Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR) 
Pics: Preetham Kotian 

Mangalore Dec 8: Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), a subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India (ONGC) conducted a mock drill of an on-site emergency scenario of hydrogen sulfide gas (also regarded as a sour liquefied petroleum gas) leak and a subsequent fire, at its isomerisation unit in Suratkal on Friday, December 7. The entire mock scenario was created in order to test the emergency preparedness and handling capabilities of its safety and medical staff.  

The mock drill first began with trying to detect a malfunction in the unit. A field operator was dispatched to make an on-the-spot inspection, who then clambered up the stairs and reached a platform. After which he was seen talking over a ‘walkie-talkie’ to the control room. Then he is seen suddenly collapsing in the midst of a conversation. And that is when the entire scenario unfolded. The mock drill lasted for about 30 minutes.

The next scenario was that of two first-aid attendants rushing on to the scene immediately to rescue the unconscious field operator. Next a huge burst of heavy jet of water was sprayed on the affected region. This was followed by an activation of a second and then third water jet spray. An ambulance arrived on the scene to rush the fallen field operator to the hospital. An additional fire engine arrived to reinforce the water sprays. While another back fire engine arrived as a back-up.

The entire scenario with a short while resembled an actual war zone. The place was swarming with key safety personnel, fire and safety crews, senior operations staff, volunteers from the residential colony and paramedics - all dressed with safety gear and totting walkie-talkies. A security jeep made an announcement inside MRPL: “Keep indoors; Switch off Air Conditioners; Avoid low-lying areas; Keep wet handkerchief on nose; Do not run.”

Then on the dot as per schedule after thirty minutes from the time the drill began, an “all clear” announcement was made on the public address system. Thus ended an riveting and spectacular mock drill display as quickly as it had begun. Safety experts from other petrochemical establishments and officials of the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had been invited as observers to the event, who all exchanged views and made pertinent observations with MRPL safety personnel.