/ 18 August 2005

Sasol blast probe ‘should prompt recommendations’

Important recommendations should soon be made as a result of the evidence presented at the investigation into the explosion at Sasol’s Secunda ethylene plant in September last year, trade union Solidarity said on Thursday.

Sasol spokesperson Johann van Rheede said the group will wait for the final outcome of the investigation as well as the findings by the Department of Labour before commenting further on the matter.

Evidence presented at the inquiry showed that deficiencies existed in Sasol’s safety systems, the union added. Solidarity and Sasol have agreed in principle to work together to improve Sasol’s safety systems and prevent similar disasters.

Wolf Orbanski, a contractor supervisor, and Pieter Stolz, a Sasol shutdown planner, testified before the Department of Labour inquiry on Wednesday.

Solidarity’s spokesperson for the chemical industry, Marius Croucamp, said the evidence highlighted several areas in which safety improvements could be made.

“We heard yesterday [Wednesday] that additional tasks are automatically included in the shutdown planning process, regardless of whether it falls inside or outside the safe area, and that it was assumed that the production department had made the area safe,” Croucamp said.

“Contractor supervision and manpower for safety supervision are also areas of concern. Control measures need to be improved as well.

“Solidarity will work with Sasol, as has already been agreed upon, to make recommendations for improvements and to prevent future incidents. There is a lot to be learned from the inquiry and Solidarity will ensure that the rest of the chemical industry also benefits from this process,” he added.

The investigation continues on Thursday in Evander. — I-Net Bridge