If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times. Proper storage procedures help to eliminate the risks of harmful chemical leaks. From ravenous chemical fires to public health disasters, chemical leaks cost many lives and millions of dollars each year. Staying ahead of the curve and maintaining an emphasis on safety is the first step in reducing incidents that can ruin lives.
Luckily, the two separate chemical incidents that occurred in Singapore during the month of January did not lead to any injuries. The first event, a chemical plant fire, took place at an ExxonMobil facility on Jurong Island early January 8th. The next afternoon, a chemical leak occurred at Shell’s Pulau Bukom manufacturing site.
ExxonMobil Chemical Plant Fire
The chemical fire, which reportedly did not cause any injuries, started around 5:30 am at ExxonMobil’s Singapore chemical plant. The Singapore Civil Defense Unit responded with a dozen vehicles, including three fire engines and seven support vehicles. The fire was extinguished within half an hour by the SCDU and has been linked to a buildup of residual hydrocarbon in one of the units on the premises.
ExxonMobil is currently investigating the cause of the blaze and says that it “regrets” the fire. The corporation also stated that “safety is a core value at all our operations and facilities. We learn from all incidents and use these learnings to reinforce our commitment to continued safety improvement”.
Chemical Leaks at Shell Manufacturing Plant
Shell Petrochemical company confirmed that a chemical leak occurred in a facility unit that had already been shut down for maintenance. A company spokesperson stated that “mitigating measures” were implemented to prevent to spread and that necessary repairs had been completed on January 10th. Shell added that there is no adverse impact on any environmental factors in the surrounding communities.
However, when asked what chemical had leaked, Shell said that it does not provide such details “for reasons of commercial confidentiality”. They continued to say that the cause of the leak is being investigated and that the safety of the community, their personnel, and the environment remain their top priority. The Singapore Civil Defense Unit took precautionary measures by deploying resources to assist at the site if necessary while Shell’s in-house contractors carried out containment operations.
Stay Safe with US Hazmat Rentals
Nobody wants to go through the dangerous risks and tumultuous consequences involved with chemical leaks. Protect your personnel and your company by making safety a top priority with US Hazmat Rentals. With a wide selection of chemical storage lockers ready for your business, you can save money while still providing the best possible conditions for your workers. With our chemical lockers and safe rooms, you can ensure a safe future for your company and everyone you care about. Call us or visit to learn more about our company and how we can help yours.
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