Building a Solid Safety Barrier – Emergency Drill for Key Industries of Anyang Held at Fengbao Pipe Industry

To continuously urge enterprises to fulfill the primary responsibility for work safety, strictly implement the “985 Working Method” for confined space operations issued by Anyang Emergency Management Bureau, further standardize confined space operation procedures, and enhance capabilities in emergency response to sudden hazards, coordinated rescue as well as self-rescue and mutual aid, a special emergency drill on poisoning escape and rescue inside confined space of swirl well was carried out on the morning of July 21. Jointly organized by Anyang Emergency Management Bureau, Linzhou Emergency Management Bureau, Safety Department of Fengbao Group, Safety Office of Fengbao Pipe Industry and Plant 114 of Fengbao Pipe Industry, the drill was fully observed and guided by Liang Jinlu, Deputy Section Chief, and Sun Chuilei, Staff Member of Industry & Trade and Law Enforcement Section of Anyang Emergency Management Bureau; Zhu Zhenhua, Member of the Party Committee and Deputy Director of Linzhou Emergency Management Bureau; persons in charge of the Safety Department of the Group and the Safety Office of Fengbao Pipe Industry.

Combined with actual on-site working scenarios, the drill simulated a dredging operation on the negative first floor of a swirl well. When workers stirred sludge, hydrogen sulfide gas overflowed, triggering an alarm of the portable gas detector. The operator inhaled toxic gas and suddenly felt dizzy and lost consciousness. The on-site attendant spotted the hazard immediately, reported to the shift leader without delay, quickly organized surrounding personnel to evacuate and take shelter, and strengthened on-site monitoring to effectively prevent blind rescue and secondary accidents.

Upon the occurrence of the emergency, Plant 114 immediately activated its confined space emergency response plan. All emergency teams responded rapidly and divided work clearly. Rescue team members entered the confined space for search and rescue with properly fitted self-contained positive pressure breathing apparatus; the medical team stood by on site with stretchers and first-aid supplies; safety administrators called 120 immediately and rushed to the scene with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED); security personnel quickly set up warning lines to isolate the hazardous area. All participants cooperated smoothly with standardized procedures. The simulated casualty was successfully transferred to a well-ventilated safe zone for condition assessment and emergency treatment, and regained consciousness. The drill was completed successfully.

The drill consisted of two segments: standard procedure demonstration and unscripted practical disposal. Conducted fully in accordance with the “985 Working Method” for confined space operations, the drill closely mirrored site conditions and real emergencies. It effectively verified the scientificity and practicability of the plant’s emergency plan as well as the combat readiness capacity of the emergency team.

After the drill, Liang Jinlu fully recognized the achievements of this confined space emergency exercise. He commented that the whole rescue operation was completed within 6 minutes with rapid response and efficient disposal, demonstrating solid emergency capabilities of all participants and proving sufficient daily training and thorough preparation. The team delivered diligent practice to stay ready for emergencies. He noted that the participants endured intense summer heat to complete the drill, which was praiseworthy. Summer always witnesses a high incidence of confined space accidents, featured by complicated and harsh working environments and numerous hidden risks. Only by organizing regular practical emergency drills, refining rescue procedures, mastering rescue skills proficiently and continuously improving the emergency team’s on-site capabilities can personnel respond calmly and conduct scientific rescue once emergencies strike, maximize the survival chances of victims, and firmly hold the bottom line of work safety.