QRA, HAZOP and ERDMP report preparation at IOCL Chabua AFS

Introduction

iFluids Engineering specializes in the preparation of Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA), Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP), and Emergency Response and Disaster Management Plan (ERDMP) reports tailored for Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Chabua AFS. Our services ensure robust safety management and regulatory compliance, providing clients with the insights and strategies needed to manage risk effectively and prioritize safety.

• Major local and international airlines choose Indian Oil Aviation Service as their primary jet fuel supplier, making it one of the top aviation fuel solution providers in India.
• From the busy metropolises to the isolated airports connecting the vast Indian landscape — from the frigid heights of Leh (the highest airport in the world at 10,682 feet) to the far-off islands of Andaman & Nicobar — Indian Oil Aviation Service refuels over 2,200 flights every dawn.
• Indian Oil Aviation Service has awarded iFluids Engineering to carry out Quantitative risk assessment study for Chabua AFS, Assam.
• The Chabua AFS operation at the location basically involves receipt, storage and delivery of aviation turbine fuel through the Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

The Process Description is as Follows:

• Receipt of ATF from Bongaigaon Installation, Lumding Terminal, Guwahati refinery by tank trucks under normal circumstances.
• Storage of ATF in Semi-buried tanks.
• Distribution of ATF to IAF.

The main objective of this study is to determine the possible risk levels for employees that could arise from the unintended release of hazardous materials from facilities in the event of a loss of containment, and to demonstrate that individual risks are within generally accepted bounds.

Objectives of QRA:

• Risk Recognition and LOC Incidents — Recognizing risks and significant incidents of loss of containment (LOC).
• Heat Radiation Distance Calculation — Calculating the heat radiation distances from jet fires, pool fires, flammable gas dispersions, and overpressure explosions for the physical effects of failure case scenarios.
• Failure Frequency — Evaluation of Failure Frequency.
• Social Risk and Life Loss Quantification — Quantify social risks and estimate potential loss of life.
• ALARP Risk Assessment — Conduct a risk assessment to ensure that the risk can be mitigated according to the ALARP principle, in accordance with the UK HSE risk acceptance criteria.
• Risk-Reduction Actions — To make sure that all hazards are in the ALARP or in the Acceptable area, suggest risk-reducing actions.

QRA Study Results

Location Specific Individual Risk

• The Location-Specific Individual Risk measures the likelihood that an individual, who remains permanently and unprotected at a specific location, may suffer an accident within a year. This risk varies based on the plant’s location. For this study, every Risk Ranking location considered falls within the acceptable risk zone. The Individual Risk (IR) provides an estimate of risk present at each designated location, independent of population density. The study’s results confirm that individual risk for each site and participant at every ranked location is within the acceptable range.

Individual Risk for the people

• The Individual Risk also considers the potential exposure of individuals within the population, indicating acceptable risk levels in designated areas.

Societal Risk

• Societal Risk is defined as the relationship between the frequency and the number of people within a population who may experience a specified level of harm due to specific hazards. The analysis concludes that, for the entire population included in this study, the societal risk remains within the acceptable range.

Study Recommendations Based on the Observations

1. Fire Protection System — Ensure suitable fire protection system is provided as per OISD-117 guidelines.
2. Avoid Ignition Sources — It is recommended to avoid any ignition source during filling operation.
3. Tank Operator Training — Ensure that the Tank operator should be well trained to handle emergency situation as per emergency response disaster management plan.
4. Spark Arrestors on Tankers — Ensure the tankers are fitted with spark arrestors before entering the premises.
5. Emergency Mock Drills — Mock drills to be organized at the Aviation Fuel Station to ensure preparation of the personnel’s working for handling any hazardous situation.
6. Hose Inspection — Ensure each hose shall be visually checked for damage every time prior to use.

HAZOP

The goal of HAZOP research is to manage risks by identifying hazards, estimating the likelihood that an incident will occur in the plant, and assessing the available measures to shield people, property, the environment, and plants from harm.

Objectives of HAZOP:

1. Identify the Hazards in the facility.
2. Determine the cause that will probably result in consequences or an accident at the site.
3. If necessary, offer recommendations in order to reduce the risks present in the establishment.
4. Every now and then, HAZOP finds things that could enhance facility efficiency and unit operations.

• The time and resource requirements of HAZOP are a significant obstacle, particularly for big, intricate, or dynamic systems or processes.
• HAZOP requires a diversified team of experts who must devote a great deal of time and effort to data collection and analysis, scenario creation, risk assessment, and recommendation making.
• Furthermore, HAZOP demands a great deal of communication and paperwork, which can add to the workload and complexity.
• Depending on the scale and complexity of the system or process, a HAZOP can be completed in a few weeks, months, or even years.
• Specific task groups should be given recommendations, and action-based language (check, provide, consider, ensure, and review, for example) should be used to communicate them.
• When the HAZOP team thought the current safeguards were sufficient to control the possible risks identified to acceptable levels, no recommendations were made.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the QRA, HAZOP, and ERDMP report preparation for IOCL Chabua AFS, the study has provided comprehensive safety insights and mitigation strategies that enhance the overall safety management system of the facility. The identification of key hazards, risk assessments, and emergency response plans have contributed to improving safety protocols, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and safeguarding personnel, assets, and the environment. The recommendations offered will guide IOCL in implementing effective risk reduction measures, further strengthening their commitment to operational safety and environmental responsibility.

Why Choose iFluids for QRA, HAZOP & ERDMP Report Preparation?

With extensive experience in safety and risk management, iFluids Engineering offers:

• Expertise in Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to national and international safety standards.
• Customized Safety Solutions: Tailoring reports to the specific needs and operational environment of IOCL Chabua AFS.
• Comprehensive Risk Mitigation: Providing detailed recommendations to minimize risk and enhance safety across all processes.