Latest news with #RID
Bangkok Post
4 days ago
- Climate
- Bangkok Post
Sirikit Dam opens taps to make room for looming deluge
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) said it has increased the amount of water being discharged from the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province to prepare for heavy rains expected next week. The RID is accelerating the rate of water discharged from the dam, one of the country's main water suppliers, which has exceeded 80% of its storage capacity of late, in anticipation of the looming downpours. Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong, who also chairs the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC), said the influence of tropical storm Wipha brought large volumes of inflow to the dam. The dam has played a critical role in delaying the amount of water released to mitigate flooding downstream and optimise water management in the Yom River Basin. Rainfall in the upper regions has declined over the past week, leading to falling water levels in rivers and tributaries. Also, flooding conditions in the Yom-Nan river basins have started to ease. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) has taken this opportunity to gradually increase the dam's discharge rate from 10 million cubic meters (m³) per day to 40 million m³, and further to 45 million m³ as of Aug 4. From Aug 5 to 15, the rates will be maintained at 50 million m³ per day. This is aimed at lowering reservoir levels to create buffer space for the heavy rain. The government has ordered close monitoring and real-time assessments of water conditions while water management plans are being adjusted with public safety as the top priority -- both upstream and downstream of the dam. The released water has already reached Station N.5A in Muang district of Phitsanulok and is expected to arrive at Station N.67 in the downstream Chumsaeng district of Nakhon Sawan within two days. Authorities confirmed that the increased discharge from the dam will not raise water levels at the Chao Phraya barrage, which controls the water flow to the Central Plains provinces and Bangkok. With more rainfall expected in the North over the next few days and peaking again in the middle of this month, residents living outside flood barriers downstream of the Chao Phraya barrage are advised to keep valuables elevated to avoid flood damage. Meanwhile, the subcommittee monitoring and analysing the water situation met on Tuesday to forecast weather patterns and keep track of water levels in reservoirs and major rivers to maximise the efficiency of water management during the rainy season. As of Monday, large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide have about 50.2 billion m³ of water, or 66% of total capacity, with room to store an additional 26.2 billion m³. In the Chao Phraya River Basin, the four major dams -- Bhumibol, Sirikit, Khwae Noi Bamrung Dan, and Pasak Jolasid -- hold a combined 17 billion m³ (69% of capacity), with a remaining capacity of 7.8 billion m³. Due to sustained inflows from recent rains, Sirikit Dam's level has surpassed 80%, leaving only 1.5 billion m³ of capacity. In response, the RID and Egat agreed to raise the outflow to 45–50 million m³/day, which will not impact downstream communities, they said.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Safe transport of dangerous goods starts with packaging
The safe transport of hazardous materials—commonly referred to as hazmat—relies heavily on the integrity and compliance of their packaging. Whether it's flammable liquids, corrosive substances, or toxic chemicals, appropriate hazmat packaging is essential to protect people, property, and the environment. In the UK and globally, strict regulations govern how dangerous goods are packaged, labelled, and handled. Hazmat packaging must meet rigorous international standards to ensure safety during transit. The United Nations (UN) has established a classification system that dictates how hazardous materials are packaged, labelled, and transported. Each substance is assigned a hazard class (e.g., Class 3 for flammable liquids, Class 6.1 for toxic substances) and a packing group (I, II, or III) based on the level of danger. In the UK, the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Regulations align with international frameworks such as ADR (road), RID (rail), and IMDG (sea), requiring that all dangerous goods be contained in UN-certified packaging. This packaging must undergo rigorous testing—including drop, pressure, and leakproofness tests—to ensure it can withstand the rigours of transport. UN-approved packaging is marked with specific codes indicating the type of container, material, and the level of hazard it can safely contain. For instance, a code beginning with "1A1" denotes a non-removable head steel drum suitable for liquids, while "X," "Y," or "Z" indicates the packing group level the container is certified for. Selecting the appropriate packaging depends on the nature of the hazardous material. Common types include: Drums: Available in steel, plastic, or fibreboard, drums are widely used for transporting liquids and powders. Steel drums are ideal for flammable or volatile substances due to their durability and ability to be grounded, reducing static discharge risks. Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): These are large, reusable containers, typically holding up to 1,000 litres. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and often encased in a metal cage, IBCs are suitable for bulk transport of liquids and are designed for easy handling with forklifts. Jerrycans: Smaller containers, usually up to 25 litres, made from metal or plastic. They are commonly used for transporting smaller quantities of hazardous liquids and are valued for their portability and resistance to corrosion. Salvage Drums: These are overpack containers used to contain leaking, damaged, or non-compliant drums. The "T" Salvage Drum, for example, meets stringent UN requirements for the safe recovery and transport of compromised hazardous material containers. The choice of packaging must also consider compatibility with the contents to prevent reactions that could compromise the container's integrity. For example, certain chemicals may corrode plastic, necessitating the use of metal containers. Ensuring safety in the handling and transport of hazardous materials extends beyond selecting the right container. Key best practices include: Proper Labelling: All hazmat packages must be clearly labelled with the appropriate hazard symbols, UN numbers, and handling instructions. This ensures that handlers and emergency responders are aware of the contents and associated risks. Employee Training: Personnel involved in the packaging and transport of hazardous materials must receive comprehensive training. This includes understanding the properties of the materials, packaging requirements, and emergency response procedures. Regular Inspections: Packaging should be routinely inspected for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Any compromised containers should be replaced or repackaged in salvage drums to prevent leaks or spills. Record Keeping: Maintaining detailed records of hazardous material shipments, including the types of packaging used and compliance with regulations, is essential for accountability and traceability. Adhering to these practices not only ensures compliance with legal requirements but also significantly reduces the risk of accidents during the transport of hazardous materials. Hazmat packaging is a critical component in the safe and compliant transport of dangerous goods. By understanding the regulations, selecting appropriate packaging, and implementing best practices, businesses can effectively mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials. As industries continue to evolve and new materials are developed, staying informed and proactive in hazmat packaging strategies remains essential for safety and environmental protection. "Safe transport of dangerous goods starts with packaging" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Citizen
22-05-2025
- The Citizen
North areas suffer blow to the tune of more than R6m due to cable theft
North areas suffer blow to the tune of more than R6m due to cable theft The metro has disclosed that Region 1, encompassing areas such as Rosslyn, Akasia, Pretoria North, Soshanguve, and Winterveldt, has experienced 243 incidents of cable theft since November 2024. The cost of repairing infrastructure damaged by these thefts amounts to more than R6.78-million for materials alone, excluding labour expenses. The incidents have led to frequent power outages, disrupting daily life and business operations. Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo emphasised the broader impact of cable theft, noting that it is a significant contributor to service delivery interruptions. 'Out of 1.1 million outages recorded across Tshwane last year, a substantial portion of up to 30% is attributed directly to theft and vandalism of power infrastructure,' stated Mashigo. MMC for Finance Eugene Modise said the metro has allocated more than R565-million to the installation of CCTV cameras, the recruitment of 200 more metro police officers from January, and deployment of security personnel to protect its assets, including electricity infrastructure. 'Tshwane is woefully under-protected and we are pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' said Modise. He added that the metro plans to incorporate modern technology, such as motion detectors and smart surveillance tools, to support and strengthen the efforts of ground security teams. Rosslyn, a key industrial hub in Region 1, has been particularly affected. The Rosslyn Improvement District (RID) has reported disruptions to manufacturing and logistics operations due to the outages. Nico Venter of RID said the district has collaborated with security companies to enhance security measures, including the installation of motion detectors and CCTV cameras at main entrances and increased patrols. 'We are putting up CCTV cameras and motion detectors in some of the electrical infrastructure in the Rosslyn area. And should any suspicious vehicle come into Rosslyn, it is going to be recognised,' said Venter. Residents have expressed growing frustration over the recurring power outages. Akasia resident Joyce Coetzee highlighted the daily challenges posed by the lack of electricity. 'We depend on electricity for everything, from running our appliances to maintaining a comfortable home, and even for our children's education. 'We've been living in the darkness too often lately, and it's unfair. Service delivery continues to be an issue, and our voices are being ignored.' The metro has taken steps to address the issue. Plans are underway to install surveillance cameras at substations undergoing refurbishment. 'This will assist the security personnel to see any intruders at our substations and react on time,' said Mashigo. He said the metro is exploring long-term strategies, such as replacing overhead cables with underground alternatives, to deter theft. However, the feasibility of this solution is limited by physical constraints, such as the availability of servitudes and space to install cables at the required depth of 1m to 1.5m. Residents are urged to participate in community policing forums (CPFs) and assist in neighbourhood patrols to safeguard infrastructure. 'Community members are at liberty to join the CPFs and/or assist in patrolling their neighbourhoods,' said Mashigo. Cable theft in Region 1 of Tshwane has posed a significant challenge, impacting both the economy and quality of life for residents. While the city is implementing measures to combat the issue, community involvement remains crucial in safeguarding essential infrastructure and ensuring consistent service delivery. Nicky Smit of Maximum Security said they continue to patrol the electricity infrastructure in the north in efforts to combat cable theft. Jacques Venter, Representative of the United Independent Movement, said the cable theft situation is not only a severe inconvenience but a blatant infringement on these citizens' rights to essential services. He said children need to go to school, be clean and eat a meal, while old and sick people depend on oxygen to survive. 'There are several old age homes as well as frail care facilities in Akasia that are dependent on electricity and water to care for people who desperately need medical care to be able to live, and without basic services, how would they survive? 'Should we just accept that they have to die because Tshwane has no urgency to attend to and fix the problem?' He said they demand transparency and accountability, not promises and misinformation. 'The residents were told to buy the needed fuses themselves, which cost them R3 600, which is, as a matter of fact, theft by Tshwane metro. 'They were also told by Tshwane Rosslyn that they can go ahead and fit the fuses themselves. The money that residents had to spend on fuses that were needed is unacceptable. Why was it not outsourced from another municipal area?' ALSO READ: Wonderboom airport positioned as SA's future cargo powerhouse Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
