SINGAPORE : Singapore's Manpower Ministry will be taking Keppel
Shipyard and its safety assessor to court following the completion
of its investigations into a ship fire at the yard which killed
seven workers.
The flash fire occurred on board the vessel Almudaina on May
29.
Sludge at the bottom of the cargo oil tank was ignited by sparks
from hot-works being carried out above, leading to a flash fire
inside the tank.
MOM says investigations revealed that the safety assessor had
endorsed the hot work permit without re-inspecting the cargo oil
tank.
Under the Factories (Shipbuilding and Shiprepairing) regulations,
the safety assessor has to inspect the site of the intended work
and ensure there are no hazards and dangers present before
endorsing the permit.
Following the accident at Keppel Shipyard, the Manpower Ministry
sent out two circulars reminding the industry of safety measures
that have to be adhered to when carrying out hot works on board oil
tankers and chemical carriers.
Between June and October, ministry officers also carried out 266
inspections at shipyards.
As a result, 13 composition fines were issued to shipyards for
various violations. - CNA