Were confined-space safety procedures violated at the water tower?

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Initial Findings Suggest Potential Non-Compliance with Confined-Space Safety Procedures

Preliminary investigations indicate a possibility that confined-space safety procedures may not have been followed at the Saujana 1 water tower incident. These initial findings suggest that workers might have entered the site without the necessary approval and before safety verification had been completed. However, the definitive cause of the incident is pending the outcome of the official inquiry and the final report from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).
Potential Procedural Lapses Identified

Early observations from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) suggest that workers may have entered the confined space at the Saujana 1 water tower prior to obtaining the required approvals and completing essential safety verifications. Such actions would constitute a deviation from standard confined-space safety protocols, which mandate thorough safety checks before personnel entry. The incident, which occurred on June 16, involved two workers encountering difficulties near a scour point within the water tank, which had a water level at waist height at the time.
Official Investigation Underway by DOSH

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has taken a leading role in investigating the incident. DOSH conducted an on-site inspection on June 17, 2026, and subsequently issued a prohibition notice. A joint follow-up visit was conducted on June 18, involving SPAN, Air Selangor, and DOSH, specifically to ascertain the root cause of the accident. The final report detailing the findings of this formal investigation is expected to be published by DOSH once the inquiry is concluded.
SPAN's Regulatory Oversight and Action

SPAN is actively involved in the investigation, emphasising that any party found to have contravened required procedures, including Air Selangor or a SPAN permit holder, will face appropriate action. The commission confirmed that the contractor responsible for the maintenance works was registered and held a valid permit. SPAN is committed to reviewing and potentially enhancing its safety protocols, supervision of confined-space work, contractor management, and on-site risk controls to prevent future occurrences.

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Were confined-space safety procedures violated at the water tower?

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