Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and The Arts,

MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369

Tel: 837-9666

The accident occurred when Yellow & White Construction Pte Ltd, a contractor of Singapore Telecom, was carrying out cable laying work inside manholes located along Chulia Street. A worker entered a manhole wanting to pull the telecommunication cables through inter-connecting pipes. He was overcome by toxic gas present inside the confined space and lost consciousness. Upon seeing this, a colleague and supervisor also entered the manhole in an attempt to rescue him. They too, were overcome by the toxic gas and lost consciousness. All three persons died.

Investigation conducted by the Occupational Health Department revealed that the manhole contained high levels of hydrogen sulphide gas. Hydrogen sulphide is a highly toxic gas that is colourless and smells of rotten eggs. The gas is formed by the decomposition of organic matter, such as sludge. High concentrations may cause rapid loss of consciousness and the victim may die from asphyxiation as a result of the effect of the chemical.

The contractor was found to have contravened the Factories Act by not providing suitable breathing apparatus to workers entering and working in a confined space. The confined space was also not certified safe for entry. Safe work procedures were also not implemented.

Under the Factories Act, safe work procedures must be implemented for any work in confined spaces before work can commence. A competent person must certify the space safe for entry before anyone is allowed to enter. This requires isolation and ventilation of the space as well as testing the atmosphere for lack of oxygen and presence of dangerous gases. If the space is not certified safe, a person can only enter the confined space if he wears suitable breathing apparatus.

There is a Code of Practice for Entry and Safe Working in Confined Spaces. All factory occupiers and contractors performing work involving entry into confined spaces must comply with the requirements of this Code.

The Ministry would like to remind all factory occupiers and contractors that work involving confined spaces must adhere strictly to the legal requirements so as to safeguard the safety and health of their workers. The Ministry will not hesitate to take legal action against any factory occupier or contractor found flouting safety rules.

For enquiries on work involving confined spaces, please call our One Call Centre at 4385122 or fax us at 5395140.