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20250520_CSR

The document outlines the concept and necessity of Emergency Response Centers (ERCs) in the Indian oil and gas sector, emphasizing their role in effectively managing major emergencies such as fires and explosions. ERCs are proposed as centralized hubs to enhance coordination, response time, and safety during catastrophic incidents, addressing the shortcomings of current firefighting arrangements. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is urged to take proactive measures to implement ERCs, which have been recommended for over a decade, to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
17 views18 pages

20250520_CSR

The document outlines the concept and necessity of Emergency Response Centers (ERCs) in the Indian oil and gas sector, emphasizing their role in effectively managing major emergencies such as fires and explosions. ERCs are proposed as centralized hubs to enhance coordination, response time, and safety during catastrophic incidents, addressing the shortcomings of current firefighting arrangements. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is urged to take proactive measures to implement ERCs, which have been recommended for over a decade, to improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

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sachin.24pgdm101
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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You are on page 1/ 18

A Concept Note on

Emergency Response
Center (ERC)

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board

Hirak Dutta Yuvraj Singh Rathore


TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ____________________ 3
Introduction ___________________________ 4
Emergency Response Center (ERC) _______ 5
Details on ERC ________________________ 9
PNGRB’s Perspective on ERC ___________ 10
ERC in clusters _______________________ 11
Equipment Details for ERC _____________ 14
Operationalizing ERC__________________ 15
Modalities of ERC _____________________ 16
Conclusion ___________________________ 18

2|Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Emergency Response Centers (ERCs) are critical infrastructure designed to provide swift,
organized, and effective responses to emergencies within the oil and gas sector. These centers
act as the command-and-control hubs during major fire incidents and in particular Level -3
emergency scenario where the off-site impact of such major incident is likely to affect public,
property and damage to the environment both inside and outside the installation. By
centralizing response capabilities, ERCs ensure timely mobilization of trained personnel,
specialized equipment, and coordinated communication among stakeholders, thereby
minimizing risks to life, property, and the environment.

The concept of ERCs is widely recognized as a global best practice. Many countries with
mature energy sectors such as the United States (RTFC and NRC), the United Kingdom
(ESRC), and Australia (AMOSC) — have institutionalized ERCs as part of their national
energy and disaster preparedness strategies. The widespread international adoption of ERCs
reflects their critical role in enhancing resilience, safety, and continuity within high-risk
energy operations.

Compared to existing fire-fighting arrangements in India, which are predominantly managed


independently by individual entities, ERCs offer a more structured and reliable alternative.
While existing systems are serving their purpose, it has been seen that in case of a catastrophic
incident (Level - 3), in-house firefighting systems may get incapacitated leading to an
increase in response time and its effectiveness in extinguishing the fire. In contrast, ERCs
ensure faster, coordinated action with standardized operating procedures, trained emergency
personnel and centralized oversight. ERCs will not just have fire-fighters but fire-commandos
who will strive to ‘kill the fire’.

To implement ERCs effectively, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)
need to take a proactive leadership role which may include the issuance of guidelines /
regulations defining the structure, scope, and operational mandates of ERCs. PNGRB could
also monitor regular audits including mock-drills and emergency response drills to ensure
readiness and operational efficiency of the ERCs. As the issue of ERCs have been pending
for more than one and a half decade, it would be in the fitness of things for PNGRB to step
in and take conclusive step to settle this decade long pending recommendation of the MBLC
Report.

3|Page
INTRODUCTION
The Indian Oil & Gas Sector has been exponentially increasing in size and reach over the last
few decades in both public and private domain. It involves upstream exploration and
downstream transportation, refining, and distribution, each with its own operational
challenges. The sector is prone to various hazards, including fire outbreaks, gas leaks,
explosions, and environmental risks due to the volatile nature of petroleum products.
Additionally, aging infrastructure, human errors, and further increase safety concerns.

History of Incidents: In 2023-24, there were 55 major incidents resulting in 34 fatalities,


compared to 41 incidents with 28 fatalities in 2022-23 and 35 incidents with 22 fatalities in
2021-22. Despite the industry's best efforts, both the number of major incidents and fatalities
continue to rise, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures.

Jaipur Terminal Fire: October 29, 2009, witnessed a massive fire incident at the Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC) fuel depot in Sanganer, Jaipur, after MS leak from a pipeline leading to
an explosion and major fire. The fire raged for over 11 days, causing widespread destruction,
killing 11 people, injuring over 150, and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents.
The fire caused massive financial losses, with damages estimated at ₹280-₹300 crore due to
the destruction of fuel stocks and infrastructure. The incident highlighted major lapses in
safety protocols and led to significant reforms in petroleum storage and handling regulations
in India.

Aftermath of Jaipur Incident: In the aftermath of the incident, MoPNG constituted a seven-
member independent inquiry Committee headed by Shri M. B. Lal on 30.10.2009 to inquire
into the incident at IOCL Jaipur. M B Lal Committee made 118 Recommendation to be
implemented at Oil installations. One of them was setting up of ERCs which is yet to be
implemented. M B Lal Committee (MBLC) vide clause no. 10.6(d) has given
recommendation of setting up ERC in India which can handle large oil fires with specialized
resources & expertise available with them. The recommendation is quoted below:

“Wherever there is a cluster of terminals of different companies,


an Emergency Response Centre equipped with advanced
firefighting equipment viz. fire tenders and trained manpower shall
be considered on cost sharing basis or on outsourcing basis.”

4|Page
EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTER (ERC)
The oil and gas industry handles highly flammable and potentially explosive materials,
creating inherent risks of fires, explosions, and spills. These incidents can have far reaching
severe consequences, including loss of life, loss of property, environmental damage, and
economic disruption including disruption in supply of petroleum products. In the event of an
emergency, a coordinated response is crucial for effective incident management.

ERC acts as a central hub for coordinating the efforts of various stakeholders, including on-
site personnel, emergency services, and regulatory authorities. The critical and vast
infrastructure of the country coupled with an increasing number of major incidents
necessitates setting up of ERC.

Working of ERC:

An Emergency Response Centre (ERC) is a specialized facility dedicated to providing


immediate assistance during major emergency situations which otherwise could lead to
catastrophe. The philosophy of ERCs is only plausible in case the fire is doused in 30-40 mins
in case of a Level - 3 Emergency.

Current infrastructural augmentations in Marketing terminals of oil & gas industry including
pipeline terminals are equipped to handle Level - 1 and Level - 2 emergencies. In case of
Level - 3, the extant system will only be able to ‘save remnants and not kill the fire’ before it
causes significant damage to People, Assets and Environment.

➢ Level - 3 is an emergency or an incident with off-site impact which could be


catastrophic and is likely to affect the population, property and environment inside
and outside the installation, and management and control is done by district
administration.
➢ Examples of Level - 3 emergencies include Full Surface Fire, Rim Seal Fire, Tank
Explosions, etc.

5|Page
ERC in High Level Expert Committee Report:

PNGRB constituted High Level Expert Committee deliberated extensively on the concept of
ERC and held presentation with BPCL wherein they emphasized that the basic tenet of
making ERC services available after 6-8 hours is unacceptable considering that major
damage in terminal infrastructure would have taken place during the above period.

The Committee recognized that while refineries are resourceful enough to handle exigencies
(firefighting capability of almost 4 hours with current setup), marketing/pipeline terminals
do have constraints particularly to handle major fires in large diameter crude oil/product
tanks, including exigencies at odd hours and thus there is a need to augment resources to
handle such exigent situation(s) to prevent catastrophe.

The HLC Committee recommended reviewing the extant ERC philosophy for response time,
cost effectiveness and coverage while recognizing the fact that while refineries are fairly
equipped to handle major emergencies, availability of resources in Marketing and Pipeline
Installations needs to be reviewed and augmented.

Emergency Response Centers Worldwide:

• ERC in USA: Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC) also known as “Fire
Company,” was established in 1948, in the wake of the Texas City, Texas disaster, and
today is the largest non-profit industrial firefighting group in the United States. The
Fire Company’s goal was to provide fire department services to The Port of Corpus
Christi and the related refining and petrochemical port industries. RTFC currently
protects over 60 individual facilities owned by 13 different corporations. They operate
as a “cooperative” company as the Fire Company is funded by its members. The
Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC) through the unique concept of ownership by
its members, provides state-of-the-art industrial fire protection, prevention, inspection,
hazard mitigation, training services, in-plant services and technical support services.
As a company, RTFC has responded to thousands of fires, hazardous materials
releases, rescues and medical emergencies throughout the oil, petrochemical, pipeline
and port facilities of its members.
Refinery Terminal Fire Company (RTFC) functions as a cooperative entirely owned
by industrial membership. Membership fees, in the form of an annual assessment, fund
the Emergency Response Services (ERS). With over 74 years of experience in
industrial emergency response, the Emergency Response Teams (ERT) have covered
over 300 fires and emergencies throughout the oil, petrochemical and pipeline
infrastructure of its members. Most of RTFC’s officers have responded to at least 12
petroleum storage tank fires.

6|Page
• ERC in UK: The Emergency Response Service Centre (ERSC) operated by
Petrofac in the United Kingdom is a state-of-the-art facility based in Aberdeen,
specifically designed to provide 24/7 emergency support to the energy sector.
Established in 2006, the ERSC offers critical services such as incident coordination,
communications support, and logistics management during offshore and onshore
emergencies. ERSC is online 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year, and
currently supports 49 clients and multiple assets. Staffed by trained emergency
response professionals, the center follows industry best practices and provides
integrated safety and crisis management services.

Some other Emergency Response Centers across the globe includes National Response
Corporation (NRC) – United States, LUKOIL Emergency Response Center – Russia,
Australian Marine Oil Spill Centre (AMOSC) – Australia, etc.

History of directions / advisories from MoPNG on ERCs:

1. In 2014, Two Member committee of OISD & IOC visited USA to study ERC at M/s.
RTFC, Corpus, Christi, Texas. Experts from M/s RTFC, USA also visited installations of
Indian Oil Companies

2. In 2015, OISD invited American experts to visit Indian facilities and RTFC submitted
report to industry committee & OISD which was presented before MOP&NG. JS(R)
advised OISD to constitute a committee with representation from Oil & Gas industry to
investigate the modalities of setting up ERCs in the country.

3. In 2016 in a meeting under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (R), it was decided that
five pilot projects on ERC may be set up one by each of the OMCs – at Jaipur (IOCL),
Vizag (HPCL), Manmad (BPCL), Hazira (ONGC) & Guna (GAIL) on the land owned by
them at one of the 22 locations identified by the earlier committee.

BPCL was appointed as Industry Coordinator and on behalf of industry obtained an offer
from M/s EIL to undertake the PMC job. M/s EIL has quoted very high.

4. In May 2017, MOPNG took decision to float a Global Tender of Consultancy for this 5
pilot ERC’s. The tender floated failed to elicit any response even after extending due date.
Therefore, considering the experience gained during this global tender, the third global
tender was released on 20.12.2018 by industry coordinator BPCL, allowing bidders to
quote by forming JV / Consortium.

7|Page
5. In 2019, Four bids were received against the subject tender, offer by consortium of M/s
Tata Consulting Engineering limited and M/s Falck Fire Consulting Limited, UK was the
only bid who met the BQC criteria, and their bid was technically qualified. Industry
committee obtained approval for the same from their respective Tender Committee.

6. In 2021, post covid, M/s Tata Consulting Engineers and M/s Falck Fire Consulting Limited
UK finally accepted the LOA and submitted BG for security deposit on 11.06.2021.
Subsequently, individual POs were released by all OGMCs.

7. In 2022, the DFR study by the consortium of M/s Tata Consulting Engineers and M/s Falck
Fire Services, UK was presented to JS(R), MoPNG, and OISD for setting up of Manmad
ERC. The same was submitted to all OGMCs.

8. In 2024, IOCL Board did not accept the proposal as the time for dousing the fire /
firefighting was too high (5-6 hours) which defeats the purpose of ERC.

9. On 7th Feb 2025, MOPNG formed a new committee consisting of all the EDs of OMC
headed by Mr. M. K. Surana, ex-CMD of HPCL with the mandate to review evaluate
options / alternatives including ERC to improve firefighting responses in Oil & Gas
installations and submit the report within 2 months.

10. Directorate General Fire Service, Civil Defence & Home Guards wrote to MoPNG on 11th
February 2025 urging them to take suitable action to expedite the establishment of ERCs,
thereby enhancing the hydrocarbon sector's resilience to emergencies and safeguarding
lives property and the environment.

8|Page
DETAILS ON ERC
An Emergency Response Centre (ERC) is a critical facility designed to respond to
catastrophic incidents, such as fires, explosions, or spills, at petroleum terminals. The ERC
serves as a centralized command center for emergency response operations, ensuring a swift
and effective response to minimize damage and protect people, the environment, and assets
by killing the fire within 30 minutes time from the start of fire.

Key Functions of an ERC:


1. Emergency Notification and Alert System: Receives and processes emergency
alerts, notifications, and calls from various sources.

2. Incident Assessment and Response Planning: Quickly assesses the situation,


identifies potential risks, and develops a response plan.

3. Resource Mobilization and Coordination: Mobilizes and coordinates emergency


response resources, including personnel, equipment, and services.

4. Communication and Collaboration: Facilitates communication and collaboration


among site Chief Incident Controller (CIC), other response teams, stakeholders, and
regulatory agencies.

5. Training and Exercises: Conducts regular training and exercises to ensure response
teams are prepared and equipped to handle emergencies.

Benefits of an ERC:

• Enhanced Response Time: Enables rapid response to emergencies, reducing the risk
of escalation.

• Increased Coordination and Situational Awareness: Provides real-time


information and analysis to support response efforts.

• Better Decision-Making: Supports informed decision-making through data analysis


and expert advice.

• Reduced Risk: Minimizes the risk of incidents, injuries, and environmental damage.

9|Page
PNGRB’S PERSPECTIVE ON ERC
As the M B Lal Report highlighted consideration of ERC wherever there is a cluster of
terminals of different companies, it is recommended that an Emergency Response Centre
(ERC), equipped with advanced firefighting apparatus such as fire tenders and supported by
trained personnel, be established in locations where Oil Marketing Companies have adjoining
terminals, installations, or facilities, and where the combined oil storage capacity exceeds
150,000 KL. Given the elevated risk of fire and the potential for significant loss of life,
property and damage to the environment in and around such high-capacity clusters, these
areas should be prioritized in the Phase–1 of implementation along with augmentation of
fire-fighting facilities for isolated installations whose individual storage capacity is more than
100,000 KL. For clusters with a combined capacity below 150,000 KL, ERCs may be
developed in a phased manner based on risk assessment and operational priorities.

The ERC shall essentially contain advanced firefighting equipment, viz., very high-volume
long-range (HVLR) monitors with a variable capacity between 4,000 - 6,000 / 6,000 - 8,000
GPM with allied accessories like large diameter hose, foam tank, transportation vehicle, etc.
These high volume HVLRs can extinguish / kill the fire at the initial stage of emergency
effectively.

As mentioned earlier to douse the fire in 30 mins max, the installations must be strategically
divided into clusters and respective ERCs must be set up catering to their own cluster. These
cluster-based ERCs can be either outsourced or be on cost-sharing basis.

Apart from marketing terminals, the necessity of Emergency Response Centers (ERCs) for
major crude pipeline terminals is equally critical, given the inherent risks associated with
transporting large volumes of crude oil over long distances. A damaged crude pipeline
terminal can severely disrupt the supply chain to major refineries, leading to widespread
consequences for both the energy sector and the economy. If a fire occurs in a major pipeline
terminal—whether due to a rupture, leakage, or other failure—refineries relying on that
supply may be forced to halt production. Moreover, the ripple effects of such an interruption
can extend beyond the immediate area, leading to cascading disruptions in supply chains and
economic activity across the nation.

For example, a failure of a crude pipeline terminal in the west coast — designed to transport
crude to the critical installations in the North and Central region of the country — would halt
their operations entirely, creating energy disruption and exacerbating national fuel supply
deficits.

10 | P a g e
ERC IN CLUSTERS
Cluster Mapping (Based on Location):

Locations Industry wise


Type Criteria Clusters (Nos.)
covered (Nos.) Breakup

Contiguity IOCL - 61
Clusters Locations that are
60 154 HPCL - 44
Adjoining
(CC) BPCL - 49
Scattered IOCL - 11
Clusters Locations within
9 26 HPCL - 07
5-8 km Radius
(SC) BPCL - 08
Distant Locations are separated IOCL - 19
Location by a distance of 90 90 HPCL - 48
(DL) more than 20 km BPCL - 23
IOCL - 91
Total 159 270 HPCL - 99
BPCL - 80

Cluster Classification (Based on Cumulative Tankage):

No. of Contiguity No. of Scattered No. of Distant


Tankage Capacity
Clusters (CC) Clusters (SC) Locations (DL)

Less than 50T KL 22 02 29

50T to 1 Lakh KL 16 00 16

1 Lakh KL to 10 03 02
1.5 Lakh KL
1.5 Lakh KL to 03 01 01
2 Lakh KL

Above 2 Lakh KL 09 03 03

60 09 51
TOTAL

11 | P a g e
Risk Categorization of Clusters (Based on Cumulative Tankage & Operations):
Probability
of event Impact No. of
Type of Risk
Tankage getting (L-3 Priority Contiguous
Operation Rating1
converted Emergency) Clusters
to Disaster
Less than TWF 2,
3 4 12 P3 22
50 TKL TLF 3

50 TKL to
TWF, TLF 3 4 12 P3 17
1 Lakh KL
1 Lakh KL
TWF, TLF, P2 10
to 1.5 Lakh 4 4 16
PLT 4
KL
1.5 Lakh
TWF, TLF, P1 3
KL to 2 4 5 20
PLT
Lakh KL
Above 2 TWF, TLF, P1 9
5 5 25
Lakh KL PLT

A Standard Risk matrix is illustrated below:

1
Risk = Probability x Impact
2
Tank Wagon Filling
3
Tank Lorry Filling
4
Pipeline Transmission

12 | P a g e
Cluster details for setting up ERCs:

The clusters as mentioned below are being proposed for setting up of ERCs based on their
combined oil storage capacity as well as the risk rating of the installations.

Combined Cluster Details


Storage No. of Installations
Name of Number of
Tank
Clusters IOCL HPCL BPCL Clusters
Capacity
1.5 Lakh Panipat 1 - 1
KL to 2 Jalandhar 1 1 1 3
Lakh KL Irumpanam 1 1 1
Kandla 1 1 1
Manmad 1 1 1
Vizag 1 1 1
Pune 1 1 -
Above 2
Ennore 2 1 1 9
Lakh KL
Sewree 3 1 1
Vijaywada 1 1 1
Paradeep 1 1 1
Manglia 1 1 2
Total Propose Clusters in Phase - 1 12

Apart from these clusters,

i. ERCs may also be set up near major crude pipeline terminals as enumerated
before in Phase - 1.
ii. ERCs may also be set up in a phased manner at installations and clusters (P2
/P3) where quantitative risk analysis indicates the need for such
countermeasures.
iii. Where there is an isolated marketing terminal of capacity more than 1 Lakh KL,
capacity augmentation may be done based on the risk analysis.

13 | P a g e
EQUIPMENT DETAILS FOR ERC
▪ Static Firefighting facilities for the purpose of ERC in Clusters

1. Water Tank including piping, Manifold, Valves etc. (10000KL water tank cap)
2. Foam ARFFF (quantity in line with HVLR)
3. Foam Containers of 500 L capacity (Portable)
4. Civil works including boundary wall, admin building, gate, toilets including tools and
tackles etc., including DG Sets

▪ Mobile Firefighting facilities for the purpose of ERC in Clusters

5. Pumping arrangement (Portable Pumps required – 4000 – 6000 / 6000 - 8000 GPM)
with vehicle
6. Mobile HVLR (UL/FM listed variable flow of 4000 - 6000 / 4000 - 8000 GPM) with
vehicle
7. Hose Rolling and flaking vehicle including Hose pipes
8. Transportation vehicle for other equipment and manpower including utility and First
aid
9. PPEs for all workmen including buffer stock including SCABA sets and Proximity
suits, Entry Suits etc.
Along with these equipment5, Trained Manpower will also be required for operating the
ERCs including 5 personnel in each shift including firemen, operating staff, coupled with
communication facilities etc. Experienced manpower of the installations must also be trained
to work with ERC to ensure coordinated emergency response.

Equipment of an Emergency Response Center

5Note - The aforementioned equipment and manpower are tentative. The actual list of equipment and personnel to be
estimated based on risk analysis and individual cluster requirements.

14 | P a g e
OPERATIONALIZING ERC
The operational mechanism of an ERC is designed to ensure a swift and effective response
to emergencies, minimizing damage and protecting people, the environment, and assets. The
steps involved are:

▪ Emergency Notification and Alert

The ERC receives emergency notifications from various sources, such as alarm
systems, phone calls, or messages including site Chief Incident Controller and notifies
the response team and other stakeholders on the emergency.

▪ Incident Assessment and Response Planning

The ERC's incident commander conducts an initial assessment of the situation to


determine the severity of the incident and develops a response plan, including the
mobilization of resources, personnel, and equipment.

▪ Resource Mobilization and Coordination

It mobilizes necessary resources, including personnel, equipment, and services and


coordinates with response teams, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies to ensure a
unified response.

▪ Communication and Collaboration

It establishes communication with all the above stakeholders and facilitates


collaborative process to mitigate the emergency.

▪ Training and Exercises

It provides training and conducts exercises to test response plans, protocols, and
equipment. It also provides training to the plant personnel of the cluster along with
participation in periodic mock drills.

▪ Debriefing

The ERC conducts debriefing sessions after each incident to identify lessons learned.
It implements changes and improvements to response plans, protocols, and equipment
based on lessons learned.

15 | P a g e
MODALITIES OF ERC
As proposed, ERCs can be established on land owned by one of the OMCs within the
identified clusters and may operate either on a cost-sharing basis or through complete
outsourcing. Additionally, ERCs can be set up for critical crude pipeline terminals. Any ERC
established should be accessible to both public and private entities.

The philosophy of setting up of ERCs in Clusters (mother locations) i.e. design of each ERC
(equipment and manpower) should be based on the specific cluster it will cater to. For stand-
alone installations with higher tankage capacity, the current fire-fighting facility can be
augmented with high capacity mobile HVLRs or an ERC may be set-up based on the need
and the availability of other public and private petroleum installations in the vicinity who can
subscribe to the ERCs making it commercially viable. Regular training and mock drills must
be conducted in the ERCs to keep them operationally ready and the personnel well-prepared
ensuring prompt response in case of an emergency.

PNGRB can play a key role in implementing ERCs as PNGRB has the legal mandate to
oversee the safety of the entire downstream oil and gas industry through its Technical
Regulations. Assessment w.r.t critical requirements (equipment and manpower) for ERCs to
effectively serve various segments of the Oil & Gas industry would have to be undertaken
for incorporation into existing relevant PNGRB Regulations / formulation of new
Regulations.

ERC - An insurance for the Energy Sector:

An Emergency Response Centre (ERC) is like an Insurance policy which safeguards


assets. Upon subscribing, one is not paying for emergencies to happen but to have
assurance in case of any emergencies.

The modalities are similar to subscribing to an Insurance Policy as under:

• You pay an annual or monthly subscription fee.


• You hope you'll never have to use it.
• But if a crisis does strike—a fire, spill, explosion, or any Level 3 emergency—the
ERC activates instantly, sending trained responders, coordinating evacuation,
managing containment, and saving lives.

Much like going without insurance, lacking it can leave you vulnerable to crisis. Having it,
on the other hand, provides a form of preparedness that can help manage unforeseen situations
more effectively.

16 | P a g e
ERC can become a commitment to safety, a lifeline that exists in the background, always
on standby, always prepared.

"True security isn't in avoiding risks, it's in being ready


when it comes."

17 | P a g e
CONCLUSION
Post Jaipur incident, augmentations have been made in the oil & gas sector in the past decade,
making POL terminals better equipped to handle fires as compared to past. However, it is felt
that with increasing tank diameters, growing population around the installations, increase in
terminal capacity etc. and in the event of L-3 emergency like Fire/explosion, ERC could be
more effective to ‘kill the fire’ within 30 mins. Hence, mobile high capacity HVLRs are very
important which are also the key equipment of an ERC along with ancillary units like Long
Hoses, Pumps, etc. required to kill the fire if and when any incident like Jaipur Fire happens
again.

In recent times, following extensive engagement with various entities/stakeholders, there has
been a unanimous consensus across the Oil and Gas industry on the necessity of establishing
Emergency Response Centers. ERC is not just a firefighting philosophy; it will act as a multi-
disciplinary integrated approach, a combat force of extensively trained personnel and
advanced equipment with the objective to ‘kill the fire’ in shortest duration of time.
Emergency Response Centers (ERCs) can play a crucial role in ensuring rapid and effective
responses to industrial incidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

The necessity of ERC extends far beyond the fundamental benefits mentioned above as it
tackles other issues of the oil & gas sector such as:
✓ Urbanization near Petroleum installations: With increasing urbanization near
Petroleum Terminals, the next catastrophic incident will create more casualties than
ever before. The industry in response also must be more proactive than ever to tackle
such scenarios. ERCs provides a solution in addressing threats to these urban
agglomerations.
✓ Capacity Expansion: India is the third largest consumer of energy and oil & gas sector
is also growing at a rapid pace. Hence, Safety solutions should also grow at the same
pace if not more.
✓ Long pending Issues: This will also settle the long-pending recommendation of MBLC
Report pending for more than a decade.
✓ World Class Fire Protection Systems (Make in India): ERC can serve as a crown
jewel in the fire-fighting capabilities of the country not only for the Oil & Gas sector
but can create a path for enhancing safety in other highly hazardous sectors.

“ERCs are not just reactive hubs but will act as strategic assets
for long term safety of Oil & Gas Sector.”

18 | P a g e

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