Singapore Government Press Release

Media Relations Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts,

MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369

Tel: 6837-9666

15 FEBRUARY 2005

PRESS RELEASE

WORKERS FOUND DEAD AT CHOA CHU KANG WAY INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT DID NOT HAVE PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

On 12 February 2005, at about 3pm, three workers were found dead inside a culvert beneath a road bridge along Choa Chu Kang Way. The accident occurred at the worksite of Or Kim Peow Contractors (Pte) Ltd, which has been instructed to stop work pending investigations.

Findings of the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Division

2 The Ministry’s preliminary investigations revealed that the three workers were carrying out spray painting inside the bridge’s culvert at the time of the accident. As both ends of the culvert were blocked by the earth, the workers were essentially working within a confined space.

3 Investigations also revealed that the paint used by the workers was diluted with a solvent/thinner. It is likely that the workers could have been overcome by the solvent vapour generated during the spray painting.

4 Two of three deceased workers were found not wearing any respiratory equipment or mask. The third worker was found wearing only a dust mask[1], which is unsuitable for spray painting work in a confined space. MOM is continuing its investigation into the cause of the accident.

Safety measures to be taken

5 The Factories Act stipulates measures to be taken to protect persons from safety and health hazards associated with entry into and working in confined spaces. The measures include the following:

· A job hazard analysis to be carried out prior to commencement of work;

· A permit-to-work system, including written safe work procedures, must be developed and implemented; and

· Effective ventilation must be provided to ensure adequate supply of fresh air.

6 Workers carrying out spray painting in confined spaces must be provided with appropriate respiratory equipment such as air-fed masks[2]. There should also be an effective exhaust ventilation system to prevent the build-up of flammable solvent vapour generated during spray painting. In addition, the equipment used in a confined space, where there is a danger of an explosion, must be flame-proof.

7 MOM would like to remind factory occupiers and contractors to ensure that all necessary safety and health measures are taken for work to be carried out in confined spaces. The Ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against any company or person found flouting safety rules and regulations.

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[1] A dust mask would not be effective in protecting a worker from inhaling solvent vapours.

[2] An air-fed mask would provide a worker with a supply of continuous fresh air from a source located outside the confined space.