Instant application of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), timely use of extinguishers and speedy shifting of men and materials formed the off-site mock drill conducted by the Indian Oil, Southern Region Pipelines at Suriyur village near here on Saturday.
Apart from ensuring preparedness of the safety personnel, the two-hour long drill aimed to create awareness among the villagers about safety measures to be adopted during any emergency in coordination with the local panchayat, fire fighting personnel of Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) and Fire Fighting and Rescue department.
Presence of mindThe focus was to arrest incidence of fire accident. The personnel used their presence of mind for right application of equipment. While extinguishers were pressed into service for putting out fire, AFFP was used for dousing the oil fire.
“We first ensure that the area is fire-free zone. AFFP separates air, oil and spark,” said R. Deva Kumar, Deputy Manager, Indian Oil, Southern Region Pipelines.
The instant separation extinguishes fire.
He said that the 683-km Chennai-Madurai crosses 75 major villages en route. The annual mock drill was organised in the villages to sensitise the masses to understand and apply the safety measures instantly. Last year, the drill was organised at Maghizhampadi village near Lalgudi.
K. Santhanam, Deputy General Manager, Saradadevi Ramaiah, village panchayat president and Baskaran, Assistant General Manager, BHEL, were present.
