Flammable vapours from waste oil tank caused Audi service centre explosion
Posted on 28 March 2023 | 1,202 views | 1 comment
Anjali Raguraman
The Straits Times
March 28, 2023 Preliminary investigations have shown that an explosion at an Audi service centre earlier in March was caused by the accumulation of flammable vapours in a waste oil tank placed inside a lift motor room, said the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council on Monday. On March 7, an explosion blew open a section of the Audi service centre in Ubi, resulting in one injury and the evacuation of 100 people. The explosion was also felt by those working in nearby buildings, and sent some running for cover.
Separately, the WSH Council on Monday also highlighted a large blaze that engulfed an industrial chemical blending and storage warehouse in Tuas South on March 13.
According to the council, preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started from an adhesive dispensing unit containing flammable solvents.
Two people had minor injuries, and about 40 people in the building were evacuated.
“While no one was badly injured, both incidents highlight the need for workplaces to better manage flammable materials as workplace fires can lead to mass casualties and cause extensive damage to assets,” said the council.
It called on all companies storing or handling flammable materials – including petroleum products and volatile organic solvents – to urgently review their safety measures.
The council also advised companies to ensure the effective implementation of risk assessment and training, as well as storage, handling and disposal, when working with flammable materials.
The Straits Times
March 28, 2023 Preliminary investigations have shown that an explosion at an Audi service centre earlier in March was caused by the accumulation of flammable vapours in a waste oil tank placed inside a lift motor room, said the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council on Monday. On March 7, an explosion blew open a section of the Audi service centre in Ubi, resulting in one injury and the evacuation of 100 people.
Preliminary investigations show that the explosion at an Audi service centre on March 7 was caused by the accumulation of flammable vapours from a waste oil tank in a lift motor room. PHOTO: WSH COUNCIL
Preliminary investigations also indicate that the blaze at a warehouse in Tuas South on March 13 started from an adhesive dispensing unit containing flammable solvents. PHOTO: WSH COUNCIL
Source:
The Straits Times
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