Issue No. 16 July - December 2015 adamjeeinsurance.com Leading with Integrity For comments: aspire@adamjeeinsurance.com
Editorial Note Welcome to the new issue of ASPIRE. This special edition of ASPIRE highlights the efforts and contributions of various departments that have inspired AICL to establish a foothold in the industry and continue holding its dominant position. No matter how small or big each contribution is, each stakeholder in the Company has a specific standing, and we believe in acknowledging their significance. So, when enjoying this edition of ASPIRE, keep in mind that this is not just another newsletter - it is the true personification of AICL s vision and mission embraced by its employees, and exhibited through their actions. - Team Aspire Book Review Integrity is more than simple honesty - it is the key to success. A person with integrity has the ability to pull everything together, to make it all happen no matter how challenging the circumstances. Drawing on experiences from his work, Dr. Henry Cloud, a clinical psychologist, leadership coach, corporate consultant and nationally syndicated radio host, shows how our character can keep us from achieving all we want to (or could) be. In integrity, Dr. Cloud explores the six qualities of character that define integrity, and how people with integrity behave. The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity -- Dwight D. Eisenhower 02 03
Interview A career journey with and before Adamjee Insurance Shortly after obtaining his MBA degree, Mr. Naeem Uddin joined AICL as a Trainee Officer in 1988. After working in different zonal branches in Lahore and the successful completion of the M2 Motorway Project Insurance, he was promoted to the Branch Head of Lahore s Main Branch, which later came to be known as Lahore Main Division. His sincere efforts and dedicated hard work over the years have earned him a name in the Insurance Industry and at present, he holds the position of Deputy Executive Director, Commercial (North). An Interview with Mr. Naeem Uddin - By Suffura Sajjad You joined AICL at a young age. What was your dream at that time? When I was growing up and through most of my teenage years, my dream was to become a Fighter Pilot in PAF. Due to certain circumstances, I was unable to make it there and applied to Pakistan International Airlines instead. Since there was a long waiting period at PIA, I decided to gain some experience rather than wasting my time in waiting. That s when I joined AICL. What are a few important success tips you would like to share with the AICL team? After I started working, I realized that if one works with utmost dedication and is inclined towards learning and obtaining knowledge, nothing can come in the way of their success. I apply the same theory to my professional life because I don t just restrict myself to my job description. I make it a point to get involved in other departments and take up honorary work in various departments including Claims, Finance, etc. because it gives me a chance to learn and understand how these departments function. What message would you like to send to young professionals at AICL? Insurance is an industry where you never stop learning. Those who think that their professional qualifications alone are enough to make them grow are sadly mistaken. Your growth is shaped by your qualifications and experience, both. It is therefore imperative that you get involved and work with people from different departments so that you are able to learn from their experience as well. Never stop learning, never stop questioning and most importantly, never stop believing in yourself. My belief is that with sincere dedication, one can achieve self-accomplishment and recognition wherever they work. Don t take Turn Around Time (TAT) as your benchmarks; rise above them. I d like to conclude by quoting President J. F. Kennedy s words, Ask not what your company can do for you; ask what you can do for your company. Where do you see AICL in the next 5 years? AICL is blessed with a rich mix of qualified and experienced professionals across all departments, from the topmost tier to the lowest step of the ladder. With this blend and the Company s committed vision, Adamjee Insurance remains one of the most sought after, customer-centric companies in the country, and is well on its way of being second to none. 04 05
Cover Story Leading with Integrity - By Faraz Ahmed The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office. ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower Integrity and leadership go hand in hand and leading with integrity is the mark of a true leader. Integrity takes courage. In order to be honest with others around us, it is imperative to be honest with ourselves first. Leaders who lead with integrity must be in-tune with their own values. Their integrity depends on their personal practices, decision-making, and leadership actions. On the professional front, adhering to a strict moral code and communicating truthfully with the group members, regardless of how complex the situation is, is what integrity is based on. In short, integrity is a quality that encompasses honesty, credibility and sincerity. As one of the leading insurance corporations of Pakistan, Adamjee Insurance has achieved tremendous success due to the hardwork of its leadership and a workforce that is built on the values of integrity and credibility. We believe in leading with integrity as it forms the foundation for all relationships and teams. We go by the famous saying - lead by example because our firm belief is that leaders who lead by example are mentors and role models who contribute to the success of a business through their integrity and successful team management. Hence, strive to be the best leader you can and always remember to lead with integrity. 06 07
Business News MARSH ENERGY & POWER FORUM - CONFERENCE Pakistan has abundant indigenous resources to cope with the energy deficit which will enable the country to transform into one of the Asian Powers. - MARSH Energy and Power Insurance Global Adamjee Insurance has continued its tradition of providing support and exploring every possible potential of Pakistan s Insurance market. For this purpose, it sponsored a Conference related to the Power and Energy sector organized by MARSH a global leader in Insurance Brokerage and Risk Management. Over 20 delegates from around the world presented papers on topics ranging from Risk Management, Challenges for Renewable and Alternative Energy and Energy Losses at the Conference. OBHARTAY SITAARAY THE CITIZENS FOUNDATION Adamjee Insurance sponsored the Obhartay Sitaray 2015 fundraising event for the under-privileged students enrolled in TCF schools. The objective of this event was to encourage young students to pursue music. Education is important but extracurricular activities motivate children to discover and pursue their hidden talent. With the same spirit, The Citizens Foundation (TCF) hosted the grand finale of the interschool fundraising singing competition Obhartay Sitaray 2015, at the Marriot Hotel. CEREMONY WITH KHAN MUNAWAR KHAN SUKKUR BRANCH On the eve of the recovery of the Chairman of Ahmad & Khan Group, Senior Manager Sukkur Branch, Muhammad Rafiq Dosani, hosted a dinner in honor of Khan Munawar Khan & President Sukkur Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Amir Ghouri. In the picture, Branch Head Sukkur Adamjee Insurance is presenting a gift to Alhaj Khan Munawar Khan. Mr. Amir Ghouri (President SCCI) is seen standing along with Mr. Mohammad Din (Ex-President SCCI) & Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Mukhtiar (Ex-President FPCCI). CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GM DEVELOPMENT - By Khawaja Ahmed Fraz Mr. Sheikh Pervez has been elected as the Senior Vice President (unopposed) of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the period 2015 2016. 08 09
Business News HEALTH INSURANCE PRODUCT TRAINING FOR DEVELOPMENT STAFF - SOUTH REGION To enhance the product knowledge of our Development Team regarding our Health Insurance Products and to increase the Health Insurance Business, HID arranged a Health Insurance Product Awareness Session in respective divisions all across Pakistan. These sessions are conducted twice a year to promote the sales of Health Insurance products. The team of Relationship Managers arranges these sessions to not only brief the Development Staff about the basic health queries and salient features, but also provide them information regarding the USP. This program was initiated in the year 2014, and now the participation of teams in these programs is increasing. These sessions include the product briefing, which is followed by queries/feedback. INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF PAKISTAN ANNUAL DINNER 2015 Adamjee Insurance sponsored the IAP Annual Dinner 2015 organized by the Insurance Association of Pakistan on 13th December, 2015 at the Movenpick Hotel in Karachi. In order to arrange this dinner, IAP had to raise funds to meet the entertainment program requirements for its Member Companies to enhance the synergy and enthusiasm across the industry. FUTSAL TOURNAMENT 2015 - CORPORATE DIVISION Adamjee Insurance sponsored the Futsal Tournament in collaboration with Purple Canvas Event Management. The tournament took place at Aga Khan Gymkhana, is a renowned sporting venue in the city. 32 teams participated in this tournament and each team consisted of at least 7 players. The matches went on for two days with other several activities for the participants to enjoy. More than 300 people showed up at the event. 10 11
HR Matters insurance carnival 2015 Lahore insurance institute - By Waheed Ahmed HR MATTERS - By Sohail Jan All I have learned, I learned from books -- Abraham Lincoln Acknowledging you have areas to work on is not an admission of failure; it is an admission that you have more potential. -- Carrie Cheadle If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. -- Jhone Quincy Adams Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you will help them become what they are capable of becoming. -- Goethe Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. -- Benjamin Franklin 12 13
HR Matters CUSTOMIZED TRAININGS Effective Business Writing, Presentations and Communication Skills A two-day comprehensive training program on Effective Business Writing, Presentations and Communication Skills was organized in Lahore & Karachi from 20-21 & 27-28 August, 2015 with the following: How to build rapport through appropriate communication How to communicate clearly and effectively using verbal and non-verbal communication How to communicate with peers, decision makers, subordinates and customers Deal with day-to-day work issues through communication How to give feedback How to make effective presentations and be a great presenter First Line Leadership A two-day comprehensive training program on leadership skills First Line Leadership was organized in Lahore & Karachi on 8-9 September & 30 September - 1 October, 2015 with the agenda of giving a clear understanding to Managers / Supervisors of what skills, knowledge and methods they must possess to qualify as leaders and how they can become more efficient in their roles. 14 15
HR Matters Analytical, Decision Making & Problem Solving Skills TRAININGS SNAP SHOT (AUGUST - DECEMBER) A two-day comprehensive training program on Analytical, Decision Making & Problem Solving Skills was organized in Lahore & Karachi on 20-21 October and 3-4 November, 2015. The program was a combination of theoretical inputs, discussions between trainers / participants and exposure to appropriate exercises / role-playing, leading to better understanding of these skills, sharpening participants existing knowledge and opening their minds to the importance of these skills in their long-term career growth, encouraging them to internalize them at the very earliest. It will encourage employees to develop their own action plans for improving their skillset to achieve greater success in their jobs. External / Public Programs Practical Aspects of Risk Management Important Provisions of Tax Laws Affecting Enterprises Creative Leadership The Art of Hiring Takaful Products, Sales & Services Business English Program NEBOSH International General Certificate Managing a Brand Launch 17th MAP Convention Peak Performance Toolkit Time, Stress Management & Handling Difficult People Communication & Presentation Skills Essential Managerial, Supervisory & Leading Skills Train The Trainer Excel Dashboard Motivation The WILL To Do A total of 16 public/external programs and 3 especially customized, in-house programs have been organized in the given period and a total of 189 employees have been covered. This is what learning is. You suddenly understand something you ve understood all your life, but in a new way. -- Doris Lessing THE 10 TOUGHEST THINGS TO PRACTICE AT WORK! I happen to meet many people in my daily routine. They come from different domains like Sales, Products, Marketing, Administration, Customer Services, etc. Since I was born with a keen sense of observation, I could not help noticing the tone of their conversations and their ways of handling various matters. This gave me an insight into how matters were handled and how they should not be handled. Through these observations, I collected a list of items which I felt have been missing in one individual or the other. They are as follows: 1. Comparing yourself with others - By Mansoor Ahmed Every individual is born with personal traits, talent and destiny. Comparing yourself with others and expecting the organization to compensate you in the same way will only make you feel bad about yourself in the longer run. You can avoid this by having a clear personal goal and matching it with your organization. Your personal goal must contribute towards your organizational goal. This will bring more focus to your career development and you can set your professional tone as per your preference. 16 17
HR Matters 2. Choosing the right battle Indulging in arguments with fellow colleagues or being a tough cookie in every matter will not only compromise your reputation, but will also reflect badly on your evaluations. It is an art to learn. Not every battle is meant to be fought. Some can be avoided or some are skipped altogether. Not every email requires a fiery response. This comes with spending lots of time fighting useless battles and realizing that they really were a waste of time. 3. Knowing when to observe silence Sometimes you get yourself into more trouble by defending your mistakes. If you have realized that the mistake was done due to error, accept it and move on! Defending will mean further mistakes. 4. Avoiding gossip It s tempting, it s trapping and it serves you negatively, just like a huge serving of dessert. However, being in a work space, it is unavoidable. It feeds you with data which your system doesn't need. It also compromises your most important weapon - TIME! 5. Understanding who to keep in the 'To', 'CC' and 'BCC' list in emails Email should be taken as a tactical communication. It should not be taken as a chatting channel where you vent your frustration with the vocabulary of your preference. Secondly, the usage of 'to', 'cc' and 'bcc' fields must be used intelligently to maximize the importance of your message. 6. Over-committing deadlines Blurting out deadlines without thinking about the consequences will hurt only one person - YOU! If you are not sure, or even have a hint that you need to do more homework on the task, please ask for some time and come back prepared regarding the subject. Nothing irritates bosses more than a missed deadline. 7. If you are a superstar, don't expect everyone to become one If you are gifted, share your blessings with others. One must understand the limitations of others while working in a team. Not everyone can be as fast as you or as good at relationships as you. Help them to come up the curve. The last thing your team would like is you imposing your prominence on them. 8. Understanding the importance of task delegation You cannot handle everything every time. It is important to relieve yourself from some tasks when you climb up the ladder. This is the most restraining component in people s development. Not delegating enough will make your life more miserable as your business progresses. This will hamper the growth of your subordinates and will result in more frustrating moments for you. 9. Holding back your response on a provocative email This happens all the time. You get an email which hits unwanted chords and flares you up like a charcoal soaked with gasoline. The best way to deal with this syndrome is to immediately leave your seat and take a walk outside. Do not think about the email and come back after some time to re-evaluate the communication. 10. Expecting your team to suffer through the same hell you had experienced This is the worst thing a boss can do to his team. Just like you don't want your kids to go through the same struggles that you faced in your childhood, your team members deserve the same. If you make your team members wait for a meeting just because you got the same treatment from your boss, it won t make you a better boss. This year, try taking a new approach with an invigorated attitude: Take out some me-time to contemplate your career: You can surely write your self-evaluation while sitting at your desk at work. But if you re like me, you ll most likely get interrupted many times, making it almost impossible to focus. Instead, try sitting down with a cup of coffee (everything s easier with coffee) outside work, such as on a weekend morning when you re energetic and clear-minded. Your career and personal development is well worth the effort, so don t skip on the amount of time you allow yourself to write your self-evaluation. Honestly consider your strengths and weaknesses: Brainstorm a list of your strengths and the tasks or skills you enjoy the most. Then take a few deep breaths, let go of your ego and emotions, and take an honest look at areas where you can improve. These improvement areas might include time management skills, speaking in front of groups, leading projects or even improving processes. Consider the feedback you ve received from others during the year and think about the areas where you ve struggled or felt you could have done better at. Think about where you d like to be in five years: Define your career aspirations. What s the next job or promotion that you d like? SELF- EVALUATION: THE KEY TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT At the end of the fiscal year, many companies ask employees to complete self-evaluations. These self-evaluations are then reviewed by the employee s manager and are often included in the employee s annual performance appraisal and personnel file in HR. While many people scoff at this process and don t take it seriously, it can actually be a great opportunity to increase communication between you and your boss, and improve your career development. Just like most things in life, the more effort you put into your self-evaluation, the more you ll get out of the performance appraisal process. Research what it will take to be successful: Once you know where you d like to be in five years, go find out what it will take to be successful at that position. What knowledge, skills, education and experience are necessary? Determine your gaps and create a career development plan: Analyze and determine any gaps between where you are now and where you want to be. Do you need any additional training or education? Are there any other skills you ll need to acquire? Write these down, as these will become the actions within your career development plan. Brainstorm the support you d like from your boss: During 2016, how would you like your boss to help you with your career development efforts? Do you want him or her to provide you with opportunities to lead challenging projects, to improve broken processes, to hone your public speaking skills or to pay for a class on time management? Within your self-evaluation, include your strengths, weaknesses, career aspirations, gap analysis, career development actions for 2016 and the type of support you d prefer from your manager. Then use all of this information to have a meaningful discussion with your boss during the annual performance evaluation process. After it s over, you ll be glad you spent the time and put in the effort, I promise. Lisa Quast Author of the award-winning book, YOUR CAREER, YOUR WAY! 18 19
Events ADAMJEE RECREATIONAL CLUB TROPHY 2015 North South 20 21
Events TRAVEL INSURANCE PRODUCT GO-SECURE LAUNCH ISLAMABAD Adamjee Insurance celebrated the launch of its new travel insurance product, GoSecure, in a memorable ceremony held at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. As one of the leading general insurance companies in Pakistan, Adamjee Insurance is a pioneer when it comes to innovation in the insurance industry. This time around, Adamjee has introduced an online travel insurance policy solution for its partner travel agents to facilitate customers and help them insure themselves online, in real time. Mr. Ahmer Shoaib, Head of Commercial Operations unveiled the Product at the ceremony. He spoke about Adamjee Insurance s commitment in bringing the best possible insurance solutions for the valued customers. In his speech, he mentioned that GoSecure Travel Insurance is a big leap for Adamjee Insurance as it will allow the organization to cater to the needs of its prestigious customers. Mr. Mir Muhammad Hammad Head of Retail Sales and Marketing, Mr. Waqar Bukhari Business Head Travel Insurance and Mr. Manzoor Ahmed Khan National Sales Manager for travel insurance appreciated the efforts of the travel agencies, their respective owners and staff for this promising partnership. More than 125 travel agency directors, sales managers and sales staff attended the event. Adamjee Insurance s management looks forward to the support from all the stakeholders involved in enabling greater success in future. The ceremony ended on a positive note and prizes were distributed to the top three highest performing travel agents in the respective regions, before the dinner was served. GO-SECURE LAUNCH LAHORE 22 23
Events GO-SECURE LAUNCH KARACHI 24 25
Events CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE WITH PAK-SUZUKI LAHORE Adamjee Insurance Co. Ltd. celebrated its 8 Years of Excellence on September 15, 2015 at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore. The local and Japanese management of Pak Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd., Director & Sales Staff from 3S Dealerships of the Punjab Region were also present at the ceremony. Mr. Adnan Siddiqui, Business Head of Retail Auto, shared Adamjee Insurance Co. Ltd. s achievements & vision with its partners. Mr. Mir Muhammad Hammad, Head of Retail Marketing, assured of quality services and enhanced product features for future retail customers. Mr. Ghulam Hussain Agha, Senior Manager, mentioned in his speech that Pak Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. appreciated AICL s efforts in promoting their Suzuki Insurance Program. Mr. Azam Mirza, G.M. Marketing congratulated AICL s management on 8 years of partnership on behalf of Pak Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. In addition to his speech, he also appreciated the Retail Auto Department for the massive expansion and growth all over Pakistan. Adamjee Insurance Co. Ltd. honored its partners with Certificates of Achievement. A cake-cutting ceremony was held at the end of this Celebrating Excellence Event. - By Sajjad Ali CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE WITH PAK-SUZUKI SOUTH The sit-down dinner at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi is unique because it brings Pak-Suzuki Dealerships, Directors, Sales Staff, Company Management and Adamjee Insurance together to pay a tribute to the impressive alliance of Suzuki Insurance Program. All invitees have been recognized at the Event. Celebrating Excellence was held at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi on a Monday evening in September. Each Sales Manager was accompanied by their Dealership Director and Sales Team. They were individually welcomed by Adamjee Insurance s Retail Auto Team. This Event takes place each year in the mid-session of the business calendar. Celebrating Excellence highlights the accomplishments and contributions of Pak-Suzuki Dealerships to AICL s Retail Auto Insurance s mission of promoting the Retail Insurance Sales Concept throughout the nation. The winners of this year s Celebrating Excellence Awards were announced before the dinner along with a presentation ceremony. At the end of the celebration, Adamjee Insurance celebrated the 8th year of excellence with the Pak-Suzuki management and their Dealerships for their efforts in promoting the Suzuki Insurance Program. To facilitate their valued customers, Pak Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd. has set a new trend of the Suzuki Used Cars Gala on a regular quarterly basis every year. In this event, every Suzuki Dealership from the South Region brought their vehicles to sell under one roof. - By Muhammad Usman Siddiqui 26 27
Events SUZUKI USED CAR GALA (SOUTH) IFTAR DINNER WITH HONDA & PAK-SUZUKI DEALERSHIP DIRECTORS NORTH On Sunday, August 9, 2015, Pak-Suzuki arranged a Used Car Gala at the Expo Centre, Karachi. On the special request of Pak-Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd., Adamjee Insurance, with its Retail Team, participated in the event as Pak-Suzuki s leading Insurance partner. Adamjee Insurance took a stall in front with a huge panaflex and all necessary marketing material. The Retail Team members provided information to walk-in customers about Adamjee Insurance and the Suzuki program, and guided them about the functions and urgent processes from the first day of insuring their vehicle till they make their claim. Adamjee Insurance Retail Team issued online policies and coverage to the sold vehicles and provided gift hampers to customers through lucky draw. This event was really a success. Every dealer and Pak-Suzuki official appreciated the presence of Adamjee Insurance s Retail team at the Gala. Ramzan is the month of blessings from Allah Almighty; it s a Holy month where Muslims fast for 30 days. It also gives us a chance to sit together with our business partners for Iftar. Adamjee Insurance Co. Ltd. s Retail Auto Team arranged some Iftar Dinners during Ramzan for their business partners across the region. The Retail Auto Team invited the 2G (Second Generation) of the Lahore Region, Pak-Suzuki Dealers at Yum Chinese Restaurant. This get-together was successfully arranged in the presence of Mr. Mir Muhammad Hammad - Head of Retail Marketing, and Mr. Muhammad Adnan Siddiqui - Business Head Retail Auto. After organizing an Iftar Dinner in Lahore, The Retail Auto Team visited Faisalabad and Islamabad Regions, where all the Sales Staff and Directors of the Pak-Suzuki & Honda Atlas Dealerships were invited to Lyallpur Gymkhana in Faisalabad, and to Monal Restaurant in Islamabad. Mr. Muhammad Adnan Siddiqui - Business Head Retail Auto was also present there. The Retail Auto Team invited the entire Sales Staff of Honda Atlas Dealerships for Iftar in Lahore at Dera Restaurant. Mr. Mir Muhammad Hammad - Head of Retail Marketing also attended this get-together. RETAIL AUTO VISITS SUZUKI MOTORS, THARPARKAR 28 29
Contributions RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ETHANOL DISTILLERIES - By Syed Irtaza Arif Pakistan is the sixth largest sugar producer in the world. At the time of partition in 1947, only seven sugar mills existed in the territories of Pakistan; 5 in East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh) and only 2 in West Pakistan (now known as Pakistan). Now, the existing approximately 86 sugar mills have the capacity of producing 7.0 million tonnes of sugar annually. Molasses, being a major byproduct of the sugar process, is principally utilized in ethanol manufacturing. Pakistan has about 19 distilleries producing ethanol with an annual export of almost 500,000 tons. To facilitate the use of molasses, which is generated in relatively high volumes, sugar factories may be combined with distillation plants. The basis for the distillery can be sugar juice, molasses, or a combination of these products. Two main types of Ethanol: Hydrous ethanol (min. 94% - 96%) Anhydrous ethanol, fuel grade (min. 99% or more) Uses of Ethanol: Ethanol can be used as fuel Ethanol can be used as rocket fuel Ethanol can be used in alcoholic beverages It can be used as antiseptic Ethanol is less polar than water and thus used in paints, perfumes and tinctures It is used in design and sketch art markers Preservative for biological specimens Ethanol - also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol - is a volatile, flammable, clear, colorless liquid. Its odor is described as vinous, or wine-like. When it is denatured, i.e. with a small percentage (up to 5%) of gasoline is added to render it undrinkable, it will also have a gasoline odor. Ethanol is a polar solvent that is completely miscible in water. It is heavier than air, and has a wider flammable range than gasoline, with a Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) to an Upper Explosive Limit (UEL) range of 3.3% to 19%. The flash point for pure ethanol is 55 F (13 C). While smoke emitted from burning gasoline is thick, black and toxic, pure ethanol burns without smoke and has a barely visible to undetectable blue flame. Physical Hazards at the Distillery: 1- Molasses Storage (open pits, tanks) 2- Steam Boiler(s) 3- Fermentation Process 4- Distillation Process 5- Storage Tanks (hydrous & anhydrous) 6- Effluent Treatment Plant Challenges for Fire Fighters Ethanol is highly flammable, water soluble but often lighter than water, so fires can rapidly extend through run-off of firefighting operations Ethanol requires alcohol resistant foam or dry chemical with specific application methods and rates to extinguish fires Ethanol has nearly invisible flame Ethanol may rapidly off gas into vapor from liquid when exposed to air The great challenge is to provide the pre-planning, knowledge, tools and training to all firefighters for such fuels Fire & Explosion in Distillery Safety Systems Checklist Ethanol Storage Tank Fire Sprinkler system Standpipe system Hydrant system Water supply system Backup generators for power failure Dryer-fire extinguishing system Alarm systems Containment systems Tank relief devices Emergency showers Foam system(s) and foam concentrate supplies Static electricity control (grounding and bonding) Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) locations Ethanol Storage Tank Explosion & Fire Information required prior to Underwriting Location of the tank farm from distillation and other occupancies Storage capacities and quantities of an-hydrous ethanol Cooling system for tanks and back-ups Were the ethanol tanks blanketed with a N2 pad? Were tanks vents being flared? Active and passive fire protection Was the need for an adequate supply of foam (AR Type) determined in advance in view of the potential consequences of an incident? Permit to work systems in tank farm area 30 31