The Industrial Cleaning Conference in Pune, organized by Clean India Journal, highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of efficient facility management: the undisputed synergy between safety, security and facility management operations. A dynamic discussion featuring Col Ripu Daman Singh, Sr GM Security and Systems, Deepak Fertilisers & Petrochemicals Corp. Ltd, and Lt Col Ajaydeep Singh, Industry Professional, underlined these functions as not merely complementary but intertwined with each other.
Drawing parallels to the Armed Forces, Col Ripu Daman Singh opened the session by emphasizing that “safety and security of the nation always stood first, next team and personal – last.” He acknowledged that this ethos, while innate in military life, can be a “cultural shock” in the corporate world where “safety first and security follows is the mantra.” However, the core principle remains: a truly effective operation prioritizes the well-being and protection of all.
Connecting FM, Safety & Security
“Needless to say, that security and safety go hand in hand every time with facility management,” affirmed Lt Col Ajaydeep Singh. He stressed that whether it is machine operation or daily workforce activities, “security and safety is paramount.” This integration must be deeply embedded in an organization’s culture. “We cannot launch into operations and then worry whether that person wears safety shoes, carrying the correct kit or is secure or not because the business would like to take the right decision the first time, every time,” he elaborated.
The discussion delved into practical applications, particularly concerning workforce management. Knowing the exact headcount – not just who is present, but their location within the plant during operations – is crucial. With the advent of AI, facial recognition, and integrated systems (like CLMS, Visitor Management and biometric attendance), the ability to track personnel has evolved significantly. This automation is not merely for attendance but plays a critical role in emergency evacuations and overall security.
Col Ripu Daman Singh further explained the broader impact: “Safety in facility management – why do we do waste management – there is pollution and fears – we use PPE etc. – FM, safety and security are all interrelated.” He humorously, yet accurately agreed with an audience member and likened HR to the father of an organization, with safety finding its place among the ‘children’.
First Responders & Human Touch
A key takeaway was the role of FM and security teams as first responders. “The FM and security team are the first responders – only ones in the facility 24×7 – who can cover every escape/safe route in the office,” stated Col Ripu Daman Singh.
Nilesh Gokhale, Regional FM Lead-Central AMEA, Mondelez India Foods Pvt. Ltd, emphasized the need for frequent training and refresher courses for FM staff to enhance their response capabilities. Sonali Shidhaye, Facility Leader-India Office Campus, Cummins India Ltd, highlighted Cummins’ strong safety practices, noting that facility personnel are trained to ensure safety across all areas, from heavy engine plants to corporate offices, preventing hazards like water spillage or exposed wires.
Amber Chandratre, Director-Global Integrated Services-Facilities, Cummins India Region, highlighted this by noting the unique role of security personnel who move into a facility during an emergency, while others evacuate.
The discussion also touched upon the nuances of security across different domains, as Sagar Mendhule, Manager Training- HSE, BVG India Limited pointed out.
Regardless of the sector, a smart and sustainable approach requires a thorough understanding of risk, encompassing both smart technology and personal safety – from handling cleaning chemicals to façade cleaning and the impact of technology on human life.
Bridging the Divide through Collaboration
While acknowledging the essential convergence, Lt Col Ajaydeep Singh admitted that at lower levels, there can sometimes be a “clash of ego” between admin and security functions. A common issue is the management and control of the sizeable FM workforce, particularly during their entry, exit and breaks.
Col Ripu Daman Singh observed a lingering “tussle” at the plant level regarding whether safety or security is responsible for automating headcount. However, the overriding sentiment was one of collaboration. Col Ripu Daman Singh’s experience at Reliance Industries in Jamnagar vividly illustrated this. Despite advanced sensors and a NASA-like control room, human vigilance remains crucial.
Security officers driving in process areas keep windows open and ACs off to constantly smell for gas leaks or detect spillages. This showcases the critical cohesion required between FM, security, and safety. “FM + security + safety – cohesion between all 3 departments,” he stressed.
The very fact that this topic was a significant part of a predominantly FM-led conference underlines the growing recognition of this cohesiveness. As Col Ajaydeep Singh put it, “everything that is going right in the industry, factory, office area wherever you see, it is built on the foundation of convergence of FM and security. Psychologically the employee feels safe, and happy to work in a particular place when both FM and security are working hand in hand at all times.”
Mindset and Technology
The panel and audience were presented with a recent startling find: the theft of 900 engines from Kia Motors over five years. Whose fault was it? Col Ripu Daman Singh’s answer was telling: “everybody and nobody.” He attributed it to a “lack of mind set on how to do things and the way in which it is done… Do we keep our eyes and ears open? Are we focusing on what we have to?” Lt Col Ajaydeep Singh echoed this, noting that “Plans are the first casualty of war, worldwide.”
Amber Chandratre offered a crucial perspective, emphasizing the need to move beyond fault-finding to “finding facts” to identify process gaps. He stressed a holistic view, considering infrastructure (fences, smart cameras) and the challenges of monotonous manual vigilance, batting for greater reliance on technology and infrastructure readiness. Col Ripu Daman Singh further clarified that while technology provides data, human intelligence is crucial for making logical conclusions.
Ultimately, the discussion converged on the ever-present insider threat. Col Ajaydeep Singh concluded that while automation transforms Facility Management, the human element remains irreplaceable.
Similarly, “any kind of security issue is always human which points towards an insider which starts off the entire chain of events.” This reinforces that even with technological advancements, a vigilant human interface, supported by robust training and seamless departmental collaboration, remains the ultimate safeguard.
The conference reiterated that for India’s industrial cleaning and facility management sectors to truly thrive, safety and security must be seen not as separate entities, but as the integrated, foundational pillars upon which efficiency, sustainability and trust are built.