Metinvest Mining’s employees are learning the algorithm of actions in case of blackouts

Employees of Metinvest Group’s mining and processing plants are learning how to act safely in the event of blackouts. This is stated in the report of Metinvest.Media.

As noted, power outages caused by enemy shelling of energy infrastructure can cause numerous problems in production. To prevent the negative consequences of blackouts, the company’s mining and processing plants have developed and implemented an appropriate algorithm for employees.

This mechanism involves a system of communication between all levels, distribution of functions and areas of responsibility between different services. The measures take into account both planned and emergency power outages.

Working groups at the plants’ shops have preliminarily assessed the risks and identified critical equipment whose unscheduled shutdown could harm employees or make it impossible for other units to continue operating.

The working groups have considered in detail the potential risks for each type of such equipment and identified the personnel who will be involved in localizing a blackout accident. Thus, step-by-step actions were developed that include, in particular, the use of shut-off valves, switches, electrical connectors, as well as appropriate communication and notification equipment, evacuation exits and routes, fire, emergency and personal protection equipment.

Workers at the shops learn the algorithm of actions in case of power outages during theoretical classes. Technological and maintenance personnel, as well as employees of contractors, are involved in the training.

In particular, 104 training sessions were scheduled for September at Northern, Central and Ingulets Minings.

For example, employees of Ingulets Mining recently practiced actions during a power outage at the building of the reloading unit No. 8. At Northern Mining, one of the training sessions was held at the pulp pumping station, where they tested the procedure in case of flooding at the -15 m mark due to an emergency power outage.

Central Mining, in turn, practiced disconnecting the equipment of centralization devices, alarms, and railroad switch control devices, as well as turning off the lighting at the crushing plant.

Andrey Naraevsky, deputy head of the Central Mining’s Networks and Substations Operations Department, noted that such exercises are an important part of the company’s emergency preparedness. They have become especially important in an environment where power outages are often the result of enemy attacks.

“So we have to be prepared for unexpected equipment shutdowns that potentially have negative consequences for the production process. Each employee must know what actions to take to localize them quickly. Regular training according to a clear plan allows us to minimize risks and ensure safety even in critical conditions,” he said.

Training in production conditions for Mining employees takes place on a quarterly basis according to the schedule. They take place at various production sites and locations, where employees practice in real conditions the measures to be taken in the event of power outages.

As GMK Center reported earlier, Metinvest has projects to develop its own generation. The company has already contracted more than 30 MW of gas turbine power plants for $36 million, which are to be installed at the group’s enterprises in November this year. In addition, 50 MW of emergency power generation has been installed, which allows the company to safely shut down production in case of a power outage.