What due diligence was allegedly lacking from the permit issuer?

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Lim Beng Hock was accused of failing to exercise due diligence in issuing confined space entry permits.

The authorised manager for confined space entry permits at Stargroup, Lim Beng Hock, faces charges related to alleged lapses in his duties. These charges stem from an incident at the Choa Chu Kang Waterworks in May 2024, where two workers died after exposure to toxic gas. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) indicated that the investigations found the workers had been exposed to hydrogen sulphide gas, a highly toxic substance.
Failure to Ensure Adequate Safety Measures for Permit Issuance

The core of the allegations against Lim Beng Hock centres on his role as the authorised manager responsible for issuing confined space entry permits. He is accused of failing to exercise the necessary due diligence in this process. This implies that the procedures followed or the assessments made prior to issuing the permits were deemed insufficient to guarantee the safety of workers entering the confined space.
Context of the Fatal Incident

The incident occurred on May 23, 2024, when four workers from Stargroup and its subcontractor were engaged in cleaning a water treatment process tank. Three workers subsequently collapsed after entering an enclosed passage beneath the tank to close hand valves. Investigations revealed that sensors at the location had registered hydrogen sulphide levels exceeding safe thresholds, and an alarm had been triggered at the time of the incident, underscoring the hazardous conditions present.
Stargroup and PUB's Response to Safety Lapses

In response to the incident, Stargroup itself was charged for failing to implement reasonably practicable measures to minimise workplace risks. The company has been blacklisted by PUB for 18 months, preventing it from tendering for PUB projects. PUB also received a composition fine of S$5,000 from MOM for previous instances where employees entered confined spaces without adequate ventilation.

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What due diligence was allegedly lacking from the permit issuer?

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