explosion
23 May 2007
The death of a worker at the Engen Refinery, south of Durban is being
investigated by Department of Labour inspectors.
Preliminary investigations into the horror incident have revealed that the
worker, employed as an operator by Capacity Labour Brokers, was instantly
killed after a slob tank that was being refilled with Toluene chemical,
allegedly exploded. At the time of the explosion, the worker was on top of the
tank, 5 metres above ground, measuring the volume of the chemical that was
being transferred into the tank.
The deceased was found to be wearing personal protective equipment, a two
piece overall, a hard hat and safety shoes at the time of death.
A follow-up and full scale investigation will be conducted by labour
inspectors once the reports from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Fire
Department and internal investigation by Engen are finalised and submitted to
the department. The cause of the explosion is not yet known.
Meanwhile in two separate incidents, investigations are underway regarding
two fires that broke out at the Durban city centre over the past week.
A prohibition notice was also served to contractors halting all construction
work at the North Pier in Durban harbour after a fire gutted the north side of
the old tunnel.
However, permission was granted for a temporary electrical installation to
be installed to pump out water from the tunnel in order to avoid any flooding
due to water leaks caused by fire damages to the tunnel.
The second fire was at Bridgepark Industrial Complex at the corner of Acutt
Avenue and North Coast Road which gutted three companies on Sunday morning.
Southern Textile Trading, Branson Marketing and Primedia were completely burnt
down in the blaze.
In both instances, there were no injuries reported but the cause of the
fires is still being investigated.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
23 May 2007
