Bhubaneswar: As part of Preventive vigilance on Fire Safety and security issues, DG Fire Services Santosh Upadhyay has been strategizing by reaching out to major stakeholders. On these lines, he convened a meeting with IOCL authorities on Friday. The meeting was attended by CFO DK Swain, FO Cuttack BK Panda and IOCL officials – CGM DP Satpathi, DGM BK Panda, DGMs Marketing, Operations, and Fleet Wings.
Upadhyay highlighted important ingredients of an effective response system through integrated institutional arrangements, state-of-the-art forecasting and early warning systems, safe communication system, rapid evacuation, quick deployment of specialized response forces and coordination and synergy among various agencies at various levels in dealing with refinery-originated fire disaster.
DG expressed satisfaction about the availability of one HAZMAT vehicle at Paradeep Refinery complex which can exclusively deal such type of fire originating from Chemicals sources. IOCL authorities were impressed upon procuring more such vehicles for Balasore, Jatni, and Jharsuguda depots.
IOCL authorities spoke about the availability of safe evacuation plans for major depots in Odisha and the undertaking of regular rehearsals/ mock drills in coordination with local Fire station staff. Provisions under Odisha Fire Prevention and fire safety rules were deliberated for compliance on appointment of fire supervisors and their training.
All major depots were found to be having valid FSCs including major buildings of IOCL complex at Paradeep. Panda mentioned about availability of 111 trained CISF Firemen with latest fire safety equipment.
A comprehensive review of the availability of fire safety issues of the Marketing wing and Pipelines wing was held including pumping from accident oil tankers, LPG tankers etc. It was emphasized to have a professional exchange of knowledge, skill mutually and for sparing fire safety resources of IOCL towards disaster management.
To infuse transparency as mandated under 5T, the introduction of post-paid MV Fleet cards was finalized which has been permitted by Government. Initially, it was decided to start in 2 districts of Khurda and Cuttack as pilot projects for FS vehicles. IOCL will be giving 0.50 point redemptions for the purchase of POL which will be deposited to the state exchequer. Additionally, Drivers of fire tenders will be covered with Insurance upto Rs 5 lakhs.
Towards the objective of better fire safety compliances as mandated under 5T for Directorate, DG fire services, and senior officers took stock of FSC issues of all cinema halls/multiplex/hospitals and nursing homes on June 16, through video-conference with all Range Fire Officers, DFOs, and AFOs. DFOs were advised to follow up with non-compliant institutions by moving to appropriate licensing authorities as per provisions under Fire Safety Rules.
