Kao factory blasts claim a third life, DOSH launches probe

Sun2Surf: BUTTERWORTH: The blasts in a factory here on Feb 28, 2006, claimed a third life on March 1, 2006, as the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) launches its probe.
M.Kunasegaran, 46, who was warded in the Seberang Perai Hospital intensive care unit with 80% burns died early yesterday.
DOSH director Syed Mohamad Abdul Fatah said: "We are trying to determine whether the workers were familiar with the procedures or qualified to carry out 'hot works' which included welding work at the (Fatty Chemical (M) Sdn Bhd) (FCM) plant.
"We also want to know if they are experienced enough to carry out such works in the presence of flammable materials.
"Eight officers are conducting investigations in the plant and taking statements from those who were present when the blast occurred."
To date, he said, the factory had a clean record of maintaining health and safety requirements in the premises and has only recorded small incidencts of cuts among its employees.
Syed Mohamad said other maintenance work in the plant will be allowed to continue but not those involving 'hot works'.
Kunasekaran and two other contract workers, Yip Hock Teong, 40, and Ko Chin Nam, 38, who died, were working in a gas facility when a methanol tank exploded twice.
The 15-year-old factory is a joint venture between Kao Japan and IOI Group. It employs 300 workers and manufactures toiletries under the Kao brand.
Sankyu (M) Sdn Bhd, the contractors for the maintenance work, when contacted declined to comment saying that the matter was under investigation.