DIMAPUR, DEC 20 (MExN): Reacting to the trill of the emergency siren, workers of the Indian Oil Corporation depot at Dimapur this morning rushed to douse an imaginary fire using extinguishers and foam. The exercise, one which is conducted biannually, was played out with the objective of keeping combat, auxiliary and rescue teams of the depot in hazard-control and safety-preparedness mode.
With a combined handling and carrying capacity of 98 lakh ten thousand liters of petrol, diesel and kerosene, a fire or an explosion would cost the company crores of rupees.
IOC officials also demonstrated the use of different paraphernalia required in containing a hazard or an accident. Manager of the depot, Basumatary, called for the cooperation of all and encouraged corrections for any ‘lapses’ in the drill.
Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories and Boilers, Yanger Aier, informed of the existence of three factories in Nagaland that handle and store hazardous chemicals - the IOC depot, the LPG bottling plant at Dimapur, and the Nagaland Pulp and Paper Company Ltd at Tuli, set to be revived soon. In 1993, the Nagaland Government notified of the ‘Major Accident Hazard Rules 1990’, which is now enforced in the state.
“I am proud of announcing that within a span of 20 years operation not a single major accident either to the manpower or to the factory happened in this IOC Ltd,” he said. The engineer furnished outlines on how to control major accident hazards with emphasis on trainings, role of management, management information system and the role of the safety officer.
Officer-in-charge of the sub-urban police station, Imtiakum Pongener, suggested that proper uniforms be provided for all those in hazard situations and that coordination between different units of the drill team be stepped up. He also sought more practice sessions.
Mayangtaka Ao, Village Chairman of Kevijau Colony where the depot is located, insisted on the presence of extra security men to monitor activities outside of the facility. He warned truck drivers who ferry oil not to indulge in the business of getting fuel out of the depot to sell it in ‘black.’ Moreover, he urged truckers to pay tax only to the Dimapur Municipal Council, saying it is the only official agency to do so.
The administration and the DMC were not present for the mock drill despite invitations, it was informed. The fire brigade, too, arrived late.
