What combustible powders were involved in the secondary fires?

Question

Accepted Answer

Combustible Powders Involved in Secondary Fires Remain Unspecified

The specific types of combustible powders that contributed to secondary flash fires following the 2021 Tuas industrial plant explosion have not been detailed. Investigations concluded that inadequate controls over such materials were a factor in the incident, which resulted in the deaths of three workers and serious injuries to seven others.
Factors Contributing to the Incident

The explosion on February 24, 2021, occurred after a mixing machine was operated unsafely at the Stars Engrg plant in Tuas. Workplace safety failures were identified as the primary cause, stemming from the operation and maintenance of the machine, alongside insufficient oversight of combustible powders. These powders are noted to have contributed to secondary flash fires, exacerbating the situation.
Legal Consequences for Safety Failures

In response to the incident, Stars Engrg was fined S$500,000 (approximately RM1.58 million) for workplace safety failures. The company's director, Chua Xing Da, received an 18-month and one-week prison sentence after being convicted of workplace safety offences and obstructing justice. A production manager, Lwin Moe Tun, was jailed for six weeks for obstructing justice by deleting relevant messages and photographs pertinent to the investigation.
Identified Operational Deficiencies

Investigations revealed that the mixing machine had been operated unsafely over a prolonged period, despite several warning signs such as overheating, oil leaks, and a fire that occurred shortly before the fatal explosion. The company also failed to consult the manufacturer for technical assistance regarding the machine's operation and repairs, with the director opting to troubleshoot issues himself despite an incomplete understanding of its functionality. Modifications were also made to the machine's heat insulation system without seeking manufacturer advice.
Regulatory Enhancements Post-Incident

Following the explosion, an inquiry committee concluded that the incident was preventable and attributed it to serious operational and maintenance failures. In response, enhanced workplace safety requirements, particularly for high-risk machinery and combustible dust, were implemented and took effect in January 2025. The Ministry of Manpower accepted all recommendations from the committee to prevent future occurrences.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

What combustible powders were involved in the secondary fires?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends