Why recommend shutting down Lawas highway construction?

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Sarawak Fire Department Recommends Lawas Highway Construction Site Shutdown Due to Methane Gas Risks

The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department has recommended the closure of the Sarawak North Coastal Highway (NCH) construction site in Lawas due to the detection of highly flammable methane gas at critical levels. This recommendation stems from elevated Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) readings near a gas-emitting hole, posing significant safety concerns for ongoing operations.
High LEL Readings Detected

Portable gas detectors monitoring the area near the gas-emitting hole recorded LEL readings of 100 per cent for three consecutive days. While readings within a five-meter radius of the immediate vicinity showed zero per cent LEL, the sustained high readings at the source indicated a substantial risk. This situation arose after contractors conducted drilling work at a depth of approximately 45 meters, and gas flow was observed to be active at the surface.
Hazmat Team's Safety Concerns

A Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) team assessed the situation and concluded that the area should be shut down to mitigate potential safety risks. Their recommendation to local authorities was to ensure no further activities be conducted at the location. This advisory was further supported by confirmations and advice from other relevant government departments, including the Minerals and Geosciences Department, the Department of Environment, and the Chemistry Department.
Gas Emission Triggered by Drilling

The incident prompting the Fire and Rescue Department's involvement began when a call was received regarding gas being emitted from the ground at the construction site. This emission occurred after contractors had drilled to a depth of about 45 meters. The ongoing active gas flow at the surface following this drilling activity was the primary factor that led to the high-risk methane gas detection.

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