by SMPV or Petroleum Rules (Corrosive chemicals) • Developing National Chemical Tanker Registry • Separate Database of chemical HAZCHEM Transport accidents on roads • HAZCHEM transportation to be a part of District Disaster Management Cells • Tracking of HAZCHEM Tankers through GPS System

Thank you!