The government should set up an assistance scheme to provide financial aid to affected workers, residents in the event of an industrial accident. — Filepic
THE Putra Heights gas pipeline inferno on April 1, has led to a shift in public assumption that gas pipelines are safe, despite their inherent risk.
Although the official report about the pipeline inferno has not yet been made public, precautions and guidelines are needed to prevent a recurrence.
There are about 2,600km of natural gas pipelines covering a large part of the urban landscape catering mainly to power sectors, petrochemical industries, SMEs and residential areas.
Although the gas pipeline reserve in the Subang Jaya and Putra Heights is wide, vacant and neatly maintained to prevent any interference with the pipeline, this is not the case with the majority of pipelines, especially the smaller distribution ones, that are along busy and narrow roads.
Over time, the area could be overtaken by undergrowth and the gas pipeline markers could either fade or be lost.
With a lot of trenching and excavations carried out along roads, these gas pipelines might be damaged leading to dangerous situations.
There is also a risk of landslides especially in steep slopes under which the gas pipelines are laid, not to mention severe floods exposing and rupturing the pipelines.
The best way to ensure that the gas pipelines, both the main and secondary ones are safe and free from any encroachments, is to ensure that they undergo maintenance and regular monitoring.
Tell-tale signs of problems like leaks, earth movements or damage to the pipeline can be found if there is regular monitoring.
Not all pipeline reserves are wide and tidy as was the case with the pipeline reserve in Subang Jaya and Putra Heights.
Most of the distribution pipelines are buried deep and forgotten unless a problem arises concerning the pressure and supply of gas.
There should be more liaising with the local authorities, utility companies and Public Works Department which approves excavations, trenching and other projects to ensure that contractors avoid areas with gas pipelines.
Liaising with residents nearby will keep them informed and they may raise the alarm if they sense any risk from nearby excavations and projects.
There are also numerous contractors who illegally excavate and dig up roads especially at night and during public holidays.
Gas providers need to closely monitor their pipelines as this is the best way to avert any danger or a major mishap like what happened in Putra Heights, that caused massive damage and serious injuries.
The government should also consider, with the support of industries, setting up an Industrial Disaster Relief and Assistance Scheme, to provide immediate financial aid to workers or residents in the event of an industrial accident.
When fires, explosions, chemical spills and other dangers occur in industrial or commercial premises, such a scheme would enable those affected to not to rely on individuals or donations as was the case with the Putra Heights explosion, which resulted in controversy and criticisms when donations or contributions were sought or offered.
V. Thomas
Sungai Buloh
