A little past 3 a.m. on May 7, 20 took place a gas leak incident in Visakhapatnam. Styrene monomer vapor had leaked from the plant resulting in death of few and a permanent scar to many. Investigation revealed that unnoticed difference in storage temperature was the cause of vapor formation which in turn led to the gas leakage. It can be concluded that lack of awareness, improper information management and improper process control was the reason behind such a disaster.
Chemicals can be dangerous if not handled with care. Creating and maintaining a safe and productive environment is of utmost importance in chemical industries. Due to the varied nature of various chemicals, worker’s and visitor’s safety becomes an integral part of the operational system at any chemical factory. From chemical handling to proper storage and from an appropriate way of consumption to chemical waste management, there are various factors to take into consideration.
In industries related to the chemical sector, these parameters should be known and remembered by all employees right from the security guard to CEO of the company. This can be ensured by creating awareness regarding Occupational health and safety, development of safe working practices, hazard identification and risk assessment at an early stage and an effective evacuation plan in case of any emergency. Compliance to standards such as ISO45001, OHSAS18001, etc. must also be taken into consideration. It can be achieved by implementing an effective Visual Management system in the chemical company.
Visual management can bring about a change in mindset necessary to ensure the workplace health and safety and increase the overall performance in a chemical manufacturing factory. Apart from Area Identification boards and various safety signs, Visuals on Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), Safety instructions, Work Instructions & Displays creating safety awareness can be a gentle reminder to all the employees at all moments. Chemical Storage and handling parameters can be efficiently displayed through visualization to make sure employees are aware of chemical hazards and take appropriate action just in time.
Process Control charts and Process Monitoring Boards allows the use of a Lean Management System and track the performance & quality at each step. Hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) charts ensures a preventive mindset throughout the organization. Chemical waste has a huge impact on the environment if not treated correctly. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be ensured at critical places. In case of an emergency, a carefully created evacuation plan displayed at strategic locations can be lifesaving.
Visualmitra has a unique blend of technical & management experts having a wide experience for Facility Visual Management (FVM) Project Execution in the chemical sector. Our fine experts visit your facility for Survey & Identify the where visual controls can be applied and what visual tools are necessary. Visualmitra provides requirement specific solutions to all.
