NSW: Work bans and possible further action over Shell fire

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2004
NSW: Work bans and possible further action over Shell fire

By Kim Arlington and Amy Fallon

SYDNEY, April 4 AAP - The energy union has imposed work bans on Shell's Sydney oil
refinery in the wake of a fire that has prompted renewed safety concerns

The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) said workers would meet tomorrow
to consider further action.

The CFMEU has imposed bans on "hot work" such as welding until Shell hands down its
own preliminary investigation into the incident tomorrow.

The union said if it was not satisfied with the findings the bans would continue and
further action may be taken.

"We're not prepared to continue saying everything could be okay and then have someone
get seriously hurt," CFMEU NSW energy secretary Lorraine Usher said.

Ms Usher said it was only luck that prevented workers being killed in the fire, which
took hold late Friday night during a maintenance shutdown.

She said there had been safety concerns about the refinery for a long time and WorkCover
needed to treat the issue seriously.

The health and safety watchdog said it was undertaking an independent review, with
officers expected to visit the western Sydney site tomorrow.

"WorkCover will be carrying out a full investigation into this fire," safety manager
John Watson said.

"We'll be assembling an inspector supported by technical specialists to ensure that
we cover ... all the issues that have led to the fire."

He said the investigation to establish whether there were any occupational health and
safety breaches would start soon.

However, Mr Watson said, it was also appropriate for Shell to conduct its own investigation.

Shell has said the fire on Friday night was not considered suspicious and did not pose
any risk to public safety.

The fire broke out about 10.25pm (AEST) on Friday in a catalytic cracker unit used
by the refinery to convert crude oil into refined petroleum products.

The unit had been shut down for planned maintenance when the blaze erupted.

The refinery's emergency response team, assisted by 12 units from the NSW Fire Brigades,
were mobilised to isolate the area and used foam to extinguish the fire within an hour.

AAP jh/tma/bwl

KEYWORD: FIRE SHELL NIGHTLEAD

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