Working inside tanks and chambers is always risky. With the number of confined spaces at the Coimbatore site steadily increasing, periodic cleaning and maintenance work in these closed environments has become more frequent.
In response to this, SUEZ organised a special safety and rescue training to prepare ground staff and engineers for the unique challenges of working in such conditions.
The training session was conducted at the Ramakrishna Puram Tank in the North Zone and was led by Praveen, a certified safety trainer from KARAM, a well-known company specialising in safety training.
Around 50 participants from the execution and engineering teams took part in the session.
Unlike typical classroom-based sessions, this training was entirely hands-on. Participants learned how to inspect confined spaces, wear harnesses and other essential safety gear, and respond appropriately in case of an emergency.
Everyone had the opportunity to practice with real equipment under guided supervision.
The highlight of the training was the Tripod Rescue Demonstration. A mock rescue was performed in front of the team using a retrieval fall arrester, winch, and other safety equipment. It was more than just a demonstration; it simulated the pressure and precision required in an actual emergency. Participants could sense the seriousness of the situation and the importance of each step being executed correctly.
Pankaj Kumar, the Safety Manager, supervised the entire session and ensured complete support from the safety team. Sangram Pattanayak, Project Director of the Coimbatore 24×7 Water Project, addressed the participants and reinforced the importance of daily safety practices.
He said, “Safety is not a one-time activity. It’s a daily habit. For confined space activity, from checking the gas inside a tank to wearing the right safety gear and arranging proper rescue equipment—every small thing counts.”
The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment, where participants raised practical doubts related to field challenges. Trainers provided clear, experience-based responses that focused on real-world scenarios rather than theoretical concepts.
This training was not just a formality. It was an essential step to ensure that all field teams are fully equipped to handle confined space operations with the right level of awareness, preparedness, and confidence.
