Kerteh Gas Leak: NIOSH Urges Stronger Preventive Measures

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Employers in high-risk sectors such as petroleum and gas must ensure their staff receive adequate training to conduct systematic risk assessments and take appropriate measures to manage incidents that could cause harm.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) chairman Chong Chieng Jen said that the butane gas pipeline leak in Kerteh last Saturday should serve as a serious reminder to all parties of the importance of training to ensure comprehensive accident prevention measures are in place.

“Employers and employees of companies, including vendors and subcontractors, must consistently apply the Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) approach to ensure dangerous situations such as gas leaks can be detected early,” he said.

“Through the HIRARC approach, the causes and risks of accidents can be accurately assessed, enabling the implementation of control measures, including the use of the latest engineering technology with equipment and sensors powered by artificial intelligence (AI),” he said in a statement today.

He added that trained workers would also be better prepared to deal with any situation, including by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and promptly reporting and taking necessary steps to prevent workplace accidents and safeguard the public.

Chong also reminded employers and employees of their respective rights and responsibilities as outlined in several sections of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

At the same time, he said that NIOSH, as the centre for safety and health excellence (KKP), offers expertise, training modules, emergency simulation facilities and 13 international-standard laboratories to support the industry in improving worker safety and managing high-risk infrastructure.

“NIOSH is also ready to assist relevant agencies, including the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), in conducting investigations and formulating more effective control strategies for all industries.

In the incident on Sept 20, police were forced to close the main Kerteh-Ranggon road to all vehicles after a gas leak was detected in a Petronas Gas Berhad (PGB) pipeline at the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Section 5 project site in Kerteh.

Kemaman police chief Supt Mohd Razi Rosli said they received an emergency call at about 9.53 am reporting a leak in a butane gas pipeline, which contained flammable gas, about two kilometres from the main road.

-- BERNAMA