Emergency Response Team Activated, Special Inspections and Enhanced Safety Consulting for Similar Workplaces
Citizen Safety as Top Priority... Full Commitment to Making Pohang a 'Safe City' Preventing Gas Accidents
On November 5, Pohang City urgently convened an emergency countermeasure meeting to prevent the recurrence of gas safety accidents, following a tragic incident at the POSCO Pohang Steelworks in which a substance suspected to be a harmful gas leaked during equipment repairs, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.
The accident occurred around 10 a.m. on November 5 at the annealing and pickling plant in the stainless steel rolling division of the Pohang Steelworks.
It has been reported that contract workers inhaled harmful gases such as nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid while preparing for equipment repairs. As a result of the accident, one worker in his 50s died, and three others are receiving hospital treatment for symptoms such as breathing difficulties.
Currently, POSCO has halted operations of the affected process, initiated ventilation and safety inspections, and, after confirming that no residual gas remains, is investigating the exact circumstances and causes of the accident.
Upon hearing the news of the tragic accident, Mayor Lee Kangduk immediately convened an emergency countermeasure meeting with relevant departments and activated the emergency gas safety system. He expressed his deep condolences for the unfortunate loss, stating, "I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the deceased worker and their bereaved family," conveying his heavy heart.
During the meeting, Mayor Lee expressed serious concern over the recent series of gas-related safety issues, including the POSCO accident and the recent LNG city gas leak in Yugang-ri, Yeonil-eup, and instructed the implementation of strong measures prioritizing citizen safety above all else.
Pohang City has decided to swiftly implement comprehensive safety enhancement measures. The city will form an on-site emergency response support team to actively cooperate in managing the aftermath of the accident and identifying its causes, and will make every effort to eliminate any additional risk factors.
In addition, the city will conduct joint special safety inspections with relevant agencies not only at POSCO but also at other local businesses that use gas or handle hazardous substances, thoroughly checking compliance with safety manuals and focusing all administrative efforts on preventing recurrence.
For areas found to be vulnerable to gas safety based on inspection results, the city will strengthen administrative support for improving facilities handling hazardous chemicals, such as providing safety consulting. Furthermore, regular inspections and expanded administrative support will be provided for city gas pipelines and aging facilities that cause public anxiety, in order to enhance the safety infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Mayor Lee Kangduk reiterated, "POSCO is enduring difficult times as a pillar of the local community amid the challenges facing the steel industry, and my heart is even heavier with this accident. Since even a single mistake in gas-related accidents can lead to irreversible loss of life, we must remember that safety is a non-negotiable top priority. We will do our utmost to make Pohang a 'safe city' where all workplaces and citizens can feel secure."
Pohang City Holds Emergency Countermeasure Meeting Regarding Harmful Gas Accident at Pohang Steelworks.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
