The recent fire outbreak at the Steel Melting Shop-2 of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant has raised serious questions about safety measures and operational protocols within the facility. The incident, which occurred on November 3, resulted in extensive damage to electrical cables and machinery, causing significant disruption to production activities.
The fire, which took emergency response teams more than eight hours to contain, has exposed several operational vulnerabilities within the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited facility. Sources within the plant indicate that the property damage could amount to several crores of rupees, though the management has yet to release an official statement regarding the extent of the losses. This silence from the administration has only fueled speculation and concern among stakeholders.
The incident has brought to light critical issues regarding maintenance practices and safety protocols. According to employee representatives, the fire alarm system, which undergoes monthly inspections, failed to prevent the extensive damage. The situation was further complicated by restricted access points, which hampered firefighting efforts. Steel Plant Employees Union representatives noted a concerning absence of qualified experts during the rescue operations.
J Ayodhya Ramu, a representative of the Visakha Ukku Parirakshana Porata Committee, attributes the incident to human negligence and inadequate maintenance practices. He particularly highlighted the involvement of unqualified contract workers in critical maintenance activities at SMS-2, suggesting this as a contributing factor to the accident. This revelation has sparked debates about the plant's hiring and training policies.
The financial implications of this incident are particularly concerning given RINL's current economic situation. The company, already struggling with significant losses, now faces the additional burden of replacing expensive equipment and cables. This comes at a time when the organization is grappling with insufficient funds for basic raw materials, making the recovery process particularly challenging.
Trade unions have taken a strong stance following the incident. Steel Plant Employees Union representatives, led by secretary E Srinivasa Raju and vice-president U. Maridaiah, have submitted a formal memorandum to the Chief General Manager (Works). Their demands include a thorough investigation into the incident and implementation of stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
The incident has broader implications for industrial safety standards in the region. While the plant has existing safety protocols and monthly inspections, the effectiveness of these measures is now under scrutiny. The event has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of safety procedures, maintenance schedules, and employee training programs across all departments of the facility.
