Killer boilers worry NSSA . . . 3 explosions, 5 deaths in one month

Police officers inspect the damage caused to a Bulawayo workshop by the boiler explosion which killed Makumbe

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) has warned companies against operating unlicensed boilers saying they have contributed to an increase in deaths at workplaces.
Last month, NSSA recorded three boiler explosions which led to the death of five people countrywide. One of the explosions led to the death of a Bulawayo man, Claudius Makumbe who had his bowels ripped open by a boiler blast.

NSSA said Makumbe’s and other four people’s death were a result of unregistered boilers exploding.
In a statement, NSSA said lives were being lost unnecessarily because of unlicensed boilers.

“NSSA regrets the needless loss of life which could have been prevented by registering the boilers with the division of occupational safety and health of NSSA,” read the statement.

NSSA said it was illegal to operate boilers without registration as they posed a danger because many of them lack the required operating standards.
“It is because of their hazardous nature that the construction and use of unapproved and unregistered boilers is prohibited by law. Boilers are hazardous pressure vessels which must meet safety specifications in construction, installation and operation,” said NSSA.