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EDITORIAL BOARD

R. Parameswaran

W.A. Balakumaran

P. Manoharan

P. Subramani

G.S. Swaminathan

Printed at Sunitha Printers, Chennai – 600 002

VOL: 13 No. 2 APRIL – JUNE 2014

QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF SAFETY ENGINEERS ASSOCIATIONBlock III , Flat No. 28, Maanasarovar Apartments, 11-A, Arcot Road, Chennai – 600 116.

Tel : 044-24764101 E-mail: info@seaindia.org Website: www.seaindia.org

INDIAN SAFETY ENGINEERSEA (INDIA)

(Regn No: 1391 / 2000)[Registered under Societies Act, 1975]

The Thirteenth Anniversary of SEA India was celebrated on Saturday,June 28th 2014 at J P Hotel, Koyambedu, Chennai. Special Address wasgiven by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Thanasekaran, Controller of Examinations,Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai Mr S. Srinageswar, ExecutiveDirector, Simpson & Group Companies, Chennai delivered keynoteaddress.

Mr. S. Ismail, Officer on special duty, Directorate of Industrial Safety& Health, Govt of Tamilnadu was the chief guest on that occasion.

Mr. Sathish Murugan, Advanced NDT Lecturer, TWI Chennai gavea technical talk on “Advanced N D T Techniques & Enhanced Safety”and Mr. V. Janardhanam, Chief OHSE Manager, Gammon India Ltdgave a technical talk on “OSHE Management System followed in MetroTunneling Project”.

Mr. S. Ismail, Chief Guest presented Certificate of Merit & Shield toMr Premkumar Devaraj, who scored the highest mark in October 2013batch of International General Certificate course of NEBOSH, UKconducted by SEA India.

Large number of SEA India members and invitees attended thefunction.

Thirteenth Anniversary of SEA (India) Inside....Page

NEBOSH Course Update 2

From the Desk of President 2

Minutes of the 13 th AnnualGeneral Body Meeting 3

Advanced NDT Techniques& Enhanced Safety 5

Carbon Monoxide Hazardsfrom small Gasolinepowered Engines 6

Health Effects of overexposure to the sun 7

Cellphone – Certain Facts 9

Safety in Erection andUse of Scaffolding 10

OHSE Management Systemfollowed in MetroTunneling Project 11

CASE STUDY 13

Gas Leak in a Steel Plant

IN THE NEWS 14ISO 9000, ISO 14000 andOHSAS 18000 specifications

Factory Visit 15

Earth Day 15

Mr. Premkumar Devaraj is receiving certificate of Merrit & Shield fromChief guest Mr. S. Ismail

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NEBOSH Course UpdateJune 2014 batch NEBOSH, IGC course wasconducted from 16th June to 27th June 2014 at SriRamachandra University Porur, Chennai as usual.The exams were conducted on Monday, 30th June2014 by British Council, Chennai. The candidatesexpressed satisfaction about the course, theresults are expected to be announced by first weekof September 2014.

Further details about the future programmes willshortly be available in our websiteinfo@seaindia.org

FROM THE DESK OF PRESIDENTDear Members,

SEA is now thirteen yearsyoung! Thirteenth AnniversaryCelebrations and AnnualGeneral Body Meeting were heldon 28th Jun 2014. Dignitariesfrom DISH, Sri RamchandraUniversity and Simpson GroupCompanies participated in the

anniversary celebrations and offered their facilitations toSEA. As is our practice there were two special TechnicalPresentations on the day which were attended by manyof our members and invitees.

As an agenda item for the AGM, Election for a newExecutive Committee for the next term was held anda new team is now formed to hold the office for nexttwo years. I am personally thankful to the General Bodyfor reposing their confidence in me and electing me onceagain to lead the Executive Committee as their Presidentfor one more term. Members are requested to extendtheir full support and offer their valuable ideas andsuggestions to the new Committee.

Sixty ninth Executive Committee meeting of SEA washeld on 17th May 2014 and a special EC Meeting washeld on 14th Jun 2014 to review the arrangements forthe 13th Anniversary celebrations and AGM. Ourquarterly journal, “Indian Safety Engineer” and theMonthly ‘Safety Alerts’ (on important case studies) arebrought out and distributed to Members periodically.Factory visit programme was organized to “ChennaiMetro Rail - Underground Tunneling System” on 10thMay 2014 but was limited to 25 participants only as perhost authorities. But they agreed to receive one or twomore batches of visitors if required. Members who missedthe opportunity will get more chances to visit the rarework activities in tunneling operations and learn the

appropriate nature of safety management system.

MOU was signed with Sri Ramachandra University foranother term of three years for conducting NEBOSHcourses at their premises. 14th Batch of NEBOSH IGCcourse was conducted during 16th - 28th June 2014 andExams were held on 30th June 2014. Topper of 13th

Batch of Nebosh course was presented with a trophy andcertificate during the Anniversary celebrations, as per ourpractice.

SEA had extended support to ASSE in their organzingthe “Safety India -2014” at Chennai during 26th - 27th

May 2014. Organizers offered a complementary stall forSEA for both the days and many delegates visited ourstall with interest. SEA has also extended support forM/s. Reed International in their organizing safetyconference and exhibition called “SafetyEx 2014”, atPragathi Maidan New Delhi during 14th - 16th July 2014.M/s. UBM and their subsidiaries OSH India haverequested SEA to support their safety conference andexhibition at Chennai Trade Center during 17th and 18th

July 2014. SEA has also agreed to their request ofconducting two certified safety workshops for about 2hours on each day. Many senior members of SEA areexpected to present technical papers during theconference.

Mumbai Chapter of SEA and Students Chapter at AnnaUniversity, Chennai are active.

Membership directory is now getting ready and newMembers are requested to fill up the update formsalready circulated to members through email and returnthem to Secretary / SEA office. For fresh forms, ifrequired, please send your request to SEA office.

Best Wishes!S. UlaganathanPresident, SEA (India)

June 2014 NEBOSH candidates

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MINUTES OF 13TH ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETINGThirteenth Annual General Body Meeting was held on 28thJune 2014 after the Anniversary Function.

Mr.S.Ulaganathan presided over the meeting and in hisPresidential Address, he briefed the important happeningsduring the year. He further requested the members to givesupport to improve the activities of the association.

Mr. N. Kumar, Secretary presented the annual report forthe year 2013-2014.

Mr. M. Ravichandran Treasurer presented the auditedannual accounts for the year 2013-14.

After getting clarifications for few points raised by members,GB passed a resolution to accept the annual auditedreport.

Annual Budget for the year 2014-15 was also presentedby Treasurer as recommended in the last AGM., theannual budget was accepted by the GB.

Bye law amendments: President presented the proposedAmendments to Bye laws. After due deliberations theywere approved as given below:

SI.No EXISTING BY LAW AMENDED BY LAW

5 Business Hours: 5. Business Hours:09.00 AM to 06.00 PM 09.00 AM to 06.00 PMFrom Wednesday to Monday From Monday to SaturdayTuesday - Holiday. Sunday - Holiday

Clause 10 c II B B. AFFILIATE Member/ Life B. AFFILIATE Member/ Life affiliateaffiliate Member, SEA(INDIA): Member, SEA(INDIA): This non-This non- corporate grade is open corporate grade is open to Safety Serviceto any person with an interest in safety. Providers, and others who are involved in

promoting safety practices.

Clause 10 c II c c. STUDENT MEMBER: The c. STUDENT MEMBER: The non-corporatenon-corporate grade is for students grade is for students undergoing approvedundergoing approved safety courses Occupational Health & Safety Courseswith or without background experience. with or without background experience.(A student member can be upgraded to (A student member can be upgraded to otherAssociate Member or a Member whenever grades of membership as applicable, at thehe / she meets the respective criteria.) end of their studies.)

Clause 11 -1 Membership of the association may be Membership of the association may bewithdrawn from the individual membership withdrawn from the individual memberson disciplinary ground and also on default on disciplinary grounds. Decision takenof subscription for a continuous period of by the Executive Committee will be final.three years.

13 i. PRESIDENT: He will represent the i) PRESIDENT: He will represent theassociation and express the views of the association and express the views of theassociation if required so on various bodies, association if required so on various bodies,organisation etc. He may also delegate the organisation etc. He may also delegate thepowers to any other member of the powers to any other member of theexecutive committee. executive committee. In the absence of

President for a period exceeding 15 days,Vice President will officiate in his place,till President returns back.

13 ii ii) SECRETARY: He will assist the President, ii) SECRETARY: He will assist the President,and keep up office, properties, records and and keep up office, properties, records andrender reports and returns, correspond on render reports and returns, correspond onbehalf of the association and look after the behalf of the association and look after theday to day business of the association. day to day business of the association. In

the absence of Secretary for a periodexceeding 15 days, Joint Secretary willofficiate in his place, till Secretary returns back.

14 viii Serving members in the committee may also Serving members in the committee maystand for re-election. also stand for re-election. However senior

(Contd. on next page)

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members will encourage and give room foryoung and active members to find place inthe committee.

20 i The President, Secretary will be responsible Add: ii) Similarly, in case Secretary isto carryout the day to day administration of unable to attend any administrative work duethe association. In case President is unable to sick, or away from Head quarters, theto attend any administrative work due to sick, Joint Secretary shall carry out the work, withor away from Head quarters, the the assistance of the President.Vice President shall carry out the work,with the assistance of the secretary.

Clause 21 i i) All the members of the association are All the members of the association areGeneral Body members and should attend General Body members and should attendgeneral body meeting with out fail. The annual general body meeting with out fail. Thegeneral body meeting will be conducted annual general body meeting will bebefore the month of June every year. conducted before September every year.

Election of New Office bearers and EC members

GB requested Mr. R. Thiruvengadam to be Election Officer and Mr. Balakrishna Kemburu to assist him. Election forthe post of President, Vice President, Secretary, Jt. Secretary, Treasurer and 10 Executive Committee Members washeld and the and the list of new office bearers is given below:

Mr. S. Ulaganathan PresidentHSE AdvisorHardy Exploration & Prodn. (I) Ltd.Chennai - 600 004

Mr. P. Janardhanam Vice PresidentAddl.Chief Inspector of Factories (Rtd),Chennai - 600 087

Mr. R.Sriram SecretaryIndian Additives Pvt Ltd., Chennai

Mr. N. Radhakrishnan Joint SecretaryEHS Head, L&T, ECC, Chennai

Mr. K.G. Varadarajan TreasurerE H S Manager (Rtd)Audco India Limited, Chennai-89

EC MEMBERS:

Mr. R. Parameswaran EC MemberDy.Chief Inspector of Factories. (Rtd)Chennai-17

Mr. N. Kumar EC MemberHead - HSE L&T Power, Chennai-89

Minutes....(Contd. from previous page)

SI.No EXISTING BY LAW AMENDED BY LAW

Mr. Perumal Manoharan EC MemberPresident-HSE,Sanmar Group, Chennai-86

Mr. M. Ravichandran EC MemberSafety Consultant, Chennai-4

Mr. P. Rajmohan EC MemberSr Manager, H S EToshiba JSW T&G Ltd., Chennai-68

Mr. G.S. Swaminathan EC MemberCorporate HSE Head, Brakes India Ltd.Chennai-50

Mr. P. Subramani EC MemberSafety ConsultantSundaram-Clayton Ltd., Chennai-50

Mr. L. Sukumar EC MemberBHEL, Ranipet-632 406

Mr. K.N. Sen EC MemberHead - HSE-HCP, Chennai-89

Mr. C.A. Sasi Kumar EC MemberHSE Officer - Brakes India LtdChennai

Handing over and Taking over of Office Bearers and Executive Committee members

After handing over of charge by Old Executive Committee Members, Newly elected Executive Committee memberstook charge and thanked the GB for having elected them to the office and assured them that they will strive to dobetter in achieving the objectives of the association.

It was approved by G B that Mr.R.Thiruvengadam will continue to be the Advisor for this term (2014-16). Also, GeneralBody approved Mr. G.M.E.K.Raj to be another Advisor for this term (2014- 16).

Both the Patrons, Dr. Lakshmanan and Mr. Balakumaran will continue as Patrons for this term also.

Vote of thanks: Newly elected Treasurer, Mr. K.G .Varadharajan proposed a formal Vote of Thanks and meeting cameto an end.

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ADVANCED NDT TECHNIQUES &ENHANCED SAFETY

Phased array UT inspectionutilising pulse-echo and / or pitch-catch techniques with volumetricinspection and Time of FlightDiffraction (TOFD) technique. TheUltrasonic sound beams withmultiple angles have beengenerated by phase array time delayconcepts along with multiple groupscan be used to inspect entirevolume of the weld from cap to rootwith high Probability of Detection(POD).

The system is providing an adequatenumber of inspection channels foreach side of the weld and theinspection shall be designed withsufficient beam overlap to ensurethe complete volumetricexamination of the weld throughoutthe thickness in One Line Scan.

Full weld coverage is achieved byplacing phased array probe sets onboth sides of the Weld, by usingmuliplexing method each phasedarray probes generates enoughnumber of appropriate ultrosonicbeams for each zone and also theinstrument is providing a “A” scan,“B” scan, “C” scan and sectorialscan for defect identification andsizing precision and TOFDpresentation with amplitude andtransit distance information whichgives the detailed analysis of weld.TOFD technique primarily used forHigh thickness weld and accurateflaw sizing and nowadays clients arereplacing RT by TOFD for its fastscanning with precise measurementsand not like RT it could notinterrupt any work in all trades.

Mr Sathish Murugan, Advanced NDT Lecturer, TWI Chennai delivered a Technical Talk on “Advanced NDTTechniques & Enhanced Safety” during the 13th Anniversary of SEA India held on June 28th 2014 at Chennai.The salient features discussed during the programme is given for the benefit of the members who could not participatein the programme.

Different scan views, steering andfocusing capability will enable thePhased Array Ultrasonic Testing(PAUT), to cover full volume of theweld with POD & Reliability anddue to enhanced imaging andcompatibility enabled the PAUT &TOFD system to cope with mostexisting ultrosonic procedures andacceptance criteria, because of itscapability to visualise the weldgeometry such as root penetrationand weld cap reinforcement in orderto eliminate the false call rate andto a certain extent quantifyvolumetric defects.

ASME (American Society forMechanical Engineers) has longrecognised phased array systems asan option for ultrasonicexaminations.

ASME Section V recognisedphased array UT as an option tosingle element manual techniquessince the December 1992 addendumwhen it was added as a non-mandatory appendix and identifiedas one of the “computerised imagingtechniques” (CIT’s).

Since then ASME has beendeveloping mandatory appendices toprovide more explicit instructionson the proper use and calibration ofphased array systems for weldinspections.

Eddy Current Technique (ECT)majorly utilised now for surfacecrack detection on conductingweldment and Tube Inspectionduring shutdown period.

The application of ECT widelyencompassing all kind of plantsectors (Oil and Gas, Petrochemicaland Power plants) for inspectingsmall bore tubes in Consensers, Feedwater heaters, Heat exchangers, Airconditioners, Fin-Fan Coolers andBoilers.

Long Range Guided WaveUltrasonic (LRGWU) is a newlyaccepted method for evaluatinginsulated pipes, cased sections, roadcrossing, compressor station piping,buried pipelines, tank dike pipingand most piping systems which aredifficult to access and which in thepast could not be inspectedeconomically.

Guided waves are ultrasonic wavesthat propagate along with thelength of a structure, guided by andconfined in geometric boundaries ofthe structure. Long range ultrasonictechniques have been proven foruse in pipes with diameters from1.5” to 48”. However, the methodsand equipment have been adaptedfor further applications, including:

* Chemical plant: heatexchangers, embedded andcased pipes, storage tanks

* Oil and gas: offshore structures,risers, flow lines

* Automotive and acrospace: oiltanks

* Constructions: bridges, ropes,jetty, sheet piling, rails, chains.

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CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARDS FROM SMALLGASOLINE POWERED ENGINES

Many people using gasoline-poweredtools such as high-pressure washers,concrete cutting saws (walk-behind/hand-held), power trowels, floorbuffers, welders, pumps, compressors,and generators in buildings or semienclosed spaces have been poisonedby carbon monoxide (CO). CO canrapidly accumulate (even in areasthat appear to be well ventilated)and build up to dangerous or fatalconcentrations within minutes.Examples of such poisonings includethe following:

* A farm owner died of CO poisoningwhile using an 11-horsepower,gasoline-powered pressure washer toclean his barn. He had worked about30 minutes before being overcome.

* A municipal employee at an indoorwater treatment plant lostconsciousness while trying to exitfrom a 59,000-cubic-foot room wherehe had been working with an 8-horse-power, gasoline-poweredpump. Doors adjacent to the workarea were open while he worked. Hishospital diagnosis was CO poisoning.

* Five workers were treated for COpoisoning after using two 8 horse-power, gasoline-powered, pressurewashers in a poorly ventilatedunderground parking garage.

* A plumber used a gasoline-powered concrete saw in a basementwith open doors and windows and acooling fan. He experienced asevere headache and dizziness andbegan to act in a paranoid manner.His symptoms were related to COpoisoning.

These examples show a range ofeffects caused by CO poisoning in avariety of work settings withexposures that occurred overdifferent time periods and with

different types of ventilation.Workers in areas with closed doorsand windows were incapacitatedwithin minutes. Opening doors andwindows or operating fans does NOTguarantee safety. CO is a dangerouspoison. Operating gasoline-poweredengines and tools indoors is RISKYBUSINESS.

Recommendations

It is not widely known that smallgasoline-powered engines and toolspresent a serious health hazard.They produce high concentrationsof CO—a poisonous gas that cancause illness, permanentneurological damage, and death.Because it is colorless, odorless, andnonirritating, CO can overcomeexposed persons without warning.Often there is little time before theyexperience symptoms that inhibittheir ability to seek safety. Prior useof equipment without incident hassometimes given users a false senseof safety; such users have beenpoisoned on subsequent occasions.Recommendations for preventingCO poisoning are provided below foremployers, equipment users, toolrental agencies, and toolmanufacturers.

All Employers and EquipmentUsers Should:

* NOT allow the use of or operategasoline-powered engines or toolsinside buildings or in partiallyenclosed areas unless gasolineengines can be located outside awayfrom air intakes. Use of gasoline-powered tools indoors where COfrom the engine can accumulate canbe fatal.

* An exception to this rule might bean emergency rescue situation inwhich other options are not

available—and then only whenequipment operators, assistingpersonnel, and the victim areprovided with supplied-airrespirators.

* Learn to recognize the symptomsand signs of CO overexposure:headache, nausea, weakness,dizziness, visual disturbances,changes in personality, and loss ofconsciousness. Any of thesesymptoms and signs can occur withinminutes of usage.

* Always place the pump and powerunit of high-pressure washersoutdoors and away from air intakesso that engine exhaust is not drawnindoors where the work is beingdone. Run only the high-pressurewash line inside.

* Consider the use of tools poweredby electricity or compressed air ifthey are available and can be usedsafely. For example, electric-poweredtools present an electrocution hazardand require specific precautions forsafety.

* If compressed air is used, place thegasoline-powered compressoroutdoors and away from air intakesso that engine exhaust is not drawnindoors where the work is beingdone.

* Use personal CO monitors wherepotential sources of CO exist. Thesemonitors should be equipped withaudible alarms to warn workerswhen CO concentrations are toohigh or when exceeding the NIOSHCeiling limit for CO of 200 parts permillion.

Employers Should Also:

* Conduct a workplace survey toidentify all potential sources of COexposure.

(Contd. on next page)

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* Educate workers about the sourcesand conditions that may result in COpoisoning as well as the symptomsand control of CO exposure.* Always substitute with lesshazardous equipment if possible. Useequipment that allows for theplacement of gasoline-poweredengines outdoors at a safe distancefrom air entering the building.

* Monitor employee CO exposure todetermine the extent of the hazard.Equipment Users Should Also:

* Substitute with less hazardousequipment whenever possible. Useelectric tools or tools with enginesthat are separate from the tool andcan be located outside and awayfrom air intakes.* Learn to recognize the warningsymptoms of CO poisoning.

* If you have any symptoms,immediately turn off equipment and

go outdoors or to a place withuncontaminated air.* Call local emergency number formedical attention or assistance ifsymptoms occur. Do NOT drive amotor vehicle—get someone else todrive you to a health care facility.* Stay away from the work area untilthe tool has been deactivated andmeasured CO concentrations arebelow accepted guidelines andstandards.* Watch coworkers for the signs ofCO toxicity.Tool Rental Agencies Should:

* Put warning labels on gasoline-powered tools. For example:WARNING—Carbon Monoxideproduced during use can kill – Donot use indoors or in othersheltered areas.* Tell renters that gasoline-poweredtools should NOT be used indoorsand explain why.

Carbon....(Contd. from previous page)

* Recommend safer tools for theintended use if available.

* Have portable, audible COmonitors for rent and encouragetheir use.

* Provide renters with educationalmaterials like this information sheet.

Tool Manufacturers Should:

* Design tools that can be used safelyindoors.

* Provide warning labels for existingand new gasoline-poweredequipment. For example:

WARNING—Carbon Monoxideproduced during the use can kill –Do not use indoors or in othersheltered areas.

* Provide recommendations forequipment maintenance to reduceCO emissions.

* Recommend the use of portable,audible CO monitors with smallgasoline-powered engines.

HEALTH EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE TO THE SUN

Ozone layer depletion decreasesour atmosphere’s naturalprotection from the sun’s harmfulultraviolet (UV) rays. This factsheet provides a quick overview ofthe major health problems linkedto overexposure to UV radiation:

* Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma)

* Premature aging of the skin andother skin problems

* Cataracts and other eye damage

* Immune system suppression

Understanding these risks andtaking a few sensible precautionswill help you enjoy the sun whilelowering your chances of sun-

related health problems.

Did You Know?

Skin cancer is the most commonform of cancer in the UnitedStates.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation fromthe sun and from tanning beds isclassified as a human carcinogen bythe U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services and the WorldHealth Organization.

Skin Cancer

Each year, more new cases of skincancer are diagnosed in the U.S.than new cases of breast, prostate,lung, and colon cancer combined.One in five Americans will develop

skin cancer in their lifetime. OneAmerican dies from skin cancerevery hour. Unprotected exposureto UV radiation is the mostpreventable risk factor for skincancer.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the most serious formof skin cancer, is now one of themost common cancers amongadolescents and young adults of agegroup 15-29. While melanomaaccounts for about three percent ofskin cancer cases, it causes morethan 75 percent of skin cancerdeaths. UV exposure and sunburns,particularly during childhood, are

(Contd. on next page)

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risk factors for the disease. Not allmelanomas are exclusively sun-related—other possible influencesinclude genetic factors andimmune system deficiencies.

Non-melanoma Skin Cancers

Non-melanoma skin cancers areless deadly than melanomas.Nevertheless, they can spread if leftuntreated, causing disfigurementand more serious health problems.There are two primary types ofnon-melanoma skin cancers: basalcell and squamous cell carcinomas.If caught and treated early, thesetwo cancers are rarely fatal.

Basal Cell Carcinomas are the mostcommon type of skin cancertumors. They usually appear assmall, fleshy bumps or nodules onthe head and neck, but can occuron other skin areas. Basal cellcarcinoma grows slowly, and itrarely spreads to other parts of thebody. It can, however, penetrate tothe bone and cause considerabledamage.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas aretumors that may appear as nodulesor as red, scaly patches. This cancercan develop into large masses, andunlike basal cell carcinoma, it canspread to other parts of the body.

Other Skin Damage

Other UV-related skin disordersinclude actinic keratoses andpremature aging of the skin.Actinic keratoses are skin growthsthat occur on body areas exposedto the sun. The face, hands,forearms, and the “V” of the neckare especially susceptible to thistype of lesion. Althoughpremalignant, actinic keratoses area risk factor for squamous cellcarcinoma. Look for raised,reddish, rough-textured growthsand seek prompt medical attentionif you discover them.

Chronic exposure to the sun alsocauses premature aging, which overtime can make the skin becomethick, wrinkled, and leathery.Since it occurs gradually, oftenmanifesting itself many years afterthe majority of a person’s sunexposure, premature aging is oftenregarded as an unavoidable, normalpart of growing older. However, upto 90 percent of the visible skinchanges commonly attributed toaging are caused by the sun. Withproper protection from UVradiation, most premature aging ofthe skin can be avoided.

Immune Suppression

Scientists have found thatoverexposure to UV radiation may

suppress proper functioning of thebody’s immune system and theskin’s natural defenses. Forexample, the skin normally mountsa defense against foreign invaderssuch as cancers and infections. Butoverexposure to UV radiation canweaken the immune system,reducing the skin’s ability toprotect against these invaders.

Cataracts and Other Eye Damage

Cataracts are a form of eye damagein which a loss of transparency inthe lens of the eye clouds vision. Ifleft untreated, cataracts can lead toblindness. Research has shown thatUV radiation increases thelikelihood of certain cataracts.Although curable with modern eyesurgery, cataracts diminish theeyesight of millions of Americansand cost billions of dollars inmedical care each year.

Other kinds of eye damage includepterygium (tissue growth that canblock vision), skin cancer aroundthe eyes, and degeneration of themacula (the part of the retinawhere visual perception is mostacute). All of these problems canbe lessened with proper eyeprotection. Look for sunglasses,glasses or contact lenses if you wearthem, that offer 99 to 100 percentUV protection.

Health effects....(Contd. from previous page)

DISCLAIMER: All information contained in this Journal, were obtained from sources, believed to be reliable and are collated, basedon technical knowledge and experience, currently available with the Editorial Board of SEA (India). While SEA (India) recommendsreference to or use of the contents by its members and subscribers, such reference to or use of contents by its members or subscribersor third parties, are purely voluntary and not binding. Therefore the Editorial Board of this Journal or SEA (India) assumes no liabilityor responsibility whatsoever towards any bad or undesired consequences.

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CELLPHONE - CERTAIN FACTS

A cell phone is a portable phonethat uses a network of “basestations” or fixed antennas, thatallow users to call from almost anylocation. The phones send andreceive radiofrequency signals toand from the base station. Basestation antennas often aremounted on towers, but can alsosit on rooftops, water towers, powerpoles, and other tall structures. Allcell phones are tested according togovernment standards and cannotbe marketed or sold unless theyhave passed these standards. Moreinformation about these standardsand test information for specificphone models is available at theFederal CommunicationsCommission Web site: http://ftp.fcc.gov/marketsense/cellphone-health.html .

What is RF?

Electromagnetic radiation consistsof waves of electric and magneticenergy moving together (radiating)through space. Radio waves andmicrowaves released bytransmitting antennas are one formof electromagnetic energy. Theyare called “radiofrequency” or “RF”energy or radiation. Often the term“electromagnetic field” or“radiofrequency field” is used toindicate the presence ofelectromagnetic or RF energy.

RF radiation should not beconfused with ionizing radiation,such as x-rays or gamma rays. RFfields have lower energy andtherefore cannot cause ionization(potentially resulting in chemicalchanges) in the body. RF fields arenon ionizing radiation.

What is non ionizing radiation?

Non ionizing radiation has lowerenergy and longer wavelengththan ionizing radiation. It is notstrong enough to change thestructure of atoms it contacts butmay be strong enough to heat tissue.Examples include radio waves,microwaves, visible light, andinfrared.

What is ELF?

Another type of non ionizingelectromagnetic radiation isemitted by electric current (such asoverhead power lines or anythingelse with electricity flowingthrough it). This type ofelectromagnetic radiation isextremely low frequency (ELF). RFradiation is much higher frequencythan ELF radiation, even thoughthey are both non ionizing.

Does using a cell phone causehealth problems? Can using onecause cancer?

The possible health effects of RFradiation have been studied formany decades, mostly in laboratoryresearch with animals or cellsamples. Most of these studies didnot consider the types of exposurepeople experience when using cellphones because that technologydid not exist. In the last 10 years,hundreds of new research studieshave been done to more directlystudy possible effects of cell phoneuse. Although some studies haveraised concerns, the scientificresearch, when taken together,does not indicate a significantassociation between cell phone useand health effects.

Since the public continues to beconcerned; there are ongoingstudies being conducted by manyresearchers including the WorldHealth Organization, WHO. Inaddition to investigating theassociation of cell phone use andcancer, other health effects arebeing studied, including effects onthe eyes, sleep and memoryproblems, and headaches. Thestudy results should be complete inthe next 3-4 years and can beaccessed at the following Web site:http://www.who.int/peh-emf/research/rf03/en/ .

Studies have shown that whensome cellular phones are placedvery close to implanted cardiacpacemakers, interference with thepacemaker’s normal delivery ofpulses can occur. For most digitalphones, and for most pacemakersnow in use, this does not have aneffect if the phone is more thanabout six inches from theimplanted pacemaker. Thus theoperation of these pacemakerswould not be disturbed with thephone used in the normal talkingposition.

Do cordless telephones emitradiation?

Cordless telephones work the sameas cell phones. The onlydifference is that the cordlessphone is limited to being close tothe single base unit to which itbelongs, while a cell phone can becarried around all across thecountry because it can connect tothe many base stations that the cellphone system has.

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SAFETY IN ERECTION AND USE OF SCAFFOLDING

Support Structure

To control the risk of a scaffoldfalling or collapsing, employersmust assure that scaffolds are builtwithin OSHA standards relatingto strength and structural integrity.

Access

Workers are most vulnerable tofall hazards when climbing on oroff a scaffold. Therefore, employersare required to provide safe scaffoldaccess. Erectors and dismantlersface additional access problemsdue to the incomplete condition ofthe scaffolding.

Fall Protection

The number one scaffold hazard isworker falls. Fall protection consistsof either personal fall-arrest systemsor guardrail systems, and must beprovided on any scaffold 10 feet ormore above a lower level.

Platform

Except when used only as awalkway, the platform is the workarea of the scaffold. Therefore, aninspection of a scaffold platform

requires safety checks of both theplatform structure and how theplatform is used by the workers.

Keeping Upright

Once a scaffold is built, even if it

(Continued from the last issue) is compliant with every otherstandard relating to footings,structure, capacity, etc., it still willnot provide a safe work platformif it does not remain upright. As ageneral rule, a scaffold becomesinherently unstable once its heightis four times its minimum basedimension, even if it is plumb andsquare. Extreme weather ordamage to structural componentscan also affect a scaffold's stability.

Electrical Hazards

Because they may be built inproximity to overhead powerlines, and because they are oftenmade of metal, scaffolds can putworkers at risk of electrocution.This risk can be removed throughproper clearance andmaintenance.

Personnel Training andCompetent Persons

Critical to scaffolding safety are theuse of competent persons for thedesign, erection/dismantling, andmaintenance of scaffolds, andtrained workers for their use.Therefore, assessing personnelabilities should be a part of allphases of the scaffoldinginspection.

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(Contd. on next page)

OHSE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOLLOWED INMETRO TUNNELING PROJECT

Preamble: Construction is a highlyhazardous industry that comprises awide range of activities involvingvarious sectors of economy, whichincludes industrial and residentialconstruction, bridge and roadway,airport and metros and many more.It includes wide range of activitiessuch as excavations, superstructureerection, demolitions, andtunneling and many more.

Out of all these, undergroundexcavation and tunneling for metrorail project is considered extremelyhazardous since most of theseprojects are carried out in themiddle of busy roads.

Well written procedures andrequirements, increased awareness,improved partnerships andconsultation between oweners,consultants and constructors toidentify, reduce, and eliminateconstruction related hazards, resultsin improved OHS performance inmetro rail projects.

Challenges in constructionindustry, especially in metroprojects: Construction projects inIndia mandate the employment ofhuge numbers of contractual labourand composition of his team keepschanging.

Especially in underground metrotunnelling projects, theunderground excavations near oildbuildings, adjacent disturbances ofmoving traffic, scarcity of space towork freely, round the clockworking hours, pressure ofcompleting the work and using of

huge plants and equipment are bigchallenging and these complexworking conditions poses high risks.

All the above high risk activitiesrequire stringent safety measurescontinuously for safe execution.These high risk activities are bettercontrolled by adopting a significantsafety standard.

OHSE Mangement System: Wellwritten conditions of contract is thekey for developing, implementing,maintaining and monitoring of theOHSE management system. As afirst step, project specific OHSEplan, fire plan, traffic managementplan, onsite traffic managementplan, emergency plan, tunnel safetyplan, tunnel contingency plan,waste management plan and liftplan were submitted and gotapproved by the appointed generalconsultant.

All the above plans should bereviewed once in six months as theproject progresses and are bingsubmitted for approval.

Appointment of personnel: As asecond step, appointment ofspecified number of safety personnelin each stations and tunnels arerequired. Their qualifications,experiences are scrutinised bygeneral consultant and to beapproved by them beforeappointment. Thus suitablyqualified and appropriatelyexperienced safety personnel aremade available at the project sites.

Training: In addition to meetingcompliance with legal provisions,

safety depends on effective trainingfor creating required awareness andcompetency at all levels. Awarenessand training together will helppercolate safe practices toemployees and workers.

General consultant is approving theexternal training agency byscrutinising their trainers’ profilesand the companies experience intraining provisions. Only approvedexternal training agencies areengaged to provide any externaltraining.

Regular external trainings are givenonce in six months for all themachinery operators, liftingsupervisors, riggers and signalmenand thus the project ensurescompetent and qualified operatorsare employed.

External trainings for managementand supervisory staff are beingconducted on weekly basisaccording to the training matrixapproved in submitted EHS trainingplan. Apart from the externaltrainings, site based internaltrainings are also conducted onweekly basis as on date project risk.

Deployment of Plant andEquipment: All the plant andequipments are to be checkedthoroughly for its legal validdocuments before deployment. Roadtax, Insurance, pollution undercontrol certificate, fitness certificateif any, third party inspectioncertificates for lifting machines etcare cheked and allowed to work

Mr V Janardhanam, Chief O H S E Manager, Gammon India Ltd, Chennai delivered a technical talk on “OHSEManagement System Followed in Metro Tunneling Project” during the 13th Anniversary of SEA India held on June 28th

2014 at Chennai.

The salient features discussed during the programme is given for the benefit of the members who could not participatein the programme.

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OHSE Management....(Contd. from previous page)

(Contd. on next page)

after verification and issuance ofsafe to use tag by both P&Mdepartment and EHS department.

One of the important requirementsis that all the lifting machines,lifting equipments and lifting gearsare certified by third party once insix months. This stringentrequirement ensures the safe cranesare being used at project sites.

Deployment of high-risk workforce: Workmen involved in high-

risk work, such as operators, drivers,welders, scaffolders, etc. aresubjected to standard medical testsincluding eye test as perrequirement of regulation. Specificoperators induction are given tothese workers and specializedauthorised operator cards are alobeing given before deploy them inwork.

Public Safety: Specified barricadewith the provision of gates areinstalled all around work areas toprevent unauthorised entries.

External lifting safety training by EHSsolutions to management staff

Mass Tool box talks once in a week to discussthe issues on that week

Regular interval training by EHS personnel atsite.

Entrance gate at tunnel section with safetyinformation

Installing water hose reels in tunnel as perrequirements of regulation

Maintaining waste bins with suitableinstructions in Tunnel access areas

Necessary traffic signage, staff,visitor and public instructions aredisplayed at project entrances togive clear understanding of workareas. Pedestrian accesses arealways maintained and necessarysign boards with dedicated trafficmarshals are engaged to direct andguide the pedestrians.

General Consultant monthlyverification Audit - A ProactiveSafety Check Model: The value ofbenchmarking contractorperformance is a key driver of safetyimprovement efforts. A new

proactive monthly OHSE auditmodel for measurng the safetyperformance is providing essentialfeedback on performance of eachcontractor.

Before each monthly audit, weeklyEHS inspections are carried outjointly by general consultant andcontractors’ safety personnel and bythus continuously eliminatingunsafe conditions and acts are theupbeat preventive measures beyondlegilation.

These regular safety measurementswill yield proactive safety measuresand extensive safety standards.

The “Safe to Use” tag carries theinformation of plant & equipmentcertificates and expiry dates of thelegal documents. The same will bepasted on all the plant andequipment at site to check by allconcerned.

Every month the color of safe to usetag will be changed, so as to ensureit is being checked on monthlybasis.

“Operator Card”: Before allowingpeople to undertake high riskactivities like operating machineriesin the workplace, they must obtain“Operator Card” issued jointly fromthe P&M and EHS department.

The “Operator Card” will be issuedafter verifying the valid documentslike licence, certificate ofcompetency, third party trainingand result of eye test.

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OHSE Management....(Contd. from previous page)

This initiative helps site personnelto ensure only authorised operatorsare operating the machineries.

“Permit to Work Display”: Highlyhazardous activities are controlledby permit to work system. Inconstruction work site this highlyhazardous like hot work, lifting,excavation often mixed up with allother works. Sometimes theconstruction teams take this worklightly and carryout works withoutapplying work permit.

To overcome this issue and confirmthe permits being applied, aninitiative of display of work permitnearby work area is followed in theproject sites.

The number of unsafe acts likeworking without permit will bereduced by this initiative.

CASE STUDY: GAS LEAK IN A STEEL PLANT

Gas Leak in a Steel plant involvingdeath of two Deputy GeneralManagers and six staff members.

WHAT HAPPENED?

A small fault was noticed in thepump house of a steel plant. Suchsmall jobs were used to be givenonly to small contractors in viewof the nature of the job. This timethe management took a policydecision to give all the jobsirrespective of the nature of thejob only to big contractors and theywaited for approval for thisdecision. The result was thatmaintenance work had beenadversely affected.

The header of the pump house thatsupplied water to the gas cleaningplant of the blast furnaces hadruptured. As the water supply tothe gas Cleaning Plant wasstopped, there was a sudden dropin water pressure to the G C P and

the blast furnace gas from thescrubbers entered the water pipeline. The gas reported to be acombination of methane andcarbon monoxide, started leakingfrom the ruptured part of thepipeline. The leakage caused thedeath of six staff members and twoDy General managers who wereattending the breakdown.

CAUSE FOR THE ACCIDENT:

1. No immediate step has beentaken to replace the rupturedheader considering the seriousconsequencial impacts.

2. No suitable gas monitoringalarm device has been installedin the killer gas area.

3. Permit to work system has notbeen followed before attendingbreakdown in the killer gasarea.

REMEDIAL ACTIONSUGGESTED:

1. The seriousness of safety relatedmaintenance work should bemade known to the topmanagement.

2. For attending safety related jobs,procedural delays need to bedispensed off and the job hasto be carried at once.

3. Scientific study of hazards likeHAZOP may be introduced &control action may be taken

4. Preventive maintenanceshould be adopted in all theaccident prone areas.

5. Effective and suitable gasmonitor with alarm systemshould be installed in the killergas area.

6. Permit to work system shouldbe implemented beforeundertaking breakdown inaccident prone environment.

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IN THE NEWS

ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and OHSAS 18000 specifications(OHSAS 18000 is going to become ISO 18000) are under revision.

The key changes:

The introduction of Annex SL, which establishes a consistent structure featuring 10 clauses as well as commonterminology and definitions applicable to all ISO Management System Standards (MSS), is the biggest changeto the ISO/DIS 9001:2014 document.

Other elements that are new in this version of ISO 9001 include:

* organisational context (clause 4),

* knowledge (clause 7),

* the control of externally provided products and services (outsourcing, clause 8) and

* the formal introduction of risk-based approach (several clauses), among others.

What does this mean to your organisation?

The potential organisational impact of ISO/DIS 9001:2014 is dependent upon your organisation and your individualQMS. Factors such as the maturity and complexity of the existing ISO 9001:2008 management system, the existenceof other management systems (such as ISO 14001 or OHSAS 18001) and the organisation's current evaluationand management of risk will all heavily influence the degree of change that your organisation will need to undertakein order to meet these future requirements of ISO 9001:2015.

Mile stones:

ISO/FDIS 9001: 2015 expected to be published in March 2015

ISO 9001: 2005 expected to be published in Sep 2015. (A three year transition period is expected)

ISO has now officially published the Draft International Standard (DIS) for ISO 14001, signalling the next stage ofthe revision process for the world's most widely adopted international Environment Management System (EMS)Standard.

As well as the incorporation of Annex SL, which is the high level structure and common text for all new and revisedISO management system standards, some of the main new requirements relate to the life cycle perspective andthe management of outsourced processes.

ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC207/SC1/WG5, which is responsible for the revision of ISO 14001. "ISO 14001was last revised back in 2004, so we need to future proof it for at least the next 10 years. Some of the mainareas that the Technical Committee has been looking at include taking a broader view on supply and outsourcedprocesses through a life cycle perspective.

ISO/DIS 14001:2014 introduces users to the control of outsourced processes, which relates to the environmentalaspects and risks and opportunities that can be controlled or influenced using a life cycle perspective. Therequirements cover supplier and contractor communications, the design of products and services, and during useand end of life treatment.

There will now be a three month period for public comment on the DIS, followed by a vote on the proposed changes.The revised ISO 14001 is due to be published by the end of 2015 and organisations will have a three-year transitionperiod from that point to migrate their Environmental Management System to the new version on the Standard.

OHSAS 18001 starts journey to become an ISO standard

Since its launch in 1999, OHSAS 18001 - the internationally developed and accepted guidance for OccupationalHealth & Safety Management Systems - has enjoyed worldwide adoption and growth, whilst maintaining its'independence from the International Standardisation Organisation (ISO).

The lack of a Health & Safety Standard from ISO themselves has often triggered the question 'why?' given thatorganisations embarking on triple certification do so primarily to Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety.

However, this is now all set to change: On June 11th 2013 the countries represented in ISO voted to accept anew work item proposal for the development of a new international management systems standard (MSS) for Health& Safety. As a result a new Technical Committee (TC) for developing this new MSS will be formed with the structureof OHSAS 18001 forming the basis for this new ISO standard.

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FACTORY VISITFactories visit to Chennai Metro Rail -Tunneling & Station, Saidapet, Chennaiwas arranged by SEA (India) onSaturday, 10th May 2014. Large numberof SEA (India) members participated inthe visit. The members were taken allround the tunneling site and the safetymanagement system followed at thework site in Tunnel was explained to themembers.

SEA (India) members unanimouslyexpressed their satisfaction on visitingsuch a rare type of site. SEA (India)thank the management for all the arrangement made and the hospitality shown to us.

Group of SEA (India) members and invitees who visited the site

EARTH DAY - 22nd April 2014 (Global theme: GREEN CITIES)

Every year on April 22, over a billion people in 190 countries take actionfor Earth Day – all on behalf of the environment.

Nothing is more powerful than the collective action of a billion people.The campaign aims to help cities accelerate their transition to a cleaner,healthier, and more economically viable future through improvements in

efficiency, investments in renewable technology, and regulation reform.

What is Green Building? Green building, or sustainable design, is the practice of increasing theefficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water, and materials, and reducing buildingimpacts on human health and the environment over the entire life cycle of the building. Green buildingconcepts extend beyond the walls of buildings and can include site planning, community and land useplanning issues as well.

International research confirms that green buildings consume less energy, less water and generateless waste, and create a healthy and productive environment.

OFFSHORE WIND, WAVE, AND TIDAL ENERGY: Offshore renewable energy holds great promise,and can be developed in a way that protects our ocean resources.

Approximately 20% of electricity produced globally in 2009 came from renewable sources. Out of this,hydro-power accounted for about 16%.

WIND ENERGY: Wind energy costs about the same as electricity from new coal- and gas-fired powerplants. And it's pollution-free.

BIOGAS ENERGY: Farmers can reduce pollution and generate their own heat and elec-tricity byconverting animal waste into a clean-burning gas.

SOLAR ENERGY: Inexhaustible and cheaper than ever, solar energy now powers everything fromportable radios to homes, stores and neighborhoods.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY: Reservoirs of steam and hot water beneath the earth's surface holdenormous potential as a renewable energy resource.

HYDROPOWER: Energy from moving water is the largest source of renewable electricity . While wateris a renewable resource, rivers themselves are not.

BIOMASS ENERGY AND CELLULOSIC ETHANOL: Plant materials, such as wood, corn, and soy,account for near-ly half the renewable energy -- but it's not always sustainable.

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