Kuala lumpur: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has urged all employers and premise owners operating dangerous gases or gas systems, including air conditioners, to improve legal compliance and occupational safety and health best practices. Its executive director, Datuk Ayop Salleh, emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe workspace and implementing suitable training and work systems to reduce risks associated with the use, storage, and transportation of hazardous substances.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ayop Salleh highlighted the recent incidents of an ammonia gas leak at the Seremban toll plaza and an air conditioning unit explosion at HELP University in Bukit Damansara. These incidents demonstrated the critical need for strict risk controls over chemicals and gases, especially during transport, storage, maintenance work, or daily operations at premises and public facilities.
Ayop stated, "The recent incidents highlight how vital training and risk management are to ensure those involved have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to avoid tragedies. Gas and chemical-related activities demand a more comprehensive prevention approach, starting with risk assessment, engineering controls, safe work procedures, worker competencies, to emergency readiness."
He further added that NIOSH offers free expert advice and various training and laboratory services, including the Chemical Health Risk Assessment (CHRA), to help ensure that management and control over exposure to dangerous substances adhere to legal standards. The institute is also prepared to assist organizations in improving prevention measures through consultation services, chemical management training, emergency response audits, safe operating procedure reviews, and competency programs for workers handling hazardous chemicals and gases.
Ayop underscored the importance of early risk identification and effective control, ensuring all parties are aware of the necessary actions during emergencies. "NIOSH also encourages employers to review emergency plans, conduct periodic training, improve risk communication with workers and contractors, and to ensure reporting mechanisms are immediately conducted so that control measures can be taken before any incident worsens," he stated.