Paarl Print fire inquiry
2010-02-25
THE Department of Labour will conduct a formal public inquiry into the tragic fire which killed 13 employees at Paarl Print on 17 April last year. Witnesses will testify in Paarl from 1 to 12 March. Labour Chief Inspector, Thobile Lamati, says that after all other avenues have been exhausted, the matter now constitutes a formal inquiry in terms of Section 32 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Lamati says several witnesses have been subpoenaed to appear before this inquiry and members of the public are also welcome. In reaction, Paarl Print has reiterated its commitment to determining the origin, cause and spread of the fire with the primary aim to ensure that a similar event does not reoccur. “Paarl Print accepts the findings of the forensic specialists, namely that the fire originated in the canteen on the mezzanine floor of the bindery, that it was caused, in all probability, by the auto-ignition of cooking oil in an oil frier and that the reason for the extremely rapid, uncontrollable and unique spread of the fire through the facility was as a result of the ignition of the thermal under-roof insulation material.” They have committed to participating in the inquiry which starts on Monday and continues until 12 March (09:00 to 16:00) at the Bo-Berg Hall at Boland Park Cricket Stadium.
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