PVUNL Conducts Chemical Safety Mock Drill to Test Response to HCl Release

Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (PVUNL) conducted a chemical safety mock drill at its plant to assess emergency preparedness, safety procedures and the effectiveness of its disaster management arrangements.

The exercise simulated an emergency involving the release of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the bulk storage/acid tank area of the Demineralisation (DM) Plant.

The mock drill began at 11:53 a.m. and was successfully completed at 12:25 p.m. after the designated emergency response and safety procedures were carried out.

As part of the exercise, a scenario involving a person coming into contact with the chemical was also simulated. The person was provided immediate first aid and taken to Patratu Hospital for necessary medical assistance. After receiving treatment, the person was discharged from the hospital.

CISF personnel and PVUNL employees actively participated in the drill. Various response teams practised procedures related to emergency response, safe evacuation, medical assistance and coordination among the agencies involved.

The exercise was aimed at testing the plant's ability to respond quickly and effectively to a chemical emergency, strengthening safety awareness among employees and improving coordination between different response teams and agencies.

PVUNL management said safety remains the top priority at the plant and that such mock drills are conducted regularly to assess, test and strengthen preparedness for emergency situations.

The exercise also provided an opportunity to identify potential gaps in emergency response mechanisms and reinforce established safety protocols before an actual emergency occurs.