RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT

Transcription

1 1.0 HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY All types of industries face certain types of hazards which can disrupt normal activities abruptly. Similar river bed mines also have risks which need to be addressed for which a disaster management plan has been formulated with an aim of taking precautionary steps to avert disasters and also take such action after disaster which limits the damage to minimum. In the sections below, the identification of various hazards, probable risks during the operational phase of the mining, maximum credible accident analysis and consequences analysis are addressed either qualitatively or quantitatively. Risk assessments will help mine operators to identify high, medium and low risk levels. This is a requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act Risk assessments will help to priorities the risks and provide information on the need to safely control the risks. In this way, mine owners and operators will be able to implement safety improvements. The following natural/industrial problem may be encountered during the mining operation. Inundation: Filling of the mine pit due to excessive rains Slope failures at the mine faces or stacks Accident due to fire (in forested areas) As per proposal made under the mining plan the area will be developed by means of opencast mining method. Extraction of minerals is to be carried out by mechanized as well as mechanized mining means. Water table will not be touched during the mining process. No high risk accidents like landslides, subsidence flood etc have been apprehended DEFINE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS To under the environmental risk assessment it is important to familiar both the terms i.e. Risk and Hazard. The definitions of environmental risk are as follows: (a) Risk: Risk is an actual or potential threat of adverse effects on environment arising out of an organization activity. (b) Hazards: Hazard is the potential to cause harm. An environmental hazard is a generic term for any situation or state of events which poses threat to the surrounding environment Objective of Risk Assessment Identifying hazardous activities. Assessment of risk level and severity in different operations. Identification of control measures. Setting monitoring process. Reduce the impact of mishaps of all kinds. Reduce the inherent potential for major accidents. 1.2 Methodology of Risk Assessment The methodology of risk assessment will involve following steps as:

2 Fig. 1.1: Methodology of Risk Assessment Assessment of Risks & Mitigative Measures Hazard Identification Major Risks involved in River Bed Mining are following: 1. River Bed Inundation, 2. Dewatering, 3. Drowning, if any 4. Possible risks due to failure of pit slope & its control 5. Soil Erosion, 6. Blanketing of River bed Suspended organic & Inorganic solids, 7. Uneven/ Irregular mining of sand or bajri 8. Accident due to Vehicular Movement 9. Accident during mineral loading and transportation 10. Failure of machinery Mitigation Measures A. Possible Risks Due to Inundation/ Floods & Its Control Mining will be done during the non monsoon periods; therefore problem of inundation/floods is not likely to happen. There was no incidence of inundation/floods reported from the area so far. River is seasonal hence flows only in monsoon season. B. Dewatering The state government rules permits mining up to depth of 3m or 1m above the water level whichever is achieved earlier. The mining at site will be done till 3m deep only from the surface of river channel

3 whereas the ground water flows at 30 m below surface of river channel. Hence no dewatering is required. During mining, no ground water table will be intersected at all. C. Drowning, if Any There are no possibilities of drowning in the river, mining operation carried out in dry bed only. All mining activities will be stopped during the monsoon season. The mining operation will be carried out under strict supervision of competent person and only during dry season. Deep water zones in the river will be identified and enclosed with barricades. No go zone will be clearly marked and shall be aware to the mine workers. D. Possible Risks Due to Failure of Pit Slope & Its Control Pit will be created of limited depth only i.e. 3m thus the chance of failure of pit slope is marginal. However pit slope of working bunch will be kept under permissible limit which will not be more than 30. E. Soil Erosion There is no top soil in the core zone. No mining will be done within 7.5 m from the either side of river banks to maintain its protection. Mining will proceed along the river in the direction from downstream to upstream in each block. No mining will be done across the river s nalla s. However plantation will be carried out along river banks in safety zone to protect banks and prevent soil erosion. F. Blanketing of River bed Suspended organic & Inorganic solid River Bed mining causes blanketing of River by suspended organic & inorganic solids in overlaying water. Slope stabilization and time to time slope stability monitoring along with slope failure study will avoid this. G. Uneven/ Irregular mining of bajri Due to uneven/ irregular thickness of sand bed, river bed mining may result in ponds to develop. Excessive mining can change River direction & geometry altering recharging capacity of replenishment. Proper management of even excavation will overcome this. H. Accident due to Vehicular Movement and their Mitigation Measures Identifying the hazards that come along with the presence of vehicles at the workplace (e.g. reversing operations, loading) can cause harm if not properly handled. Among some of the factors that may make vehicle accidents more likely are: Rough access roads Time pressure Inadequate brakes (Possibly from lack of maintenance) Carelessly parked vehicles (e.g. being parked on a slope without being adequately secured) Unsafe coupling and uncoupling of trailers, and Untrained drivers Overturning vehicles To avoid such instances we will talk to the workers and their representatives and will involve them in the risk assessment process and tell them what to do, to reduce risk. All transportation within the mine lease area should be carried out directly under the supervision and control of management. The vehicles will be maintained in good working condition and checked thoroughly at least once a month by the competent person authorized for the purpose by the management. Road signs will be provided at each and every turning point up to the main road (wherever required) To avoid danger while reversing the vehicles especially at working place/loading points, stopper should be posted to properly guide reversing/spotting operating. Only trained drivers will be hired.

4 I. Accident during Mineral Loading and Transportation The mineral will be loaded in the trucks mechanically i.e. by Poclain and JCB. There is a possibility of injury to the person during loading operation at mine. There is a possibility of riverbank collapse. There is a chance of falling of animals/human into pits in river bed by overlooking of fenced area near working. J. Failure of machinery Records will be maintained and updated of all the machines used at the mine site. Periodic maintenance and conditioning of the machines will be carried out under expert supervision. Other Possible Measures to Avoid Risks/ Disaster Due To River sand Mining Unwanted material including mineral or spillage (if any) will not be stacked on the banks as it will hinder the flow of water in monsoon season. Every mining block will have clearly identified approach road/ entry points into the rivers-nalla and similarly the exit points. Excavation will be carried out up to a maximum depth of 3 meters from surface of sand deposit and not less than one meter from the water level of the River channel whichever is reached earlier. The minerals will be mined out in a uniform way so that the river flow/course will not be disturbed. River bank areas, under operation will be protected by avoiding unauthorized gravel excavation along rivers as that may cause instability to the river bank. River bank areas, under operation will be protected by avoiding unauthorized gravel excavation along rivers as that may cause instability to the river bank. Only excavated river gravel will be used to deposit against the river bank to form access ramps. Access roads/ramps to river bed will be breached before onset of monsoon to permit unhindered flow of river. The Guidelines issued by Rajasthan State Government Policy Notification No. GSR 27 dated 21 st June, 2012 in respect of mining of bajri will be followed. Mining will be done as per Approved Mining Plan & Progressive Mine Closure Plan Emergency Plan Introduction: The views of the risk that can arise out of the daily various measures are adopted to prevent the occurrence of a major accident. This comprises of: Standard safe operating procedures permit system etc. Training of all the involved staff in normal and emergency operating procedures. Training of all employees in safety, and first aid. Preparation of Plan Communication: Walkies and Talkies are located at strategic locations; internal telephone system would be provided. First Aid: A first aid centre with adequate facilities will be provided. It will be maintained round the clock by a compounder cum dresser and a doctor. An Ambulance will also be provided at site to carry affected people to hospital. Key Personnel: The actions necessary in an emergency will clearly depend upon the prevailing circumstances. Nevertheless, it is imperative that the required actions are initiated and directed by nominated people, each having specified responsibilities as part of coordinated plan. Such nominated personnel are known as Key Personnel. The Key Personnel are Mining Manager Assistant Managers

5 1.3 DISASTERS AND ITS MANAGEMENT The Disaster Management Plan for the proposed river sand mining project will cover hazard identification due to various mining and allied activities, the risk involved due to the hazards and planning the necessary mitigation measures for the same. The following natural/ industrial hazards as follows: Failure of pit slope. Accident due to transportation & other equipment etc Structure of the Disaster Management Plan (i) Outline of Disaster Management Plan The purpose of disaster management plan is to restore the normalcy for early resumption of mining operation due to an unexpected, sudden occurrence resulting to abnormalities in the course of mining activity leading to a serious danger to workers or any machinery or the environment. The following factors will play major role in the management strategy. The disaster management plan may be broadly divided into following steps as: Fig. 1.2: Objectives of Disaster Management Plan (ii) System of Communication Where is an internal communication system for the department head and to their line of command with telephone. The telephone numbers and addresses of adjoining mines, rescue station, police station, fire service station, local hospital, electricity supply agency and standing consultative committee members are also maintained for any emergency requirement. (iii) Consultative Committee A standing consultative committee will be formed under the head of mines manager. The members consists of safety officer/medical officer/asst. manager/ public relation officer/ Foreman/ and environmental engineer. (iv) Facilities & Accommodation Accommodation and facilities for medical centre, rescue room and for various working groups will be provided. (v) First Aid & medical facilities The mine management is having first aid/ medical centre for use in emergency situation. All casualties would be registered and will be given first aid. The centre will have facilities for first aid & minor treatment, resuscitation, ambulance and transport. It will have proper telephone/wireless set for quick communication with hospitals where the complicated cases are to be sent. (vi) Transport services A well defined transport control system will be provided to deal with the situation. (vii) Functions of Public Relations/ Responsibility of Mine Management (a) To make a cordial relation with government officials and other social service organization and working groups.

6 (b) To liaise with representatives of the mine to ameliorate the situation of panic, tension, sentiments, grievances and misgivings created by any disaster. (c) To ameliorate the injured, survivors and family members of affected persons by providing material, moral support and establishing contact with relatives of victims Offsite Emergency Plan Offsite emergency plan defining the various steps to tackle any offsite emergencies which may affect surrounding areas of the project has to be prepared. As per this offsite plan, actions have to be promptly initiated to deal with any offsite disastrous situation, with help of Collector and other officials. 1.4 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS Dry-pit mining by open cast method involves dust generation by excavation, loading and transportation of mineral. At site, during excavation and loading activity, dust is main pollutant which affects the health of workers whereas environmental and climatic conditions also generate the health problems. Addressing the occupational health hazard means gaining an understanding of the source (its location and magnitude or concentration), identifying an exposure pathway (e.g. a means to get it in contact with someone), and determination of likely a receptor (someone receiving the stuff that is migrating). Occupational hazard due to bajri mining mainly comes under the physical hazards. Possible physical hazards are as below mention: Physical Hazards Due To Mining Operations Following health related hazards were indentified due to riverbed bajri mining operations to the workers: a) Light: The workers may be exposed to the risk of poor illumination or excessive brightness. The effects are eye strain, headache, eye pain and lachrymation, congestion around the cornea and eye fatigue. b) Heat and Humidity: The most common physical hazard is heat. The direct effects of heat exposure are burns, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heat cramps; the indirect effects are decreased efficiency, increased fatigue and enhanced accident rates. Heat and humidity are encountered in hot and humid condition when temperatures and air temperatures increase in summer time up to 480C or above in the river bed mining area. c) Eye Irritation: During the high windy days in summer the bajri could be the problems for eyes like itching and watering of eyes. d) Respiratory Problems: Large amounts of dust in air can be a health hazard, exacerbating respiratory disorders such as asthma and irritating the lungs and bronchial passages. e) Noise Induced Hearing Loss: Machinery is the main source of noise pollution at the mine site Medical Examination Schedule To minimize the health impacts PPE like dust masks, ear plugs/ muffs and other equipments will be provided for use by the work personnel. All workers will be subjected to Initial Medical Examination as per Mines Rule 1955 at the time of appointment. Periodical Medical Examination will be conducted at least once in five years. Medical camps will be organized. The detail of health check up and periodical medical examination schedule is given below. Table 1.1: Medical Examination Schedule S. No Activities 1 st Year 2 nd Year 3 rd Year 4 th Year 5 th Year 1. Initial Medical Examination (Mine Workers) A. Physical Check -up B. Psychological Test C. Audiometric Test D. Respiratory Test

7 2. Periodical Medical Examination (Mine Workers) A. Physical Check -up - B. Audiometric Test - C. Eye Check -up - D. Respiratory Test - 3. Medical Camp (Mine Workers - and Nearby Villagers 4. Training (Mine Workers) Note: Medical Follow Ups Work force will be divided into three targeted groups age wise as follows: Age Group PME as per Mine Rule 1955 Special Examination Less than 25 years Once in a Three Years In case of emergencies Between 25 to 40 Years Once in a Three Years In case of emergencies Above 40 years Once in a Three Years In case of emergencies