What safety measures did Stargroup allegedly neglect during tank cleaning?

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Stargroup Allegedly Neglected Key Safety Measures During Tank Cleaning Operations

Stargroup, a contractor engaged by PUB for tank cleaning, is facing charges for allegedly failing to implement reasonably practicable measures to minimise workplace risks, including inadequate ventilation for confined spaces and a lack of trained standby personnel. The company's authorised manager is also charged for alleged lapses in issuing confined space entry permits. These alleged oversights occurred during routine tank cleaning operations at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, which led to a tragic incident where two workers died from exposure to toxic hydrogen sulphide gas.
Failure to Ensure Adequate Ventilation in Confined Spaces

The company is specifically accused of failing to ensure adequate ventilation for workers entering confined spaces, a critical step in preventing the accumulation of hazardous gases. Investigations revealed that workers had entered an enclosed passage beneath a water treatment process tank without sufficient airflow. This lack of ventilation is believed to have contributed to the dangerous levels of hydrogen sulphide gas detected at the site, which had triggered an alarm prior to the incident.
Absence of Trained Standby Personnel

A significant alleged lapse in safety protocols was the failure to have trained standby personnel stationed outside the confined spaces. This measure is crucial for immediate response in case of an emergency, such as a worker collapsing or encountering hazardous conditions. The absence of such trained personnel outside the tank during the cleaning operation meant there was no immediate support available for the workers who subsequently entered the enclosed passage.
Lapses in Confined Space Entry Permit Issuance

Beyond the operational safety failures, Stargroup's authorised manager, Lim Beng Hock, has also been charged for allegedly failing to exercise due diligence in issuing confined space entry permits. Such permits are a formal process to ensure that all necessary safety precautions, including risk assessments, atmospheric testing, and the provision of appropriate equipment, have been completed before entry into a confined space. The manager's alleged lack of due diligence in this administrative process points to systemic issues in the company's safety management framework.

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What safety measures did Stargroup allegedly neglect during tank cleaning?

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