(78m) Mutual Aid Response Group (MARG) – a Role Model in Transportation Safety

Industry and its growth are vital for any countries economical growth. At the same time it may also bring the associated problems like accidents, pollution etc. In some of the accidents their effects can spread to the neighborhood. A timely and correct action at local level has its own distinct advantage to minimise these effects.

Keeping this in mind, the members of industries in Patalganga zone has been formed a ?Mutual aid response group' (MARG). Patalganga industrial zone is amongst the one of the largest industrial zone, located close to India's economical capital, Mumbai. This industrial zone covering 24kms has 227 small to big scale industries, of which 21 classify under major accident hazards industries. Many hazardous chemicals like Benzene, Naphtha, Toluene, LPG, Ethylene Oxide, hydrogen fluoride are handled & transported in bulk quantity by these industries.

MARG as a concept has unique multiplier effect, as it envisage the optimization of resources. In local language MARG means showing path for unity in diversity. The purpose of MARG is to make available additional aid / resources at the shortest possible time to the affected area for controlling major emergency during industrial & road accidents.

Transportation of hazardous chemicals is very critical activity in handling it. Unsafe driving may lead to loss of life, damages to property & material and environment due to accidents. MARG has controlled many such incidences very effectively without any loss to life.

Implementation of following key activities ensured our preparedness to control over road accident.

1. Structured three days training program for drivers carrying hazardous goods in coordination with government transport authority.

2. Identification & Optimum utilization of Resources of all Agencies, which includes industrial units, civic facility like fire brigade, hospitals, police and other governmental agencies.

3. Preparation & rehearsal for various kinds of emergencies on regular basis.

4. Training & Refresher program for emergency handling team.

Achievements/ Accomplishments.

? 40% reduction in road emergencies in 2008 over 2007.

? Road accident emergences were handled by tanker drivers effectively and efficiently and life losses and property losses were minimized.

? Appreciated by state Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health ( Govt. of India )

? 100% training coverage to all emergency response squad (First Aid & Fire fighting).

? A Safety campaign, road show, field training & toolbox talk are the ongoing activities, which ensure the awareness of tanker crew visiting at Patalganga site.

? Awareness on general chemical hazard and emergency preparedness was given to nearby community.