SANDF Fuel Depot Closed After Leaks
A fuel depot at one of the South African National Defence Force bases has been shut down by inspectors from the Department of Labour, after they discovered fuel leaks.
The inspectors were sent to the depot at the 43rd SA Brigade in Wallmannsthal, north of Pretoria following reports of the leakages.
It was discovered that petrol and diesel were leaking from underground pipes and the fumes from the spillage were evident in the toilets. Access to the area has now been restricted.
The leakages represented both a danger to SANDF members there and a contravention of Section 30 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
The SANDF was served with a prohibition notice and measures have been taken to prevent further leakages.
The department reiterated that prohibition orders can be withdrawn as soon as the employer complies with the directives as contained in the original prohibition order.
An environmental impact assessment will be conducted before the notice is withdrawn.
Labour Department spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi said the department's inspectorate had ordered that the electricity supply to the depot be disconnected with immediate effect.
"We have an obligation and responsibility in terms of the Occupational Act to enforce the law and ensure the safety of all workers, in both the private and public sectors," said Ms Sigabi.
In Nelspruit earlier this year, inspectors shut down the Labour department's own offices because health and safety issues were not up standard.
Ms Sigabi said they would continue to close down hazardous work places to ensure the safety of employees.
-
25 Juillet 2007 à 16:19 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
