Concrete

Safety audit should be considered as improvement in a positive way

Published

5 years ago

February 1, 2022

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Kanishk Khanna, CEO, Elion Technologies and Consulting Private Limited, delves into the important process of safety audits at cement plants and its impact on the safety measures that are implemented by companies to remain in compliance with governmental guidelines.

What is the importance of safety audits for cement plants?

Everyone wants to work with safety, and every cement company is taking a proactive approach to have zero incidents but the responsibilities of safety lie with the internal department and safety team. Most of the time some small and big hazards are overlooked by the staff as they are usually working in the same conditions over a period of time and have seen no fatalities. During the safety audit, a fresh approach is adopted to identify the hazard, which due to the day-to-day operations are not considered.

What are the key parameters on which a cement plant is audited?

A cement plant is audited on the parameters like safety culture, behaviour safety, adoption and implementation of use of personal protective equipment (PPE), work permit system and its implementation from top to down levels and contractor safety.

How often should a cement manufacturing unit be audited?

All cement plants should be audited two times – one while the plant is under planned shutdown and once during normal operation.

What are the key safety concerns in a cement plant?

They key areas of safety concern in a cement plant are:

Fall and Trip
Working at Height
Hot Works
Slip and Trip
Vibration and Noise
Dust
Vehicle Accident

How do you ensure safety standards are maintained in a cement plant?

Safety in any cement plant can be ensured and maintained with regular safety audits and by providing safety orientation and training to all employees and workmen in the plant.

Tell us more about the preparation and presentation of audit reports.

The safety audit report is self speaking with pictorial evidence of identified hazards and risks that exist. The report also includes practical possible measures to be taken to mitigate the hazard.

What are the major challenges you face during safety audits?

Safety audit should be considered as improvement in a positive way but mostly at down the level it is considered more as statutory implementation. This mindset is the major challenge faced during safety audits.

During the audit the people try to hide the correct information and do not allow or take us to the areas where significant hazard may exist.

How can technology help improve safety standards in a cement manufacturing unit?

Availability of internet of things (IOT) devices and technology surveillance helps to manage regular safety in the plant. People not wearing the required PPE can immediately be identified through various recognition systems. New advanced technology devices can help people to work safely and securely.

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Concrete

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco celebrates a decade of growth, targeting 35 MMTPA cement capacity by FY28.

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India’s building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge India, significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Nuvoco strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of Emami Cement, now NU Vista Limited, in 2020, followed by its public listing in 2021. In April 2025, the company added Vadraj Cement to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in western India.

Nuvoco has an operating cement capacity of 27 MMTPA and 14 manufacturing units, including the Kutch and Sachana facilities in Gujarat, which are in advanced stages of completion. It also operates 58 ready-mix concrete plants across India and offers a range of modern building materials.

The company aims to increase its cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY2027-28, representing approximately 15-fold growth over the decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Hiren Patel, Chairman, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited, said, “From our beginnings at Nimbol to the organisation we are today, every milestone has added a new chapter to Nuvoco’s journey and strengthened our belief in building for the long term.”

The company continues to focus on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability while strengthening its position in India’s construction materials market.

Concrete

J&K Government Notifies City Gas Distribution Policy

Policy targets PNG and CNG expansion across all 20 districts

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy sets out a phased framework for expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) access for households, businesses, industries and the transport sector across the Union Territory.

CGD networks will be expanded in phases across all 20 districts, with the aim of bringing reliable natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a gradual shift from conventional fuels. The government said the policy is designed to improve energy access while creating an investor-friendly and time-bound environment for gas distribution projects.

The policy provides for single-window and time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised norms for the Right of Way. These measures are intended to reduce procedural delays, simplify project implementation and facilitate investment in natural gas infrastructure.

It also prioritises gas connectivity for major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama. Improved access to natural gas is expected to support industrial activity, enhance energy efficiency and help businesses manage fuel costs, while strengthening their competitiveness and encouraging investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and skill development in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution networks and related services. Abdullah described the measure as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would expand reliable energy access and support industry and investment.

Concrete

JSW Cement Commissions 1 MTPA Grinding Unit at Nagaur

Nagaur unit lifts JSW Cement’s grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA

Published

2 hours ago

October 13, 2026

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JSW Cement has commissioned an additional 1 MTPA grinding unit at Nagaur in Rajasthan. MTPA refers to million tonnes per annum. The commissioning has increased the company’s total cement grinding capacity to 25.10 MTPA, while its total clinker manufacturing capacity, including capacity at its joint venture JSW Cement FZC, stands at 9.74 MTPA.

The company began operations in North India in March 2026 with the Nagaur Integrated Plant, which comprised a 3.30 MTPA clinkerisation unit and a 2.50 MTPA cement grinding unit. Following the latest commissioning, the plant’s total cement grinding capacity has risen to 3.50 MTPA.

The expanded facility is expected to strengthen JSW Cement’s ability to serve cement demand across Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and the National Capital Region. The project has been funded through a combination of equity and long-term debt, according to the company.

During the quarter ended 30 September 2026, JSW Cement also commissioned an Alternate Fuel Handling System and a Waste Heat Recovery System (WHRS) at the Nagaur Integrated Plant. The company said the additions formed part of its broader effort to improve operational efficiency at the facility.

Nilesh Narwekar, chief executive officer of JSW Cement, said the additional grinding capacity was a strategic priority that would support the company’s expansion in North India. He added that the unit had been commissioned within the expected timeline, reflecting the company’s project execution capabilities, and that the alternate fuel and waste heat recovery systems were expected to substantially reduce production costs going forward.