ASSESSING HAZARDS IN

COLLEGE CAMPUS (MIRANDA HOUSE)

INTRODUCTION

Miranda House, a premier institution of higher learning, is nestled in the heart of Delhi, within
the prestigious North Campus of the University of Delhi. Geographically, it is situated at
28.6933° N latitude and 77.2083° E longitude, in the vicinity of the Delhi University Metro
Station. The college is spread over an area of approximately 15 acres, with a beautiful campus
that boasts modern infrastructure and facilities. The architecture of Miranda House is a blend of
traditional and modern styles, with the iconic Spiral Craft building being a notable landmark.
Designed by architect Walter George, the Spiral Craft building is a striking example of modernist
architecture, with its spiral staircase and unique design elements. The building serves as a
symbol of the college's commitment to innovation, creativity, and academic excellence. With its
strong emphasis on empowering women through education, Miranda House continues to inspire
generations of women leaders and change-makers.

METHODOLOGY:
This hazard analysis report was conducted to identify potential hazards and risks within the
Miranda House college campus. A comprehensive field survey was carried out to gather data on
potential hazards and risks within the college premises, including the hostel, auditorium,
canteen, classrooms, TRC, library, and other areas. The survey was conducted by a team of
students, who systematically observed and recorded hazards in each area of the college. A
stratified sampling approach was employed, dividing the college campus into distinct areas or
zones, each with unique characteristics and potential hazards. Customized observation
checklists were developed to record potential hazards in each zone, and photographs were
taken to document hazards and provide visual evidence. Detailed notes and sketches were also
made to supplement the observation checklists and photographs. The collected data was
analyzed using a geographical perspective, taking into account the spatial relationships
between different areas of the college campus. The analysis focused on identifying potential
hazards, assessing their likelihood and impact, and prioritizing mitigation measures. This study
has some limitations, including time constraints, resource constraints, and subjectivity in
identifying and assessing hazards. Despite these limitations, this study provides a valuable
snapshot of potential hazards within the Miranda House college campus and highlights areas for
further investigation and mitigation.

OVERVIEW
WHAT IS HAZARD?
A hazard is a source of potential damage, harm, or adverse effects on something or someone. It
may appear in various forms and environments, including workplaces, homes, public spaces,
and nature.
KEY ASPECTS OF HAZARD.
1. Potential for Harm– The hazard does not necessarily cause harm but is capable of doing so.
2. Varied Forms– Hazards may be physical, chemical, biological, environmental or even
psychological.
3. Context-Dependent – The same object or situation might be hazardous in one place but safe
in another.
4. Risk Factor– A hazard leads to a risk when exposure occurs under unsafe conditions.
TYPES OF HAZARD
1. Natural Hazards– Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides.
2. Human-Made Hazards– Pollution, deforestation, industrial accidents.
3. Occupational Hazards– Machinery accidents, toxic exposure, repetitive stress injuries.
4. Health Hazards– Infections, chronic diseases, poor sanitation.
5.Environmental Hazards – Climate change, radiation, water contamination.
Hazards can be prevented through risk assessment, protective measures, and safety protocols
that minimize exposure and consequences.

FINDINGS:

Table 1- NEW ACADEMIC BLOCK

AREAS HAZARDS

1)MINI AUDITORIUM ● Earthquake -> Broken ceiling panel

● Congestion/ stampede during large

events as 2 exits always remain locked
and the hall has 126 seating
arrangements
 ● Short Circuit -> exposed wire can lead to
fire breakout

2) LADIES WASHROOM (GROUND ● 2 broken electric socket with exposed

FLOOR) live wires.
 ● Severly Broken ceiling panel

3) ROOM NO. 266 ● 1 broken ceiling panel

(1st FLOOR)

4) LADIES WASHROOM (2nd FLOOR) ● 1 broken electric socket

 5)LEARNER SUPPORT CENTER ● 2 broken glass windows

6)ROOM NO. 323 ● 1 Broken ceiling panel

ANALYSIS AND SOLUTIONS:

The new academic block area of college, including the auditorium and classes, poses several
hazards that can compromise the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. These
hazards can be categorized into three main areas: electrical hazards, infrastructure and
maintenance issues, and housekeeping and management issues. Electrical hazards include
mismanagement of wires, poor quality wiring, and open MCBs, which can lead to electrical
shocks, short circuits, and fires. Infrastructure and maintenance issues comprise damp walls,
hanging tubelights, and accumulation of unwanted things, causing accidents, injuries, and
damage to property, as well as the infrastructure's inability to host a large number of people,
leading to stampedes and other safety risks. Furthermore, housekeeping and management
issues, such as the accumulation of unwanted things and poor housekeeping, can create an
environment conducive to pests, rodents, and other health hazards.

To mitigate these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy environment, several solutions are
recommended. Firstly, electrical hazards can be addressed by rewiring and upgrading electrical
systems with new, high-quality wiring that meets safety standards, properly managing wires to
prevent damage and electrical shocks, and upgrading MCBs to handle the electrical load and
provide adequate protection against electrical shocks and fires. Secondly, infrastructure and
maintenance issues can be resolved by applying waterproofing measures to prevent dampness
and water seepage, replacing hanging tubelights with new, securely fixed lighting fixtures,
upgrading the infrastructure to accommodate a larger number of people, and establishing a
regular maintenance schedule to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities are properly
maintained and repaired. Lastly, housekeeping and management issues can be tackled by
establishing a regular cleaning and housekeeping schedule, implementing a proper waste
management system, and implementing pest control measures to prevent the infestation of
pests and rodents. By implementing these solutions, the new academic block area of your
college can be made safer, healthier, and more conducive to learning.

Table 2. OLD ACADEMIC BLOCK

AREAS HAZARDS

1)ZOOLOGY DEPT. (239-248) ● OpenWire

● Expired Extinguisher

● Open switch Board

 ● Broken Window

2) Near Plant Diversity Lab ● Unsecured electrical setup,

Discarded inflammable material.
3) Room 250 ● Burnt Powerplug
4) Room 262 ● Electrical Hazard

5) Physic Department ● Room 261 (electrical material)

● Open MCB

● Infrastructure Hazard
6) Botany Department, Room ● Storage of Chemicals
145, Room 152

● Accumulated useless stuff

● Open wires

● Damp walls
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS:
The old academic block of college, comprising the library, chemistry block, and physics block,
poses several hazards that can compromise the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and
staff. The identified hazards include expired fire extinguishers, broken windows, inadequate
infrastructure, unprotected chemicals in the chemistry department, and electrical hazards in the
physics department, such as uncapped electrical appliances, open MCB boxes, and burnt
plugs. These hazards can lead to accidents, injuries, and damage to property, as well as disrupt
the academic environment.

To mitigate these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy environment, several solutions are
recommended. Firstly, expired fire extinguishers should be replaced with new, modern ones that
meet safety standards, and regular fire drills should be conducted to ensure that students and
staff are aware of evacuation procedures and emergency response plans. Additionally, broken
windows should be repaired, and the infrastructure should be upgraded to meet safety
standards, including installing secure doors, improving lighting, and enhancing ventilation.
Regular maintenance schedules should also be established to ensure that the infrastructure and
facilities are properly maintained and repaired.

Furthermore, chemicals in the chemistry department should be stored in secure, well-ventilated

areas, with proper labeling and signage, and a chemical management system should be
implemented to track chemical inventory, storage, and disposal. Electrical appliances should
also be properly capped and secured, and modern MCB boxes should be installed to meet
safety standards. Smart plugs can also be used to detect electrical faults and prevent accidents.

Finally, modern technologies such as IoT-based safety systems and AI-powered risk
assessment tools can be adopted to detect hazards and alert authorities in real-time, and to
identify potential hazards and provide recommendations for mitigation. By implementing these
solutions, the old academic block of your college can be made safer, healthier, and more
conducive to learning.

TABLE 3: Canteen area, Entry Gates(1,2,3), Auditorium, Tech Park

AREAS HAZARDS

1.Auditorium (Gate No. 1,2,3 ● Short Circuit (presence of Acs, Lights, Fans)
and Entry Gate)

● Congestion during large events

2. Canteen (Inside) ● Falling of lights, fans

● Short Circuit (Refrigerator, Microwave, Grinder)

● Fire Breakout (Gas Cylinder)

 ● Spillage of Hot oil

3. Canteen (Outside) ● Waterlogged areas

 ● Falling of Trees

4. Nescafe ● Falling of Umbrella shades

 ● Short Circuit

5. PAM CAFE ● Short Circuit

● Fire Hazard (Proximity to Hostel Mess)

6.Print Shop ● Gas pipeline going inside the shop

 ● High Pressure gas pipeline

7.SAC ● Falling of Adwitiya posters

● Old ACs
● Hanging lights.

8. Main Gate ● Stamepde (Blocked exits)

 ● Clogged Drains

● Faulty Wiring

9. Tech Park ● Expired Fire extinguisher

 ● Rusted Iron Shed

● Hanging lights

ANALYSIS AND SOLUTIONS:

The canteen area, Nescafe canteen, PAM canteen, and photocopy shop of college pose several
hazards that can compromise the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. In the
canteen area, hanging lights, multiple appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves, and
gas cylinders can cause electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. Oil spillages can also occur,
posing a slipping hazard. Additionally, the sitting area is in disrepair, and umbrella sheds are on
the verge of collapse. In the Nescafe canteen area, similar hazards exist, including electrical
appliances and gas cylinders. The photocopy shop also poses a hazard due to the presence of
a high-pressure gas pipeline. Furthermore, the PAM canteen's proximity to the hostel mess,
where gas cylinders and electrical appliances are present, increases the risk of accidents.

To mitigate these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy environment, several solutions can be
implemented. Firstly, the canteen area and Nescafe canteen should be equipped with modern
electrical systems, including circuit breakers and surge protectors, to prevent electrical shocks
and short circuits. Gas cylinders should be stored in well-ventilated areas, and oil spillages
should be cleaned up promptly. The sitting area should be repaired, and umbrella sheds should
be replaced or secured. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted
to ensure that all appliances and equipment are in good working condition. In the photocopy
shop, the high-pressure gas pipeline should be properly secured and inspected regularly.
Finally, the PAM canteen's proximity to the hostel mess should be addressed by implementing
additional safety measures, such as installing fire extinguishers and emergency response plans.
By implementing these solutions, the canteen area, Nescafe canteen, palm canteen, and
photocopy shop of your college can be made safer and healthier for everyone.

TABLE 4: HOSTEL, DRC AND HERITAGE HALL

AREA HAZARD
1). Heritage Hall ● Open wire

● Open switch Boards

● Windows without grills

● Cracked ceiling
2) Outside Hall ● Rusted water drainage pipe

3) Staircase ● Cracked Boundaries

near Hall
4) Room No. ● Faulty Wiring
220

● Tubelight tilted

● cracked ceiling
5) DRC ● Faulty wiring

● Expired Extinguisher

● Damp wall
6)Hostel Mess ● Gas Cylinder

● Presence of Rats
7) Lawns ● Falling of trees
8)Room Area ● Improper floor

● Cracks in wall

● Improper Wiring
9)Washroom ● Short circuit in geyser

● Falling fan

● Leaking Water
10) Pantry ● Short Circuit due to electrical appliances

11) Visiting Area ● Broken Water Cooler

and Common
Room
● Improper connections

● Curtain rods
ANALYSIS AND SOLUTIONS:
The hostel area of college, including the rooms, pantry, mess, wardens' house, visiting area,
and common room, poses numerous hazards that can compromise the safety and well-being of
students. The identified hazards include flooding in rooms during rainy seasons, improper
electrical connections, and ceiling fans that are not securely attached, which can fall during
earthquakes or strong winds. Additionally, the washrooms have poorly fitted geysers, broken
water coolers, and geysers that can cause short circuits. The pantry area has multiple electrical
appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators, which can cause hazards. The mess area is
infested with rats, contaminating food, and has gas cylinders that can cause explosions. Other
issues include open circuits, broken MCBs, low-quality rods in the common and visiting areas,
broken windows, and poorly managed wires around the television in the common area.

To mitigate these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy environment, several solutions can be
implemented. Firstly, the hostel rooms should be equipped with proper drainage systems to
prevent flooding during rainy seasons. Electrical connections should be inspected and repaired,
and ceiling fans should be securely attached to prevent accidents. The washrooms should be
renovated with new, well-fitted geysers and water coolers, and geysers should be installed with
proper earthing to prevent short circuits. The pantry area should be equipped with modern
electrical appliances and proper wiring to prevent hazards. The mess area should be renovated
with proper storage facilities to prevent rat infestations, and gas cylinders should be stored in
well-ventilated areas. Additionally, regular inspections and maintenance should be conducted to
ensure that all electrical appliances and equipment are in good working condition. The common
and visiting areas should be renovated with high-quality rods, and broken windows should be
replaced. Finally, the wires around the television in the common area should be properly
managed to prevent accidents. By implementing these solutions, the hostel area of your college
can be made safer and healthier for students.

CONCLUSION:
The hazard analysis report highlights the potential risks and hazards present in various areas of
our college, including the old academic block, canteen, hostel, and new academic block. To
mitigate these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy environment, it is essential to implement
practical and effective solutions.

One exemplary example is the University of California, Berkeley, which has implemented a
comprehensive safety management system to identify and mitigate hazards. The university
conducts regular safety audits, provides training to employees and students, and has
established a safety committee to oversee safety efforts.

Another example is the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, which has implemented a
robust fire safety system, including automatic fire detection and suppression systems, regular
fire drills, and employee training programs.
In terms of infrastructure maintenance, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has
implemented a proactive maintenance program, which includes regular inspections, repairs, and
replacement of equipment and systems.

To address electrical hazards, the University of Oxford has implemented a comprehensive

electrical safety program, which includes regular inspections, testing, and certification of
electrical equipment and systems.

Our college can follow these examples by implementing similar safety management systems,
conducting regular safety audits, providing training to employees and students, and establishing
a safety committee to oversee safety efforts.

In conclusion, the hazard analysis report highlights the potential risks and hazards present in
our college. By implementing practical and effective solutions, such as those used by the
University of California, Berkeley, IIT Delhi, MIT, and the University of Oxford, we can mitigate
these hazards and ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty, and staff.

Here is a case study of IIT Delhi's fire safety system:

*Case Study: IIT Delhi's Fire Safety System*

IIT Delhi has implemented a robust fire safety system to prevent and respond to fires. The
system includes:

- Automatic fire detection and suppression systems

- Regular fire drills and employee training programs
- Fire extinguishers and fire hydrants
- Emergency response plan

The system is monitored and maintained by a team of trained personnel, who conduct regular
inspections and testing to ensure that the system is functioning properly.

IIT Delhi's fire safety system has been successful in preventing and responding to fires, and has
served as a model for other institutions in India.

Our college can follow IIT Delhi's example by implementing a similar fire safety system, which
includes automatic fire detection and suppression systems, regular fire drills and employee
training programs, fire extinguishers and fire hydrants, and an emergency response plan.