Why was the confined space entry permit issued without proper checks?

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Confined Space Entry Permit Issued Amidst Known Hazards

The confined space entry permit at Stargroup was reportedly issued without all necessary precautions in place, despite recorded hazardous conditions. Lim Beng Hock, the authorised manager for confined space entry permits at Stargroup, faces charges for allegedly failing to exercise due diligence in the permit issuance process. This occurred in the context of routine tank cleaning operations at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, where two workers tragically died due to exposure to toxic hydrogen sulphide gas.

Investigations revealed that sensors at the site had already registered hydrogen sulphide levels exceeding safe thresholds, and an alarm had been triggered prior to the workers entering the confined space. The workers were cleaning a water treatment process tank when three of them collapsed after entering an enclosed passage beneath the tank to close hand valves. These three workers were subsequently hospitalised, with two succumbing to the exposure.

While the specific details of Lim Beng Hock's alleged failures in due diligence are not fully elaborated, the circumstances suggest a lapse in ensuring the safety protocols were adequately followed before the permit was granted. In the broader context of confined space entry, due diligence typically involves a thorough risk assessment, confirmation of atmospheric testing, ensuring adequate ventilation, and verification that trained personnel are available outside the confined space. The failure to act on the triggered alarm and high gas readings indicates a potential bypass of these critical safety steps, leading to the tragic outcome.

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Why was the confined space entry permit issued without proper checks?

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