--: GAIL (India) Limited

Health and Safety

At GAIL, we are committ ed to safeguarding our workforce, communities, customers and contractors and the public at large. We consider health and safety as an integral part of our operations; thus, we strive to improve our safety performance with utmost importance.

The occupational health and safety of every individual who works for GAIL are of paramount importance to us and these att ributes are embedded within our core organizational values. Health, Safety and Environment Policy of GAIL (India) Limited is driven by the Chairman and Managing Director with a commitment to deliver and promote the health and safety agenda, while identifying and resolving risks, and fi nding opportunities to improve the operations. Continuous improvement in our processes, help us in reducing risks to safety, health and the environment. To achieve the same, strong leadership is inevitable.

To achieve ‘Zero Accident’ at the workplace, the Director (Projects) and Director (Business Development) undertake a monthly review of the safety performance. Strategic decisions are also made upon reviewing the safety performance audit reports. As a part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we ensure 100% compliance with the legal and safety procedures. All health and safety topics are formally recognized by the trade unions and suppliers through formal agreements and terms of contracts In addition to this, we provide in-depth training and organise workshops for our employees and contractors and other industry partners to reemphasize safety as our top priority while providing them with world-class facilities.

Corporate HSE Policy

GAIL has formulated an Integrated Corporate Health Safety and Environment Policy. It indicates our commitment to conduct business with robust and integrated health, safety and environment (HSE) management system. The Corporate HSE policy applies to all our employees, contractors, products and services under GAIL’s operational control. It has been revised during the year to give focused approach on Societal Safety, Waste Management and Green Environment

HSE Management System

Our Health, Safety and Environmental Management System (HSEMS) is an integral aspect of our HSE Policy, comprising of 18 elements that form the guiding principles for managing HSE-related risks across all our operational locations. Our HSEMS covers areas including Leadership & Commitment, Operational & Maintenance Procedures, Work Permit Systems, Contractor Safety, Training, Incident Reporting, Investigation and Analysis, Occupational Health, Environmental Management etc. We continually work towards the effective implementation of our HSE Management System to ascertain operational safety. Our Management is committed to provide adequate resources and deploy effective manpower to abide by our HSE Policy and HSEMS requirements.

Responsibility of safety at our operational sites is also lies with Site level Safety Committees comprising of both management and nonmanagement representatives. The committees meet every quarter to review matters pertaining to health and safety performance of respective sites. GAIL has continually excelled in health and safety performance as a result of robust HSE framework, centred around effective and efficient work practices. To develop an efficient HSE framework spanning our operational sites, we carefully identify focus areas that hold the potential for performance improvement and lay out interventions for continuous improvement.

Our detailed approach to HSE Planning and identifying priority areas for action is showcased below

Implementation of the HSE Management System and Safety compliances are measured periodically.

It helps us to maintain the performance standards of the sites. This is achieved by constant monitoring and ensuring the implementation of HSE Management guidelines. To measure HSE performance, an “HSE Score” has been formulated. HSE Score System is periodically revisited to make it comprehensive and relevant with the operations.

HSE Score System is further strengthened by incorporating management governance on compliance of OISD/PNGRB Audits, monitoring of relevant safety compliances through Milestones to ensure the implementation of audit/study recommendations in stipulated timelines, Incident Reporting System (EHSM) and accreditation of Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plans (ERDMPs) for timely submission to OISD/ other Statutory Authorities etc.

This system helps in effective monitoring and implementation of more than 15 elements including Leadership and Commitment, Employees Participations, Work Permit System, Risk Analysis, Maintenance and Inspection of Critical Safety Appliances/Equipment, Occupational Health, Emergency Preparedness, Compliance Audit etc. which gets reflected in the form of increased productivity and morale of all those associated with the business activities. These benefits turn out to be a direct consequence in the reduction of workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses.

Health, Safety and Environment Performance

Safety Performance of GAIL’s Operation & Maintenance Installations is measured through the “HSE Score”, which is evaluated every month, considering the key elements of HSE Management System. GAIL achieved an “HSE Score” of 95.98 against the internal target of 94.5 in the FY 19-20.

Status of the incident reported during FY 19- 20 at GAIL Installations has been categorized in accordance with PNGRB Regulations. An investigation is conducted by a multi-disciplinary committee to find out the root causes and mitigation actions, to prevent reoccurrence.

Level 1 - 05 Nos.
Level 2 - 00 No
Level 3 - 00 No

Out of 05, 02 Nos. of Level I incidents occurred at GAIL Pata site during the year causing human injuries. The first incident reported at LLDPE-II on 8th April 2019 during the waste mineral oil drum shifting process and the second incident occurred at the GAIL Pata site on the 22nd November 2019 during the routine road run test of fire tender (FT04). 100% of accident-affected persons were integrated back into employment after a successful recovery.

HSE Score Implementation in GAIL

10th of every month is observed as “Safety Day” at each O&M site of GAIL. On this day, the officers-in-charge of all installations (OIC) review all the safety-related aspects of their installations under their jurisdiction.
All the 30 GAIL sites submit their annual HSE plan and annual training calendar duly approved by site OIC/ WIC. Based on the annual plan, concerned department in-charge of the respective site shall perform activities as per schedule
The entry of Site HSE Performance by nominated executive preferably by HOD (fire and safety) in GAIL Intranet HSE Score Entry System
Approval of Site HSE performance data by the respective OIC/WIC
Computation of HSE Score by the Corporate HSE Department monthly in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. Accordingly, monthly score report is prepared and submitted for the approval of the competent authority.
The exceptions report on Monthly Safety Day Observations along with the HSE Performance is reviewed at the level of Director. HSE Score achieved by the site is discussed on the Monthly Safety Day at every site, and necessary action is taken for the improvement of the same.
HSE Score earned by sites is also verified by corporate HSE official at sites, periodically

Transport Safety

Transport safety assessment enables us to identify possible risks, injury or harm that can potentially arise during the transportation and distribution of gas. Necessary processes and procedures are put in place to eliminate and reduce the risk to as low a level as reasonably practicable.

Additionally, we also provide support/assistance required for the recovery/cover of inflammable liquid hydrocarbon products due to in-transit accident in the vicinity of GAIL’s supply plant(s) is always rendered by GAILs fire and safety department.

Transport Safety Transportation Safety Initiatives Undertaken at GAIL Sites

Mansarampura

Daily Patrolling of Pipeline ROU by Patrollers along with GPS trackers for monitoring the activity in ROU

Bengaluru

GAIL does door delivery of polymer products to its customers, and for that purpose, Pata Marketing Services Group (MSG) awards service contract to successful transporter bidders through a robust tendering process
Regular monitoring of the consignments being transported by such contracted transporters is done by petrochemical marketing executives posted at zonal offices as well as by personnel of the MSG department of Pata.

Dibiyapur

GAILDibiyapuris a naturalgaspressurebooster station; there the natural gas is transported through underground pipelines, which is one of the safest modes.
PESO approval of Natural gas pipelines is being ensured as per Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989.
Continuous integrity check and health monitoring of pipeline network through established systems as per GAIL’s IMS policy, OISD standards and PNGRB-T4S regulation.
Regular external and internal safety audits are being carried out to ensure the safety and integrity of pipelines.

Pata

Only fit trucks are allowed inside the plant for loading. The trucks are inspected by CISF before entering the plants. On reporting at the bay, the truck is checked for proper flowing. It ensures that there is no jutting object in the trucks, which would damage the bags. An adequate number of tarpaulin cover is ensured at the bay to cover the material.
The material is covered with multiple layers of tarpaulin to protect it from the exposure to elements of nature before it leaves Pata
Stringent penalties are imposed on the transporter for any lapse in the movement of material from Pata to the customers’ premises
Allthe materials in transit are insured
Training is provided to the workers involved in the loading of polymer in vehicle
Road safety / personal hygiene training provided to LHC tanker and truck driver on a regular interval

SAP-based Environment, Health and Safety Management (EHSM) Impacts and benefits of the EHSM SAP

SAP-based EHSM is in place having four major functionalities i.e. Incident Management System, Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis, Management of Change and Safety Audit/Activity Monitoring has been implemented across the GAIL

Safety Audits

Safety Audits are regularly conducted to ensure the implementation of the HSE Management System Guidelines and Emergency Preparedness. These audits are performed by OISD, PNGRB accredited third-Party inspection agencies, other external agencies and our experienced in-house team, in accordance with the applicable National Codes and Standards. Recommendations given during various audits are being complied in a time-bound manner.

Internal Safety Audit (Proactive Audit & Internal Audit-CO) is being conducted by an in-house team to identify the improvement areas with respect to PNGRB and other regulations, OISD Standards, Management Governance etc. Besides, specific Internal Audit on Occupational Health and Environment Management is also being conducted periodically

Employee Safety: Occupational Health, Training, and Emergency Preparedness

Health and Safety Practices for employees including contract workers are primarily driven by Health, Safety and Environment Management System, duly approved by the Director (Projects) and Director (Business Development).

Occupational Health

Occupational health guidelines have also been formulated to give thrust on occupational health. The guidelines encompass various aspects including requirements of occupational health infrastructure at sites, occupational health committees, medical surveillance programs, documentation and analysis of health data and bio-medical waste management, etc. Medical surveillance is carried out to assess the health of employees. Permanent employees are assessed annually for their well-being by conducting occupational health check-ups. Awareness programs are also periodically organized to ensure improvement in lifestyle-related habits. The health score of all the employees is calculated based on the predefined parameters and they are made aware and motivated for improving the same. Cumulative health index for each of the sites is also calculated based on the health score of individual employees for the analysis and improvement of employees’ wellbeing.

Multiple awareness and motivational programs were conducted for employees and their family members at GAIL Installation including Pata, Vijiapur, Jaipur site in FY 19-20. Initiatives covered subjects such as cancer: general awareness and hardship for families, ways to prevent heart disease, lower back pain, joint replacement and pain management, brain stroke, breast cancer, healthy lifestyle, back and joint pain, etc. Experts from Indraprasth Apollo Hospital, Max Hospital, and the Panacea Hospital conducted the sessions

Safety Practices at GAIL

Various other safety practices are undertaken for permanent employees. A few of these are listed below:

BBS Advance has been implemented across the organization to further penetrate the level of safe behaviour for developing the safety culture
A robust work permit system is in place at all our installations to ensure safety during the maintenance works. Job safety analysis is being carried out at all critical jobs to identify the hazards associated with activities and mitigation action taken accordingly to minimize the risk at an acceptable level.
All employees are empowered to report unsafe act, unsafe condition and near-miss through SAP to improve workplace safety
Structured HSE training system is in place. Well-equipped training grounds have been developed for a live demonstration of various scenarios expected to arise within the complex for the training of employees.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) has been prepared for all the hazardous chemicals and for displaying at prominent locations to understand the hazards and their mitigation methodologies
Hazard control hierarchy at the workplace is adopted in accordance with codes and standards. Mandatory personal protective equipment is being issued to all employees. Personal protective equipment matrix has been displayed at the workplace. Enough identified personal protective equipment is made available and its use is ensured.
Automated fire protection systems like gas suppression system for control rooms, a water spray system for hydrocarbon pumps, flanges and piping area, etc. are provided for an immediate dousing of fire at its incipient stage
GAIL has formulated a disaster management plan (DMP) for effectively handling various emergencies at GAIL sites. Role of each employee is clearly defined in the document in case of perceived emergency scenarios. Accordingly, a disaster management subgroup has been formed at the corporate office, primarily for mitigating the crisis without any delay and taking all actions, which are necessarily arising out of the crisis.
To check the effectiveness of the emergency response and disaster management plan for further improvements, during this reporting year, multiple onsite and offsite emergency preparedness drills were conducted.
SOPs that have been prepared for all the important activities and displayed at the workplace. are periodically reviewed to be in alignment with the requirements
Requisite HSE information like codes, standards, guidelines, policies, case studies, etc. are maintained at an intranet or local area network to provide easy access to the employees

Contractor Safety

Contract employees are required to submit a health check-up certificate at the time of joining work under any contractor. Occupational health check-up of contract employees including canteen workers is carried out periodically. Outpatient department (OPD) treatment facility is offered to contract employees at first aid centres. Sensitization on health aspects in daily activities of life is executed for contract employees by conducting lectures on important health topics.

The internal safety training system is in place at O&M installations, where structured HSE training including behaviour-based safety, etc. are imparted to employees and contract workers to upgrade their skills, knowledge and competence, to perform their HSE functions effectively and develop an effective safety culture. Safety training is regularly provided to the contract employees as per the training calendar utilizing various safety training modules. They are also given important toolbox talk before starting of any new work. Contract employees are covered under the behaviour-based safety initiative of GAIL. 100% of contract workers participated in health and safety awareness workshops and training during this reporting year.

Safety Training & Awareness

GAIL's training institute at Noida and Jaipur, impart regular operational and safety training to the employees. Internal Safety System is also in place at O&M installations where structured HSE trainings including Behaviour Based Safety etc. are being imparted to employees and contract workers

HSE Training and Initiatives FY 19-20

2nd Edition of HSE Oil & Gas Conclave on the theme ‘Driving HSE Culture for Building Resilient Organization’ was organized by GAIL on 11th and 12th December 2019 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. Around 400 dignitaries, foreign delegates and experts from across the globe have participated in the conclave to discuss the health, safety and environment measures in the oil and gas industry.
Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) Asia Pacific Regional Technical Steering Committee (TSC) meeting was held on the 6th February 2020 at Jubilee Tower, Noida to deliberate the emerging issues with Process Safety Management
To further penetrate and reinforce positive behaviour, GAIL has launched ‘Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Advance’ focusing on safety leadership, at all O&M Installations. BBS workshops have been organized and handholding is in progress. Four workshops and 33 handholding visits have been organized for successful implementation of ‘BBS Advance’ respectively
Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in accordance with the guidelines of “Sendai DRR framework” and NDM plan of India was formulated and released by Mr. G. V. V. Sarma, Member Secretary, NDMA during the 2nd edition of HSE Oil & Gas Conclave
Emergency response and disaster management plan for City Gas Distribution Networks owned by GAIL was formulated in accordance with PNGRB (Codes of Practices for Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan (ERDMP)) Regulations, 2010
Matching pace with GAIL’s tradition of keeping health and welfare of its workforce a priority, GAIL NCR O&M office organized an interactive health talk session on ‘’Healthy Heart’’ and ‘’Managing Health Through Balanced Diet’’ at GTI Noida Complex on 9th August 2019

Training program on “Emergency Responders & First Aid Training” including Basics of CPR, First Aid, and how to use Automatic External Defibrillators was organized for the employees working in GAIL Vijaipur by M/s Safety Plus on 19th and 20th November 2019, under the guidance of Medical Department GAIL Vijaipur. A total of 38 employees were trained in two batches. The other topics covered under this programme were Choking, Systems of our body, Injuries, Fracture, Wounds and Hemorrhages, Type of Burns and Scalds, Unconsciousness, Poisoning, Animal Bites, Dressings and Bandages etc.
With reference to the directives of Corporate HR Department, GPU-Gandhar organized an external activity on 1st October 2019 on the approach road of GAIL Township in association with Nandelav Gram Panchayat representatives. GAIL Team was led by Mr. S.K.Musalgaonkar, CGM (GPU-O&M) and OIC along with GM (O&M) and some HoDs. The activity of garbage cleaning was conducted on the public road.