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
This was the fire @ Jurong... Lack of safety precaution were reported