Pulau Bukom fire started during maintenance preparation work

Preliminary investigation by the Ministry of Manpower showed that the fire broke out at a Pump House.

MOM Spokesperson said investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Inspectorate commenced last Friday after the fire at Pulau Bukom was put out.

“Preliminary findings from the investigation showed that the fire broke out at a Pump House during preparation work for maintenance. Part of the preparation work involved the draining of residual oil in a pipeline and removing it by means of a suction truck. The fire had subsequently spread and escalated into a major fire within the Pump House area,” said the Spokesperson.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Manpower, Mr Hawazi Daipi, visited the scene of the fire at Pulau Bukom on 3 October 2011. He and the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health, Ho Siong Hin, led a team of investigators to the site.

"This is an unfortunate incident and thankfully no lives were lost. MOM has commenced investigations and we will work closely with the Singapore Civil Defence Force to uncover the cause of the fire. MOM is also reviewing Shell's safety framework to prevent a recurrence of such an incident, said Mr Hawazii.

He also urged employers and workers to make safety a priority in their workplace. Mr Hawazii said, “A comprehensive safety framework minimizes risks and ensures every stakeholder is accountable for workplace safety and health".

Meanwhile investigations by MOM continue.