GENERAL RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT CARRIED IN TRANSMISSION COMPANY OF NIGERIA

CALABAR SUB-REGION.

AYANDA DEMILADE ISAAC NSE\CRS\SEPT\130

SUBMITTED TO NOVELLE CENTER OF HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT, CALABAR

INTRODUCTION

A Risk Assessment is an important tool for the Management of Transmission Company of

Nigeria to use in evaluating the security and safety of the Facilities that they manage, and in

determining the potential for loss or harm to organizational staffs, operations, mission, and

stakeholders. The risk assessment provides management with the capability to:

• Provide an adequate level of protection for staffs and the facility.

• Meet Federal requirements for Electricity Regulatory Bodies and Staff welfare.

• Satisfy oversight organizations.

• Establish an acceptable level of risk.

• Advice management at all levels

• Monitoring and Compliance

• Enforcement of the Legislations

This is to ensure levels of risk and uncertainty are identified and then properly managed in a

structured way, so any potential threat to the delivery of outputs (level of resourcing, time, cost

and quality) and the realization of outcomes/benefits by the Business Owner(s) is appropriately

managed to ensure the health and safety of the staffs.

This Risk Assessment Report (RAR) presents the results of the risk assessment on

Transmission Company of Nigeria. This report documents the vulnerabilities discovered during

risk assessment activities and provides an assessment of the risks associated with the possible

exploitation of those vulnerabilities. Furthermore, it evaluates existing countermeasures and

provides recommendations for cost-effective solutions that would eliminate or minimize the

effects of the identified risks for the company,

This report discusses the General risk analysis (GRA) process and results for

Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). A Risk Assessment was executed to study

infrastructural Facilities and Staff welfare that could have an impact on the organization

exposing its staffs to risk and facilities to potential danger, hazards and damages.

This Risk Assessment Report (RAR) describes the TCN operating environment, findings

regarding system weaknesses, and provides recommendations for mitigating staff welfare & risks

involved in both the working environment and facilities. The Risk Assessment provides a basis

on which the TCN Certification Authority (CA) and the Authorizing Official (AO) can make an

informed risk-based decision of whether TCN will be:

1. Certified and Accredited (approved to operate with acceptable residual risk)

2. Given Interim Authority to Operate (IATO) for a period not to exceed one year, during

which time recommended countermeasures can and will be implemented

3. Not approved for operation until identified risks have been mitigated

This Risk Assessment covers the entire organization of TCN, external (customer), staffs

departments, equipment and facilities, also working procedures & standard of operation.

The organizational structure of the station comprises of the following departments: Control

Room, Stores, Security Department, Admin/Human Resource, Accounts, Motor Vehicle

Department (MVD), Electrical & Maintenance Department (EMD), Protection Control &

Metering (PC&M), Lines and the Switch Yard.

AIM OF RISK ASSESSMENT

The aim of risk assessment and management approach is to identify, assess and mitigate

risks where possible and to continually monitor risks throughout the remainder of the report as

other risks or threats emerge or a risk’s impact or likelihood changes.

OBJECTIVE OF RISK ASSESSMENT

The objective of this risk assessment was to identify threats and vulnerabilities related to

Transmission Company of Nigeria, Calabar Sub-Region. The risk assessment will be utilized to

identify risk mitigation plans related to TCN facilities.

This was achieved by defining the following:

The process that will be/has been adopted by the assessment to identify, analyze and

evaluate risks.

How risk mitigation strategies will be developed and deployed to reduce the likelihood

and/or impact of risks;

How often risks will be reviewed, the process for review and who will be involved;

Roles and responsibilities for risk management;

How reporting on risk status, and changes to risk status, will be undertaken within the

management and to the Steering Committee;

A complete Risk Register containing all risks identified for the Project, their current

grading and the identified risk mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood and

seriousness of each risk.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This research work was carried out using the Qualitative data collection method with the aid of

General Risk Assessment Report form which described in details the specific situation using

research tools such as key personnel interview to validate information gotten, site visit,

vulnerability sources and observations at the site of the project.

INFORMATION GATHERING TECHNIQUES

In support of this Risk Assessment, the following task was conducted:

Reviewed agency and facility documents

Interviewed key personnel

Existing controls were verified and validated for compliance

Conducted vulnerability scans against the equipment.

Performed on-site inspections and conducted interviews with key personnel

Threat Identification and Analysis

A key part of the threat analysis is determining the threat actions associated with each threat-

source. These factors govern the probability and impact of a given threat-source to exploit

vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Identification and Analysis

Vulnerability is a weakness through which a threat may adversely impact a system or its

associated assets. Multiple threats may exploit a single vulnerability. Thus, mitigating a single

vulnerability can address more than one threat/vulnerability pair.

Control Analysis

The overall objective of the control analysis process is to assess the status of present

Management, Operational, and Technical system security controls, which may be either

preventive or detective in nature. This assessment is required to determine the likelihood that the

identified vulnerabilities can be exploited, and the impact such exploitation may have on the

facility.

BODY OF THE WORK

BACKGROUND OF COMPANY

As part of the evolution in the Power Industry in Nigeria, the Federal Government by

Decree No. 24 of 1972 created the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). This was

consequent upon the merger of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and Niger Dams

Authority (NDA). In September 1990, the partial commercialization came into being with the

appointment of a Managing Director/Chief Executive to superintend over the Corporation. Also,

the Authority was divided into four autonomous divisions namely: Generation and Transmission;

Distribution and Sales; Engineering; Finance and Administration. Each division was headed by

an Executive Director.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is one of the successors of the unbundled

PHCN and is currently an asset held under the custodianship of the Federal Ministry of Power. It

will initially remain publicly owned. TCN has the responsibility for the management of

operation, maintenance and expansion of the 132kV and 330kV transmission system. The

Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) recently appointed a Management Contractor, Manitoba

Hydro International (MHI) for TCN which took over the functions of Transmission Service

Provider, System Operator and Market Operator to undertake the overall management of TCN.

System Operations (SO) function was established as a sector within the defunct Power Holding

Company of Nigeria under the Transmission sector. The SO has now evolved into a semi-

autonomous sector under TCN and upon acquiring its license would operate as an independent

company in future. The main responsibility of the System Operator is to operate the transmission

system and the connected installed generation in a safe and reliable manner. SO is also

responsible for the overall security and reliability of the grid system, economic dispatch of

available generation resources and maintaining system stability.

IDENTIFY AND ASSESS RISK FACTORS

Identifying the risk factors via the Risk Assessment is considered a qualitative process. Risk factors

are events and conditions that may influence or drive uncertainty in project performance. They may

be inherent characteristics or conditions of the company or external influences, events, or conditions.

Risk factors may have either favorable or unfavorable impacts on the facility.

LIST OF IDENTIFIED HAZARDS AND CONTROL MEASURES

The following potential hazards and the mitigation measures are highlighted in the table below:

HAZARDS CONTROL MEASURES

Workstation Setup Good work Layout & management

Restricted Access Provision of safety signs and symbols

Bites and Stings Environmental Fumigation

Powered Equipment Maintenance & provision of PPE

Vehicles Proper & regular maintenance

Electrical Use of PPE & permit to work

Lifting & Carrying Use of mechanical aids

Working at height Egress, safety lines & Edge protection

Food Good personal hygiene

Mobile & Fixed Plant Periodic maintenance

Working in remote areas Provision of shelter & security

MAJOR FINDINGS/OBSERVATIONS

In the course of carrying out this risk assessment, the following risks were identified:

1. The workstation setup has a poor infrastructural design and layout. The switch yard is of

high risk to staffs of the organization due to a lack of perimeter fence, safety signs and

symbols. The risk level within/around the switch yard is high because the facility consists

of high voltage transformers, live power lines and radiation effects. Also, a particular spot

within the workstation is very bushy, with thick tall grasses that could breed dangerous

rodents, snakes, termites and bees, which can make the working environment unsafe.

There should be an immediate installation of a perimeter fence to prevent unauthorized

access and reduce the risk of workers or visitors accidentally walking through the switch

yard, neglecting and not aware of high voltage and the potential hazards within.

Images showing the Switch yard without a perimeter fence

2. Inadequate fire-fighting equipment, fire alarm system, musters point, emergency exit and

control measures if a fire outbreak occurs within the facility. There are no procedures to

ensure the ongoing operation of the system in event of a significant business interruption

or disaster. The organization does not perform sufficient integrity checks on the facility.

The immediate need for installation of fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, heat &

smoke detectors, water sprinkler, emergency exit and muster point to checkmate and

reduce the likelihood of a fire disaster.

3. Lack of safety signs and symbols such as Regulatory, Warning and Information symbols

to enforce and regulate standard environmental, health & safety within the workplace.

There is no fire safety signs and symbols in place, mandatory signs & symbols for staffs

to ensure use of PPE before entering the switch yard. The transformers within the switch

yard generates over 132kv of electricity which is very dangerous if any worker within

accidentally comes in contact. The management of TCN should ensure immediate

installation of caution Signs, prohibition signs, danger signs, safe conditions and

mandatory signs to prevent accidents in areas that are of greater risk and hazards within

the switch yard and other critical areas.

Images showing Powered Equipment without safety signs & symbols

4. The staffs in the following departments; Electrical Maintenance Department (EMD),

Protection, Control & Metering (PC&M) and Lines do not have the recommended

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when carrying out their respective activities within

and outside the facility. Most importantly within the switch yard. Due to the nature of

their work, they are regularly exposed to danger in the cause of duty that could be

detrimental and harmful to them. Lack of documentation on operating processes and

provision of the PPE by the company. The management should ensure adequate and

sufficient provision of PPE for all staffs that carryout risky/hazardous works. There

should be an enforcement and strict compliance with the aid of company policies and

working procedures. Training should be conducted for the staffs on health, safety and

environment to empower them.

5. The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) have been neglected, a close inspection of these

work vehicles indicates they are in a poor state. Inadequate maintenance, bad tyres with

worn out threading, damaged pointer and brake lights, no reflectors stickers, fire

extinguisher, warning stickers and a bad pair of wiper. As a result of these lapses, there is

a high likelihood that if there is heavy rainfall, visibility when driving will be poor, the

damaged tail lights could cause a fatal accident as a result of unworthiness of the vehicle

and danger to other road users. A periodic maintenance of all work vehicles, replacement

and fixing of worn out & damaged parts such as the wiper, brake lights, tyres etc. is

recommended to the management.

6. Bites/Stings and inadequate waste disposal facilities such as waste bin, the environment

is bushy which could therefore breed dangerous animals and insect that can endanger the

workers within the facility. The management should provide adequate waste disposal

system and regular fumigation of bushy areas to keep the workplace safe at all times.

Images showing the Bushy Area.

7. Food; the company lacks a standard canteen to enable the staffs eat a proper meal and

maintain good hygiene practices, it was noted that the staffs purchase food from a lady

that brings food and sell to them in the open space, this could result to food disease or

poisoning due to poor environmental factors.

8. Lifting & Carrying of heavy loads & equipment by staffs which involves manual

handling/labor that could lead to injury and other hazards. Mechanical aid should be sort

after to reduce the risk to workers health and welfare.

9. Working in remote area by the lines department regularly who go on fault tracing within

the major power lines often end up in remote areas and have to work overtime at odd

hours, no security or shelter which exposes them to threats and attacks from inhabitants

of the land. Security and shelter should be made available for these workers to ensure

their safety and comfort when in a remote area.

MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS

Once the risks have been identified and risk level determined, a series of recommended

countermeasures are provided to mitigate or eliminate the risks to the system. The goal is to

reduce the risks to an acceptable level. Factors that are considered for recommended

countermeasures include:

Effectiveness of recommended options (e.g., system compatibility)

Legislation and regulation

Organizational policy

Operational impact

Safety and reliability

In order to achieve a safe working environment all High and Medium risk findings must be

remediated immediately. Based on the identified risks, it is recommended that efforts to properly

implement the recommended countermeasures for the facility and company be in accordance

with the standard safety ethics. The remediation process requires a coordinated effort between

various groups within the company. Some controls must be implemented at the work level while

others are controlled by infrastructure support groups. Additionally, TCN upper management

approval and support is required in order to effectively communicate organizational policies and

procedures pertaining to safety and welfare of both staffs and equipment.

The most significant area of concern for the TCN is the lack of implementation of controls in the

area of Switch yard. It is important a perimeter fence is provided to guard against illegal entry

and access to the facility. Also there should be strict policy and measures such as the safety signs

and symbols, adequate provision and enforcement of PPE to all staffs working within the

premises, particularly those that perform high risk activities.

CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

This report has provided the management with a framework to ensure that levels of risk

and uncertainty are properly managed to ensure smooth operation and welfare of the staffs. As

risk management is an ongoing process over the life of a project, the Risk Assessment must be

considered a ‘snap shot’ of relevant risks at one point in time.

This report was achieved by defining the following:

The process that will be/has been adopted by the report to identify, analyse and evaluate

risks in the work environment.

How risk mitigation strategies will be developed and deployed to reduce the likelihood

and/or impact of risks;

How often risks will be reviewed, the process for review and who will be involved;

Roles and responsibilities for risk management;

How reporting on risk status, and changes to risk status, will be undertaken.

A complete Risk Register containing all risks identified for the Report, their current

rating and the identified risk mitigation strategies to reduce the likelihood and seriousness

of each risk.

In conclusion, the Risk Assessment at TCN calabar sub-region identifies risks of

operation (those areas which do not meet minimum requirements and for which adequate

countermeasures have not been implemented). The RA also determines the likelihood of

occurrence and suggests countermeasures to mitigate identified risks in an effort to provide

an appropriate level-of-protection and to meet all minimum requirements imposed on the

organization. The countermeasures recommended in this report specify the additional safety

controls needed to meet policies and to effectively manage the management risk and its operating

environment.

REFERENCES

Transmission Company of Nigeria Safety Handbook & Act.

Factory Act 1990

Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria.

ILO Convention C155 and recommendation R164 as pertain to health, safety and workers

HASAWA (Health And Safety At Work Act) of 1974

MOHSR (Management of Health and Safety Regulation) 1999

Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987

General Administrative Regulations, 2003

Electrical Installation Regulations, 2009

Major Hazard Installation Regulations, 1993

Regulations concerning the Certificate of Competency, 1990.