Leong Wee Keat Channel NewsAsia 28 Dec 10;
SCDF alleged previously that the oil giant had failed to let firemen put out a fire at one of its refineries.
SCDF did not elaborate on its latest decision during a brief court hearing on Tuesday.
When queried later by Channel NewsAsia, an SCDF spokesman said: "The management of ExxonMobil has appealed and also taken prompt corrective actions...in view of this, SCDF decided to issue a stern warning in lieu of proceeding with charges against the company."
The fire in question at the Pioneer Road refinery occurred on January 6, and SCDF officers were also not allowed in some two hours later to investigate and determine its cause.
A third summons was for allegedly failing to notify SCDF immediately about the fire.
ExxonMobil apologised on Monday for the company's "part in the circumstances leading to the charges". "We've since reviewed our internal processes to ensure that such an incident won't occur again," its spokesperson told Channel NewsAsia. "We're also working with SCDF to ensure a closer alignment in our operational processes with all the ground personnel."
ExxonMobil gave assurances about the safety of its workers and the community.
"The Singapore refinery, as with other ExxonMobil sites, has an emergency response plan, and the employees prepare themselves through regular training and drills," said its spokesperson.
She said the company was equipped with a range of fire fighting equipment, which are subject to SCDF audits, and response teams were staffed with personnel trained at the SCDF Academy.
Under the Fire Safety Act, authorised personnel have the right to enter any premises to check for fire hazards and to determine the causes of a fire, among other duties.
Breaching the law carries a maximum fine of S$10,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
-CNA/ac
SCDF drops charges against ExxonMobil
Straits Times 28 Dec 10;
OIL giant ExxonMobil was cleared of three charges of refusing to allow firefighters into its premises to put out a fire earlier this year.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) withdrew the charges against the company during a night court session.
Its assistant director of corporate communications, Major Leslie Williams, said: 'The management of ExxonMobil has appealed and also taken prompt corrective actions... The SCDF decided to issue a stern warning in lieu of proceeding with charges.'
The company was acquitted of refusing to allow SCDF personnel into its Jurong Refinery in Pioneer Road and Shipyard Road on Jan 6 to extinguish a fire, determine the cause, and ensure that the fire safety manager notified the Commissioner of SCDF immediately of the incident.
An ExxonMobil spokesman expressed gratitude to the SCDF for acceding to its representations and withdrawing the charges.
'We regret and are sorry for our part in the circumstances leading to the charges.
'We have since reviewed our internal processes to ensure that such an incident will not occur again, and we continue to work with the SCDF to ensure a closer alignment in our operational process with all their ground personnel.'
She assured the public that the Singapore refinery, like all other ExxonMobil sites, has an emergency response plan and employees prepare themselves through regular training and drills.
ELENA CHONG
