Terrorist attacks, bomb threats and bomb explosions, and strikes are some of the disasters that have their origin in human acts. We discuss the potential threats and the measures needed to protect power utilities from such disasters.
Terrorism
Of all the forms of disasters, terrorism happens to be the deadliest in terms of loss of life and damage to the property. Acts of terrorism have grown over a period of time. Power generation and transmission installations form the prime target for such terrorist groups. The basic infrastructure in power sector such as dams, generating stations, EHV substations, load dispatch centres, distribution stations are vital national assets and these need to be protected against acts of terrorism. The terrorism related security aspects should be dealt with by using advanced technology in the areas of surveillance and proper intelligence network.
Protection Measures against Terrorist Attacks
To protect against a terrorist attack, utilities should be prepared with the following measures:
•strong security arrangements at all entry points to the power stations/sub- stations/load dispatch centres;
• information to District Administration for taking appropriate security measures;
• entry of only authorized persons into the complex;
• continuous internal security in force at all times;
• close watch on suspicious persons, unattended vehicles around the complex and transmission of information regarding this to the Security and Administration Divisions; and
• provision of modern communication and information systems with suitable back ups.
Bomb Explosions and Bomb Threats
Bomb explosions in Generating stations/Sub-stations/Load dispatch Centres, etc. can lead to major emergency through disruption in power supply. In the event of bomb explosion or a bomb threat, special measures need to be adopted under the guidance of experts. Several steps can be taken to prevent emergency situations arising from bomb explosions. For example, metal detecting machines must be placed at important locations such as Power System Control / Consumer Care Centre / Corporate Office and Stores in addition to proper surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Terrorism
Of all the forms of disasters, terrorism happens to be the deadliest in terms of loss of life and damage to the property. Acts of terrorism have grown over a period of time. Power generation and transmission installations form the prime target for such terrorist groups. The basic infrastructure in power sector such as dams, generating stations, EHV substations, load dispatch centres, distribution stations are vital national assets and these need to be protected against acts of terrorism. The terrorism related security aspects should be dealt with by using advanced technology in the areas of surveillance and proper intelligence network.
Protection Measures against Terrorist Attacks
To protect against a terrorist attack, utilities should be prepared with the following measures:
•strong security arrangements at all entry points to the power stations/sub- stations/load dispatch centres;
• information to District Administration for taking appropriate security measures;
• entry of only authorized persons into the complex;
• continuous internal security in force at all times;
• close watch on suspicious persons, unattended vehicles around the complex and transmission of information regarding this to the Security and Administration Divisions; and
• provision of modern communication and information systems with suitable back ups.
Bomb Explosions and Bomb Threats
Bomb explosions in Generating stations/Sub-stations/Load dispatch Centres, etc. can lead to major emergency through disruption in power supply. In the event of bomb explosion or a bomb threat, special measures need to be adopted under the guidance of experts. Several steps can be taken to prevent emergency situations arising from bomb explosions. For example, metal detecting machines must be placed at important locations such as Power System Control / Consumer Care Centre / Corporate Office and Stores in addition to proper surveillance and intelligence gathering.
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| Bombs Need Special Attention |
Bomb Threats
The basic steps to be carried out in the event of a bomb threat are as follows:A thorough search by the security and police agencies that are well versed in dealing with such situations.Putting sand bags around the object, in case a bomb is found or suspected, to reduce the impact of damage in the event of an explosion.Summoning the nearest police or army unit trained in bomb disposal.Transmission of information immediately to Security and Administration Divisions of the utility
Security Measures
Physical security of installations should include all possible measures to secure the entire premises.
The basic steps to be carried out in the event of a bomb threat are as follows:A thorough search by the security and police agencies that are well versed in dealing with such situations.Putting sand bags around the object, in case a bomb is found or suspected, to reduce the impact of damage in the event of an explosion.Summoning the nearest police or army unit trained in bomb disposal.Transmission of information immediately to Security and Administration Divisions of the utility
Security Measures
Physical security of installations should include all possible measures to secure the entire premises.
Security Measures at the Premises Boundary
• Fortifying the perimeter wall around the project area and making it as straight as possible around the premises.
• Constructing a peripheral road both inside and outside the perimeter wall(maintaining clear zones of 3 metres on both sides) to carry out mobile patrolling.
• Proper illumination of the perimeter wall and provision of portable flood lighting and emergency lighting.
• Installing cameras and security alarms at important locations like Grid Stations and Power System Control to check the entry of outsiders and unwanted elements.
Security Measures for Entry into Premises
• Minimum number of entry gates.
• Declaration of the premises as protected/prohibited place and regulation of entry to the premises and movement of material through proper passes.
• Separation of all vital installations by fencing and entry of the employees to be allowed only through special passes.Villagers/people living close to the Grid substations/transmission lines and associated communication facilities in remote areas should be taken into confidence about the need for protecting the power supply systems. It should be impressed upon them that their cooperation is crucial for protecting these installations from any harm from anti-social elements and harmful intentions/mischief of miscreants.
Strikes
Strike by any section of the employees, construction workers or contractors in a generating station/sub-station/load dispatch centre could lead to an emergency situation and bring the system to a grinding halt if adequate alternate measures to run the generating station/sub-station/load dispatch centres are not taken. Identification of alternate human resource/outsourced workforce must be done in advance for managing emergencies arising out of strikes.It is easier to take precautions when a strike notice is given by the unions. Under such a situation the effect of strike is expected to be fairly widespread.Various decisions/actions to be taken in this phase are as follows:
• Concerned departments and various committees within the organisation should be alerted immediately.
• Disturbance situation should be assessed with regard to the type of personnel/unions involved, whether situation is likely to spread and status of the corrective action/negotiations initiated.
• Concerned Government and Labour Department should be informed in writing, specifying the background leading to the agitation and the
assistance required from Government/Labour Department.
• Sufficient water should be arranged in tanks, drums, etc. in different areas to meet emergency situation.• Sufficient reserve stock of fuel oil and other consumable items needed for keeping the system in operation should be maintained.
• Adequate provisions should be made (for food, cots, mattresses, etc.) for executives and other running staff to stay inside the grid station/sub station premises for prolonged period during the strike.
• Legal status of the strike should be examined and communicated to all concerned.
• The dangers and the threats during strike need to be assessed and appropriate planning done to counteract such events.
• Arrangements should be made for additional workforce for running the grid stations/substations. The organisation must also keep a list of the retired persons from the grid station during the past 2-3 years so that their services can be utilized under such eventualities. A list of resourceful contractors should be kept ready who would be able to supply skilled/unskilled workforce in the event of any emergency.
Disturbed Stage
Whenever disturbance occurs due to strikes, the following actions/decisions need to be taken by the management:
• Activation of all security measures both within and outside the organisation.
• Information to local authorities, respective regional load dispatch centre and the personnel within the organisation.
• Review of attendance within the organisation and their placement. Switch over to two shift operation of 12 hours each and issuing instructions to the concerned personnel regarding the same and their placement in two shifts.
• Activation of control room, which should form the nodal point for all activities within and outside the organisation.
• Activation of various committees, e.g., for maintaining continuous supplies of food, medicines, etc., liaison with District Authorities for necessary assistance, making emergency arrangements, operation and maintenance of units already commissioned,
• Review of the legal status of the strike and communication to all concerned. Press release may also be considered at appropriate stage.
• Activation of service functions like armed/un-armed security transport for executives and the sincere and committed workers, canteen,
accommodation, etc.
• Evaluation of the scope for further negotiations with the unions and initiation of action on the same.
• Receipt of reports from Intelligence Groups/loyal workers and taking necessary action.
• Maintaining the morale of those employees who have not joined the strike − a pre-requisite for smooth operation of power station/grid, sub-station during the strike situation.
• Identification of Essential Areas: The technical as well as non-technical staff in grid stations and substations needs to be trained for manning the essential areas during the strike.
• Safe storage of vital records: Vital records should be duplicated and kept in a safe place to protect them from accidental fire as well as sabotage.
• Provision of facilities like rest/sleep at nights, daily needs, etc. in the premises.
• Alternative communication arrangements independent of power line communication and normal telephone department system should be
provided as those are likely to be disconnected during commotion or due to sabotage/fire, etc.
• Grid Stations should have walkie-talkie sets of appropriate capacity to cover the farthest point of the installation for effective communication.
• Each station should be able to arrange for vehicles with public address system, which can be used to make necessary announcements. Similarly,main gate/gates may also have public address facilities for dissemination of announcement.
• Emergency lights, DC operated invertors and generators, etc. must be arranged for providing relief when the power supply gets affected both in the normal or strike situation.
Major Equipment Failure of Electricity Grid
The integrated operation of vast and complex electricity grid like the one existing in the country demands utmost vigil and care. Natural calamities as well as human acts can have a devastating effect on the Electricity Grid.Under extreme wind conditions, the conductors of transmission lines may get snapped or transmission line towers may collapse. Floods, landslides and earthquakes cause damage to or failure of foundations of towers. This may sometimes lead to disruption of the transmission network due to uprooting of
foundations and consequent collapse of the tower. Floods also cause disruption in power transmission in case substations are affected by the floods.
In addition to this, terrorist attacks, fire accidents may also cause damage to transmission lines, substations which, in certain cases, may lead to grid failure and could black out the entire region for a considerable period of time. Various faults, equipment failure/mal-operations are other common causes of grid failure. Possible mishaps in transmission system in the event of disasters due to various natural calamities and crises are:
• snapping of conductors;
• collapse of transmission towers;
• washing away of foundation for river crossing towers;
• landslides in hilly terrains affecting towers of the line;
• flooding of substations; and
• destruction / fire in substations.
• Fortifying the perimeter wall around the project area and making it as straight as possible around the premises.
• Constructing a peripheral road both inside and outside the perimeter wall(maintaining clear zones of 3 metres on both sides) to carry out mobile patrolling.
• Proper illumination of the perimeter wall and provision of portable flood lighting and emergency lighting.
• Installing cameras and security alarms at important locations like Grid Stations and Power System Control to check the entry of outsiders and unwanted elements.
Security Measures for Entry into Premises
• Minimum number of entry gates.
• Declaration of the premises as protected/prohibited place and regulation of entry to the premises and movement of material through proper passes.
• Separation of all vital installations by fencing and entry of the employees to be allowed only through special passes.Villagers/people living close to the Grid substations/transmission lines and associated communication facilities in remote areas should be taken into confidence about the need for protecting the power supply systems. It should be impressed upon them that their cooperation is crucial for protecting these installations from any harm from anti-social elements and harmful intentions/mischief of miscreants.
Strikes
Strike by any section of the employees, construction workers or contractors in a generating station/sub-station/load dispatch centre could lead to an emergency situation and bring the system to a grinding halt if adequate alternate measures to run the generating station/sub-station/load dispatch centres are not taken. Identification of alternate human resource/outsourced workforce must be done in advance for managing emergencies arising out of strikes.It is easier to take precautions when a strike notice is given by the unions. Under such a situation the effect of strike is expected to be fairly widespread.Various decisions/actions to be taken in this phase are as follows:
• Concerned departments and various committees within the organisation should be alerted immediately.
• Disturbance situation should be assessed with regard to the type of personnel/unions involved, whether situation is likely to spread and status of the corrective action/negotiations initiated.
• Concerned Government and Labour Department should be informed in writing, specifying the background leading to the agitation and the
assistance required from Government/Labour Department.
• Sufficient water should be arranged in tanks, drums, etc. in different areas to meet emergency situation.• Sufficient reserve stock of fuel oil and other consumable items needed for keeping the system in operation should be maintained.
• Adequate provisions should be made (for food, cots, mattresses, etc.) for executives and other running staff to stay inside the grid station/sub station premises for prolonged period during the strike.
• Legal status of the strike should be examined and communicated to all concerned.
• The dangers and the threats during strike need to be assessed and appropriate planning done to counteract such events.
• Arrangements should be made for additional workforce for running the grid stations/substations. The organisation must also keep a list of the retired persons from the grid station during the past 2-3 years so that their services can be utilized under such eventualities. A list of resourceful contractors should be kept ready who would be able to supply skilled/unskilled workforce in the event of any emergency.
Disturbed Stage
Whenever disturbance occurs due to strikes, the following actions/decisions need to be taken by the management:
• Activation of all security measures both within and outside the organisation.
• Information to local authorities, respective regional load dispatch centre and the personnel within the organisation.
• Review of attendance within the organisation and their placement. Switch over to two shift operation of 12 hours each and issuing instructions to the concerned personnel regarding the same and their placement in two shifts.
• Activation of control room, which should form the nodal point for all activities within and outside the organisation.
• Activation of various committees, e.g., for maintaining continuous supplies of food, medicines, etc., liaison with District Authorities for necessary assistance, making emergency arrangements, operation and maintenance of units already commissioned,
• Review of the legal status of the strike and communication to all concerned. Press release may also be considered at appropriate stage.
• Activation of service functions like armed/un-armed security transport for executives and the sincere and committed workers, canteen,
accommodation, etc.
• Evaluation of the scope for further negotiations with the unions and initiation of action on the same.
• Receipt of reports from Intelligence Groups/loyal workers and taking necessary action.
• Maintaining the morale of those employees who have not joined the strike − a pre-requisite for smooth operation of power station/grid, sub-station during the strike situation.
• Identification of Essential Areas: The technical as well as non-technical staff in grid stations and substations needs to be trained for manning the essential areas during the strike.
• Safe storage of vital records: Vital records should be duplicated and kept in a safe place to protect them from accidental fire as well as sabotage.
• Provision of facilities like rest/sleep at nights, daily needs, etc. in the premises.
• Alternative communication arrangements independent of power line communication and normal telephone department system should be
provided as those are likely to be disconnected during commotion or due to sabotage/fire, etc.
• Grid Stations should have walkie-talkie sets of appropriate capacity to cover the farthest point of the installation for effective communication.
• Each station should be able to arrange for vehicles with public address system, which can be used to make necessary announcements. Similarly,main gate/gates may also have public address facilities for dissemination of announcement.
• Emergency lights, DC operated invertors and generators, etc. must be arranged for providing relief when the power supply gets affected both in the normal or strike situation.
Major Equipment Failure of Electricity Grid
The integrated operation of vast and complex electricity grid like the one existing in the country demands utmost vigil and care. Natural calamities as well as human acts can have a devastating effect on the Electricity Grid.Under extreme wind conditions, the conductors of transmission lines may get snapped or transmission line towers may collapse. Floods, landslides and earthquakes cause damage to or failure of foundations of towers. This may sometimes lead to disruption of the transmission network due to uprooting of
foundations and consequent collapse of the tower. Floods also cause disruption in power transmission in case substations are affected by the floods.
In addition to this, terrorist attacks, fire accidents may also cause damage to transmission lines, substations which, in certain cases, may lead to grid failure and could black out the entire region for a considerable period of time. Various faults, equipment failure/mal-operations are other common causes of grid failure. Possible mishaps in transmission system in the event of disasters due to various natural calamities and crises are:
• snapping of conductors;
• collapse of transmission towers;
• washing away of foundation for river crossing towers;
• landslides in hilly terrains affecting towers of the line;
• flooding of substations; and
• destruction / fire in substations.
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| Mishaps in the Transmission System Due to Natural Calamities |
In the event of a grid failure, coordinated actions are required to be taken at the generating stations, substations and transmission for speedy restoration of power supply. We shall discuss them in the next section when we take up the disaster management plan.
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