PUB sub-contractor worker dies after inhaling hydrogen sulphide gas, 2 others in intensive care

SINGAPORE: A PUB sub-contractor died on Thursday (May 23) after inhaling hydrogen sulphide gas while carrying out tank cleaning works at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks.

Two other workers who inhaled the gas are in intensive care.

The incident occurred at about 11.15am on Thursday.

“Three sub-contractor workers were carrying out routine tank cleaning works when they were found to have collapsed,” a PUB spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday afternoon.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the workers had inhaled hydrogen sulphide, a gas produced from sludge which is a by-product of the water treatment process.”

All three workers were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in an unconscious state where one of them later died.

Hydrogen sulphide is a colourless gas with a potent, unpleasant odour similar to that of rotten eggs or sewage. It is highly toxic and flammable.

“PUB expresses our deepest condolences to the deceased’s family. We are in touch with our contractors and will render support to the workers’ family members,” the spokesperson said.

“Safety and health at all our workplaces are of utmost importance to PUB. We will cooperate fully with the investigation.”

As a precaution, the national water agency “has called a safety timeout for similar operations in confined spaces and is reviewing the associated safety measures”, the spokesperson added.