How did the mixer machine failure cause the fatal blast?

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Mixer Machine Failure Led to Fatal Blast Due to Company Negligence

The fatal explosion and fire at the Tuas industrial plant, which resulted in three worker fatalities and seven injuries, occurred primarily because the operating company, Stars Engrg, failed in its duty to ensure the safe use of a mixer machine. This negligence led to excessive pressure buildup within the machine's oil jacket, causing mechanical failure and the rupture of its welds, ultimately triggering the catastrophic event. The machine was used in the production of fire clay, a crucial element for insulation wrap, by mixing water, potato starch, and other materials.
Lack of Safety Oversight and Warning Signs Ignored

Stars Engrg demonstrated a significant dereliction of duty by failing to conduct proper investigations into previous incidents and allowing the mixer machine to continue operating despite clear warning signs. These indicators included instances of oil leaks and fires, which should have prompted immediate safety reviews and corrective actions. The company's inaction in addressing these pre-existing risks directly contributed to the severity of the eventual blast.
Inadequate Expertise in Machine Installation and Operation

The company's director, Chua Xing Da, personally oversaw the installation and commissioning of the mixer machine, which was procured from an online retailer. Critically, Chua possessed insufficient knowledge regarding the safe operation of this equipment. Despite this deficiency, he was also responsible for instructing the plant's workers on how to use the machine, thereby embedding a fundamental lack of safety expertise into the operational procedures.
Extreme Temperatures Exceeding Operational Parameters

Expert testimony revealed that the heaters within the mixer machine had the potential to reach temperatures as high as 1,095ºC. This extreme heat far surpassed the boiling point of water (100ºC), which was the primary substance being heated during the mixing process. This significant disparity suggests a severe malfunction or a fundamental misunderstanding of the machine's heating capabilities and its safe operating limits within the context of the materials being processed.

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How did the mixer machine failure cause the fatal blast?

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