SCDF withdraws charges against ExxonMobil
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
has withdrawn charges against ExxonMobil.
SCDF alleged previously that the oil giant had
failed to let firemen put out a fire at one of its
refineries.
SCDF did not elaborate on its latest decision during
a brief court hearing on Tuesday.
When queried later by Channel NewsAsia, an SCDF
spokesman said: "The management of ExxonMobil has appealed and also
taken prompt corrective actions...in view of this, SCDF decided to
issue a stern warning in lieu of proceeding with charges against
the company."
The fire in question at the Pioneer Road refinery
occurred on January 6, and SCDF officers were also not allowed in
some two hours later to investigate and determine its cause.
A third summons was for allegedly failing to notify SCDF
immediately about the fire.
ExxonMobil apologised on Monday for the company's "part in the
circumstances leading to the charges". "We've since reviewed our
internal processes to ensure that such an incident won't occur
again," its spokesperson told Channel NewsAsia. "We're also working
with SCDF to ensure a closer alignment in our operational processes
with all the ground personnel."
ExxonMobil gave assurances about the safety of its workers and the
community.
"The Singapore refinery, as with other ExxonMobil sites, has an
emergency response plan, and the employees prepare themselves
through regular training and drills," said its spokesperson.
She said the company was equipped with a range of fire fighting
equipment, which are subject to SCDF audits, and response teams
were staffed with personnel trained at the SCDF Academy.
Under the Fire Safety Act, authorised personnel have the right to
enter any premises to check for fire hazards and to determine the
causes of a fire, among other duties.
Breaching the law carries a maximum fine of S$10,000, up to six
months in jail, or both.
-CNA/ac