Tata Steel Jamshedpur strictures against mobile phone use

Jamshedpur, April 8: To prevent accidents inside the plant, Tata Steel has issued guidelines for restricted use of cell phone at workplace. These guidelines are applicable to employees, workmen, contractors, vendors, consultants, transporters, suppliers, customers, drivers and visitors at TSL premises. This code of practice applies to all locations and units of Tata Steel India Operations.

Under this policy, the use of mobiles in shop floors as well as in the plant has been completely banned except under special circumstances. In addition to private conversations inside the plant, playing video games, chatting, listening to music and checking and sending emails have been completely banned. Line Manager will be responsible in his area of control to ensure communication and adherence of this guideline at shop floor. No general usage of cell phones on shop floor area is permitted.

However, cell phones can be used at rest places or at offices in the plant or designated talking point if marked for the same in shop floor area based on risk assessment. While in the workplace, workers are expected to focus on work and not to use any device. Cellphones will not be allowed for engaging in personal conversations, playing games,  surfing the internet,  listening to music,  checking e mail and  sending or receiving text messages. In addition, usage of cell phones is prohibited at confined space jobs where there is a possibility of explosive mixture formation (Gas Cellar / Gas Holder/ Propane Storage) and other such areas. Restricted use for communication purpose may be done with permission of HOD considering safety measures based on risk assessment done and vetted by Departmental Safety pro. No usage of cell phones is permitted by the working crew while working at heights. Restricted use for short communication purpose only may be done by Site Safety supervisor after assessing the risk factors with all precautions advised at site by Site in charge and with prior communication to Departmental Safety pro. No usage of cell phone or earphones is permitted at Parking Area. The restrictions include music devices while walking in Parking Areas. If cell phone has to be used, the person has to walk outside the parking area and then use the cell phone away from vehicle movement zone. No usage of cell phones by workmen is permitted during Electrical / Gas line maintenance. Restricted use (for short communication purpose only) may be done by Site Safety supervisor after assessing the risk with all precautionary measures.

Usage of cell phone is restricted at staircases. One has to avoid talking near the doors where chances of anyone opening  and hitting is high and blind spots like turns inside office where people may not be able to see the person on the other side.

 Usage of cell phone while driving on road is absolutely banned. It is also advised not to use hands-free systems either while driving.  In case of urgency, the vehicle has to be stopped and parked safely before using the cell phone. Use of cell phone while walking or crossing roads

or track or while using staircases is banned. If cell phone is to be used, step aside, stand up and then use it.

Crane operators are not supposed to carry mobile phones while going to operate the crane from operators’ cabin. Carrying mobile phones for emergency purpose may be allowed if operator is under CCTV surveillance or undertaking is given by operator for its use only for communication purpose in emergency conditions.

Heavy Vehicle /Mobile crane /HEMM drivers should keep mobile in switch off or silent mode while on driving seat. Mobile phone should only be used after stopping the vehicles in accordance with parking norms. Any worker or official, while on duty in active zone of a mine (where mining operations are being carried out) shall not carry mobile phones. Every mine shall have provision of safe keep storage of mobile phone at suitable places. In emergent situations, the manager may allow any person or a category of persons to carry mobile phones in such zones.

People may use mobile phone while they are not on the job and are away from workplace or at designated rest area.