What caused the toxic gas leak at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks?

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Hydrogen Sulphide Inhalation Caused Incident at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks

A toxic gas leak at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, resulting in one fatality and two workers in intensive care, was caused by the inhalation of hydrogen sulphide. This dangerous gas is a known by-product of the water treatment process, specifically originating from sludge. The incident occurred during a routine operation involving sub-contractors tasked with cleaning a tank.
Origin of Hydrogen Sulphide

Preliminary investigations by the national water agency PUB indicate that the workers, who were sub-contractors, inhaled hydrogen sulphide. This gas is produced from sludge, which itself is a by-product of the water treatment process. Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless, highly toxic, and flammable gas, often recognisable by its strong odour resembling rotten eggs.
Circumstances of the Incident

The event unfolded on Thursday morning, May 23, around 11:15 am, during a scheduled tank cleaning operation at Singapore’s second-largest waterworks located along Nanyang Drive. All three workers involved were found unconscious and subsequently conveyed to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Tragically, one worker succumbed to the effects of the gas in hospital, while the other two remain in intensive care.
Response and Safety Measures

Upon being alerted, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) dispatched firefighters and Hazardous Material (HazMat) specialists. These personnel, equipped with personal protective equipment and breathing apparatus, identified the presence of hydrogen sulphide vapour within the premises. SCDF deployed two water jets to effectively disperse the hazardous vapour, and no hydrogen sulphide was detected after an hour of this operation. As a precautionary measure, PUB has initiated a safety timeout for similar confined space operations and is currently reviewing all associated safety protocols.

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What caused the toxic gas leak at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks?

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