GAIL launches ERV to handle natural gas pipeline emergencies

Mumbai, June 23 (UNI) The gas transporter, GAIL India has launched the Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) to handle natural gas pipeline emergencies throughout Delhis city gas pipeline network.

The ERV was flagged-off by Mr Proshanto Banerjee, Chairman&Managing Director of the company, said a GAIL press release.

Conceptualized and designed indigenously at the company, the ERV has the latest tools and equipments to perform myriad functions ranging from making the accident site accessible, barricading the site, checking for leaks and pipeline coating, location and depth, fire fighting and rescue and repair and maintenance.

The ERV, with its Swaraj Mazda ZT 54 LCV Cabin Chassis of Bharat Stage III, can work continuously for days at a stretch and also has the capacity to empower handling of emergencies at the oddest of locations as it is equipped with state of the art tools for clearing of approach to the affected site.

The vehicle has a specially designed air conditioned crew cab with all the amenities that the crew would require while responding to such a situation.

Some of the unique features contained in this vehicle are pipeline locator, soil excavation tools, fire fighting arrangement, cutting tools road barricading arrangement, communication facilities, concrete breaker and cutter, rope rescue system, metal cutter, oxyacetylene torch for metal cutting, compressed air breathing apparatus, gas detectors and self contained lighting system for working during night. It is also provided with a St Johns safety kit with snake venom serum, mini tent, folding table and chairs at site.

The launch of the ERV is an important event in pipeline safety management- not only for the company and its stakeholders but also for the environment and people at large.

The company has also entered into an MoU with Indraprastha Gas (IGL) for mutual cooperation in tackling emergencies. The Regional Gas Management Centre (RGMC) of the company for the NCR region is the contact point in case of any emergency.

UNI SN PM SKB1823