Singapore - In response to a fatal explosion at a Tuas factory in February 2021, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will be implementing stricter workplace safety and health (WSH) measures for manufacturers and suppliers handling industrial machinery and combustible dust, effective from January 1, 2025.

Following a committee's investigation into the incident, which revealed that an explosion was triggered by the improper use of a mixer, igniting combustible starch powder used in the workplace, a multi-agency safety taskforce has introduced enhanced controls to ensure the safe handling of combustible dust, which can ignite when dispersed in the air and exposed to an ignition source.

Under the new regulations, manufacturers and suppliers must label packaging or containers of combustible dust with hazard warnings and provide workers with safety instructions. However, small packages or containers of organic combustible dust, such as flour or starch, weighing 25kg or less, are exempt from labeling requirements.

Manufacturers handling specific combustible dust above a designated threshold must also notify MOM and the building owner or landlord.

Local manufacturer Chung Shan, visited by AsiaOne on November 28, showcased the control measures it has already adopted, including individually packaged combustible dust, mixing drums, and newly introduced warning labels on storage areas. The company has also installed explosion-proof lighting and uses explosion-proof vacuum cleaners for safe dust removal.

Managing director Sussie Sarah Tan expressed the company's commitment to investing in worker safety, stating, "When workers feel safe and have a good environment, they feel happy and secure."

Another enhancement involves expanding the list of high-risk machinery covered under the WSH Act. This will require manufacturers and suppliers to ensure these machines are used safely and provide information on their safe operation. Individuals installing or modifying such machinery must ensure that the installation or modification does not compromise the safe use of the machine.

The three additional high-risk machines to be included are:

• Sheet benders and sheet rollers
• Lathes and milling machines
• Machines designed for industrial purposes for any of the following: cutting (table saws, slicing machines), packaging (palletizers, compactors), mixing by mechanical movement (paddle mixers, ribbon mixers), food handling or processing (grinders, meat grinders)
  "Singapore has over 7,000 manufacturing workplaces, many of which operate high-risk machinery and manage combustible dust," said Minister for Manpower and member of the multi-agency safety taskforce, Alvin Tan. "The enhanced measures we have introduced will place accountability on all stakeholders across the supply chain and safeguard the safety of workers."

Zaqy Mohamad, chairman of the multi-agency safety taskforce and Minister for Manpower, added, "Combustible dust and industrial machinery can pose significant risks to workers, as seen in the 2021 Stars Engrg explosion. We will be conducting inspections to ensure compliance with these measures. Businesses can refer to the resources provided on the WSH Council website to better prepare for the new requirements."

According to a WSH report, one fatality and 59 major injuries occurred in the manufacturing sector in the first half of 2024. In 2023, there were five fatalities and 150 major injuries in the manufacturing sector, with 52 of these cases involving machinery accidents.

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