Awareness of the hazardous gas detection system implementation for the major industries in Malaysia

Abstract

Every industry should have a good emergency response procedure to prevent incidents such as gas leaks from turning into major accidents. The early warning of a leak is very important and implementation of gas detection systems is a part of preventive safety measures to reduce the risk caused by hazardous gas leaks to the workers, assets and the environment. The installation of a gas detection system at certain locations is one of the essential solutions to avoid leaks causing major accidents. The main function of gas detection is to detect the presence of hazardous gases (flammable, toxic or asphyxiant gas). Malaysia’s industry has low awareness and regulations to implement gas detection system to prevent gas leaks and explosions. There are many gas leak accidents in Malaysia, either recorded or not recorded in the Department of Occupational Safety (DOSH). However, it still considered that gas leaks accidents in the industry are very rare if, fortunately, they do not yet happen. In this study, it is therefore intended to examine the level of awareness of the implementation of the hazardous gas detection system for major industries in Malaysia in order to minimize the risk. To accomplish the goals, the objectives are set to analyze the overview of hazardous gas detection system implementation in major industries in Malaysia, to investigate the level of awareness of potential exposure to hazardous gases, to evaluate the acceptance of gas detection system maintenance as means of regular inspection for continuously improving workplace safety. The data gathered was analyzed using comparative analysis of the frequency. It was examined the level of awareness within the selected major industries on the implementation hazardous gas detection system as a preventive control. Concurrently, the survey also explored the awareness of regular inspection, maintenance of existing gas detection system installed as typically it is exposed to harshest conditions for example oil, dust, extreme weather and debris.