Heath, Safety & Environment: The three pillars to ensure safe communities and happy stakeholders

At IndianOil, we believe that it is possible to fuel the energy needs of the Nation while also protecting people and the environment. We are committed to conducting business in a manner that is compatible with the environmental and economic needs of the communities in which we operate, and that protects the safety and health of our employees, those involved with our operations, our customers and the public.

IndianOil accords topmost priority to conducting its business with a strong environment conscience, ensuring sustainable development, safe workplaces and enrichment of the quality of life of its employees, customers and community at large. All refineries are certified to ISO:14064 standards for sustainable development as well as for the Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS/OHSAS018001), besides having fully equipped occupational health centres. Compliance with safety systems, procedures and environment laws I monitored at the unit, division and corporate levels.

As India’s leading oil & gas corporate, IndianOil remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in Safety, Health and Environmental (S,H&E) performance. This publication showcases how IndianOilPeople are relentlessly pursuing multiple commitments – at the operations, social and environmental levels – to fully realize IndianOil’s potential as the prime mover of a resurgent India.

Safety Management at IndianOil

IndianOil is committed to safety and demonstrated leadership in the field of Safety, Health and Environment. The Safety, Health & Environment (S, H&E) policy of IndianOil demonstrates this commitment. IndianOil has a well-defined Safety, Health & Environment (S, H&E) Policy that gives direction for various safety, occupational health and environment protection related activities. The safety & fire protection measures at IndianOil encompass a well-sensitised Management, focus on imparting regular training and a culture of safety throughout the Company.

Well-sensitised Management

• Employee Participation: To boost safety consciousness, all the employees and others related to our operation are involved in the safety culture. Safety Committees play vital role in this regard. Representatives of the workmen and officers work together in the Zonal Safety Committees. Safety awareness is enhanced by observance of Safety Day every month, safety performance is encouraged through Safety awards.
• Safety is reviewed in the Local Management Committee Meetings chaired by Unit Head/Installation Head. Functional Directors on the Board of IndianOil review safety performance in the monthly Performance Review Meetings.
• The Board of Directors is appraised on safety performance with regard to implementation of recommendations of External Safety Audit (ESA) and Internal Audits on regular basis. Major incidents and corrective actions taken are also appraised to the Board.

Culture of Safety

• Process hazards are reviewed at all phases of project life by multidisciplinary teams. Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) study and Risk Analysis are carried out to identifify, assess and control process hazards. Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) is carried out for any new unit or facilities and actions are taken to mitigate or minimize the hazards. For new projects, pre-commissioning checks and audits are carried out by multi-disciplinary teams and deviations, if any, are corrected before start up. Also pre-commissioning audit is carried by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) for new plants.
• Mechanical integrity of equipment/ system is ensured through condition monitoring, periodic inspection and preventive/predictive maintenance for reliable and safe operation.
• All incidents are investigated with the objective of learning and to avoid repetitive shortcomings. Recommendations are implemented in time bound manner. All jobs in the plants are carried out through a systematic Work Permit System to ensure that safety precautions are taken in line with the norms of Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD).

Keen focus on training

• Operating manuals are updated periodically to ensure integrity of procedure. Use of proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is enforced. Strict supervision is maintained by Fire & Safety Personnel/site supervisors regarding compliance of permit conditions and use of PPE.
• Before award of any job, a commitment is taken from the contractor to comply all HSE parameters during execution of any work.
• Inclusion of guidelines on safety in the tendering stage itself like General Conditions of Contract (G.C.C)/ Special Conditions of Contract (S.C.C) ensures safety standard during execution of the contract.
• It is ensured that the contractor provides adequate means and establishes a suitable programme on safety & health for workers consistent with National/State laws and regulations. OISD guideline OISD-GDN-192 on “Safety Practices during Construction” forms a part of the tender document. The objective of this guideline is to provide guidance on technical and educational framework for safety & health in construction.

Fire-fighting

• IndianOil has an elaborate fixed as well as mobile firefighting equipment and system backed by dedicated fire fighting crew to take care of emergencies/eventualities. A well-structured Emergency Management Plan at each location is in place to meet these requirements. System effectiveness is ensured through regular mock drills.
• Fire fighting/ protection facilities are designed as per Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) norms which are based on reputed international codes like American Petroleum Institute (API), USA, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), USA, Institute of Petroleum (IP), UK etc as well the industry experience.
• Water spray system/ sprinklers are provided in vulnerable areas like storage tanks, columns and hot pumps. Semi-fixed foam system has also been provided in storage tanks storing crude/petroleum products. Hydrocarbon detectors are provided in vulnerable areas of all installations including LPG locations for early leak detection.
• Emergency Response Disaster Management Plans (ERDMP) as per PNGRB guidelines are in place for all installations. Agreements are in place with neighbouring industries and District Authorities for Mutual Aid. On-site and Off-site Disaster drills are conducted as per calendar.
• To ensure effectiveness of all the component of our safety system and activities, the following audit systems are in place:
  • Internal Safety Audit by multi disciplinary teams
  • External Safety Audit by OISD
  • Surprise Safety Check by OISD.
  • Surprise Inspection by Senior Indian oil officials