Industrial disaster caution

PROMPT and decisive emergency response on the part of the City’s Fire & Rescue Services prevented what might have been a serious gas leak incident after a Sasol pipeline was ruptured in Alton last week.

The potential for disaster was underlined by the fact that workers at businesses in the immediate area were evacuated and roads were closed.

The cause of the accidental rupturing of the line was attributed to municipal workers repairing a nearby leaking water pipe.

This in itself is cause for concern as all underground services should be clearly marked on plans to avoid exactly such incidents.

It is encouraging that Sasol immediately announced they will engage all relevant stakeholders to raise awareness of the safety standards and procedures to be followed when operating near the gas pipeline.

The incident serves as an urgent reminder that the giant industrial hub of Richards Bay is fraught with potential dangers.

These include the vast amounts of chemicals stored at various industrial premises, in both liquid and gas forms.

Added to that is the transportation of such, along with other commodities including liquid metals, petrol and other hazardous and flammable materials.

In addition we have the possibility of noxious emissions from the many stacks situated at major industries.

For the sake of community peace of mind, we trust that the necessary precautions are being adhered to at every possible point.

This begins with environmental impact assessments and the mandatory management procedures incorporated.

It is assumed there is consistent monitoring, inspections and oversight on the part of regulatory authorities, including national, provincial and local government.

The readiness to respond to incidents should be absolute: fire stations and disaster management centres must have all the equipment, resources and staff they need.

One trusts the large industries would do the same, to protect their assets and also assist the municipality if needed.

We don’t need another episode like the fatal Foskor gas leak deaths of 2002.