IPT - Introduction

The G.I Joe fallacy holds extremely true here. Knowing about what it is and what are you going to experience is just half the battle. But in the present times of uncertainty, there is nothing more we can do than just trying to swig information that comes our way. Before starting any activity, there has to be an objective listed down of doing that activity.

I was looking at this opportunity in three ways –

1)     Check point for skills, concepts and knowledge already acquired in the Institute.

2)     Possibility to learn more about the practical side of things.

3)     A 90 day trial period to understand the culture and to look for cues to sustain in such a community (to take a decision of what to do in the future- to work or to pursue higher studies)

On the very first day, I was actually intimidated by the sight of such huge chemical complexes with continuous movement of trucks, tankers and containers. The very first thing that I underwent was a safety induction at the security office making me well aware of the safety protocols, weekly safety drills , colour coding of areas, reading of safety sign and assembly point as well. Therefore, the first you should be also well aware of the safety sings and interpretation of it. (Links to some of those pictograms mentioned below)

Once entered you get that strong smell of chemicals which tells you that you are in a chemical complex with lot of activities, forklift movement and noise around.  The very first thing as I observed walking down the road was the over head steam line where the insulation was removed to replace the glass wool. Personnel working there had wearing the safety harness and supervisor observing this operation.  I saw the solvent storage area, level indicators on it and the discharge panel outside it. I was happy to actually see and remember the static charge hazard while handling the solvent. I was accompanied by personnel to the head and I was trying to understand the operations going in some specific area by asking him.  He actually did not know much of the operations since he was from a different plant. I came in with a notion that everyone knows of what is happening around in terms of operation in a particular area. He told me that they are allowed to enter only the plants they work in and have no clearance to access other plants. I now understand the purpose of doing so.

When I was able to observe the things going around and understand it, the fear that I had actually started to subside. Interactive people make you feel comfortable and by lunchtime I had started to enjoy being there. Many of you might feel the same. I was briefed about the general operations, reaction types and technology present in the unit. I started my training with RnD department and moved into various plants, labs in this period of 90 days.

Next article would be solely my experience at the RnD department and what I learned there. Not going into specifics, but a general overview of the department and what can you learn from there!

Hope you all find it helpful. Any question and comments are highly welcomed.

Hazard Sings –

1)     https://www.compliancesigns.com/industrial-hazard-signs.shtml

2)     https://www.hse.gov.uk/chemical-classification/labelling-packaging/hazard-symbols-hazard-pictograms.html