SINGAPORE: Two fatal workplace incidents involving compressed gas cylinders that became airborne occurred in the first half of 2025, the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Council said on Wednesday (Aug 6).
On Mar 28, a worker was investigating the cause of a fire alarm triggered by a newly installed fire suppression system at a worksite.
After determining that the alarm was false, the worker began removing one of the cylinders containing carbon dioxide. The cylinder was disconnected from its support bracket and placed free-standing on the ground.
Moments later, the cylinder suddenly became airborne and struck another worker who was standing nearby. The worker was taken to hospital, where he later died.
On May 15, an excavator equipped with an electromagnet was transferring metal debris when a discarded fire extinguisher cylinder containing carbon dioxide suddenly launched into the air and struck a nearby worker who was seated.
The worker was taken to hospital, where he later died.
The WSH Council said the cylinder’s valve connector likely fractured when the electromagnet compressed the scrap metal pile. This breakage would have caused the residual gas to discharge abruptly, turning the cylinder into a projectile.
It also noted another incident on Jul 28, where a ruptured compressed gas cylinder caused an explosion at a workplace.
While no injuries were reported in the July incident, the council urged all companies involved in work activities with gas cylinders to implement appropriate risk control measures to ensure workers’ safety.
“These accidents underscore the risks associated with the use, handling and management of compressed gas cylinders,” it said.
