SANDF FUEL DEPOT SHUTDOWN
Fuel spillage has led to the closure of the SA National Defence Force's fuel depot at a base in Pretoria, the labour department said on Tuesday.
Spokeswoman Zolile Sigabi said the closure followed after inspectors found that fuel (petrol and diesel) was leaking from underground pipes at the 43rd SA Brigade Wallmansthal base last week.
She said inspectors discovered gross violations of Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
"The fumes of the fuel spillage were also evident in the toilets, which have since been blocked from access."
A prohibition notice was served last week which ordered that measures be taken to prevent further leakage.
It also ordered that an environmental impact assessment on the spill be submitted before the notice can be rescinded.
"The prohibition notice is still in place as the things that we said needed to be fixed have not been fixed."
Sigabi said the department's inspectorate also ordered an immediate disconnection of electricity supply to the fuel depot.
"We have an obligation and responsibility in terms of the OHS Act to enforce the law and ensure the safety of all workers both in the private and public sector." she said.
Earlier this year, labour inspectors in Nelspruit shut down the department's own offices for health and safety reasons, said Sigabi.
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24 Juillet 2007 à 16:15 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
