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Ir. Prof. Dr Ruslan bin Hassan, Ir. P.E. Chong, Ir. Prof. Dr Wan Mahmood bin Wan Teang Shui, Ir. David Lai Kong Phooi
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Ir. Vincent Chen Kim Kieong
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Pang Leong Hoon, Y.Bhg. Academician Dato’ Ir. (Dr) Hj. Ahmad Chee Sheng, Y.Bhg. Academician Dato’ Ir. Prof. Dr Chuah Hean Teik
Ir. Gunasagaran a/l Kristnan
Y.Bhg. Datuk Wira Lt. Gen. Ir. Ismail bin Samion (Rtd)
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Ir. Yam Teong Sian
Ir. Prof. Dr Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Raman
Ir. S. Kumar a/l Subramaniam
Ir. Noor Iziddin Abdullah bin Ghazali
Ir. Dr Tan Kuang Leong, Ir. June Lau Yuk Ma, Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Norlida bt. Buniyamin, Ir. Ishak bin Abdul Rahman, Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin, Ir. Lee Cheng Pay, Y.Bhg. Dato. Ir. Samsuddin bin Ismail, Ir. Lee Boon Chong, Ir. Tu Yong Eng, Ir. Lai Sze Ching, Ir. Lee Weng Onn, Ir. Yap Soon Hoe, Ir. Li Thang Fai, Ir. Juares Rizal bin Abd. Hamid, Ir. Norazman bin Mohamad Nor, Ir. Ellias bin Saidin, Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong, Ir. Dr. Tan Chee Fai, Ir. Kok Hee Poh, Ir. Tiong Ngo Pu, Ir. Yau
Ir. Assoc Prof Dr. Vigna Kumaran Ramachandaramurthy
1. Pulau Pinang – Ir. Paul Phor Chi Wei
2. Selatan – Ir. David Lee Loke Hai
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Pengerusi/Chairman: Ir. David Lai Kong Phooi
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Ketua Pengarang/Chief Editor: Ir. Prof. Dr Lee Sze Wei
SAFETY is something we need to apply to all aspects of our lives, both in to be provided with the means to gauge the current level of safety as well put workers in danger. On-site management needs to make sure that “cakap serupa bikin” (freely translated as “walk the talk”).
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SAFETY. This simple word speaks volumes and can be what stands between life and death. We all want to be safe. We feel good when we feel safe, whether it’s at home, in the streets or at work.
When dealing with the subject of safety in the engineering context, we may loosely divide it into two aspects – safety at the workplace and a career as a safety engineering professional – though the two are closely interlinked. Safety engineering aims to manage risk in the workplace by eliminating or reducing it to acceptable levels.
According to Wikipedia, “Risk is the combination of the probability of a failure event, and the severity resulting from the failure. For instance, the severity of a particular failure may result in fatalities, injuries, property damage, or nothing more than annoyance. It may be a frequent, occasional or a rare occurrence. The acceptability of the failure depends on
s e in the into two er are closely ge eptable bination ti la fail damage to the environment.
THE PIPER ALPHA
TRAGEDY
to predict than severity due to the many factors that could lead to a failure, such as mechanical failure, environmental effects, and operator error”
As its name implies, safety engineering is about reducing failure or, should failure occur, minimising it so that the consequences will not be life-threatening.
FROM THE BEGINNING
Kuala Lumpur, said that safety measures should, in fact, be included as early as possible is a project lifecycle.
Ideally, it starts during the early design of a system. Safety engineers consider what undesirable events can occur under what conditions, and project the related accident risk. In the oil and gas industry, for instance, safety
be considered in the early stages as otherwise, in the event that an accident does happen, it will not only prove costly but it will also result in delays.
Indeed, it is the safety engineer’s job to make sure an existing, completed design is safe. If a problem is located only after a building or the set-up is completed, it may cost suchdesignfaultscanalsoendangerhumanlivesandcause
This year is the 25th of the disaster
This year is the 25th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea. On 6 July 1988, a massive explosion
through the rig, killing 167 people. Only 61 men survived. PiperAlphawasoperatedbyOccidentalPetroleum,awholly owned subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. The tragedy, said to be “the worst offshore oil disaster” in terms of lives lost and impact, shook the industry literally to the core. The only positive thing was that it led to a review of safety practices. The total insured loss came up to £1.7 billion.
However, there are times when accidents still happen despitealltheprecautionarystepsbeingtaken.Inthemining industry, for instance, the ground workers themselves are often to blame.
According to Tuan Haji Mohd. Za’im Abdul Wahab, Deputy Director of Operation Coordination and Implementation Division, Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia, the professional engineers and the management are fully aware of the safety aspects and have taken the necessary steps to ensure this such as providing hard hats, boots and other necessary equipment including masks.
But there have been instances, he said, when the lower rung workers disregard these safety rules, thinking it’s bothersome and cumbersome to be wearing safety clothing and all when down in the mines.
WEAK LINK IN BRIDGES
Another example is bridges. These are usually designed
reduce the likelihood of collapse should the bridge be overloaded. However, on 1 August, 2007, the I-35W
reduce the likelihood of overloaded. However,
United States, sud hou
United States, suddenly collapsed during the evening rush hour, killing 13 people and injuring 145. The eight-lane, steel truss arch bridge carried 140,000 vehicles daily across the
145. The eight carried 140,00
The National Transportation Safety Board said the collapse was due weight on the bridge at the time of the collapse.
WHAT SAFETY ENGINEERS DO
A professional safety engineer is trained in studies that include industrial hygiene, engineering hazard controls, system and process safety, ergonomics,
e and health manag construction It also safet stan
and health management, product safety and construction safety. It also encompasses environmental safety and health, and safety, health and environmental laws, regulations and standards as well as accident investigation and analysis.
Safety engineers are usually already engineers in other disciplines such as industrial engineering, mining engineering etc. They develop procedures and design systems that keep workers, users of a facility (or even people in the vicinity) from getting sick or injured and keep property from being damaged. They combine their knowledge of health or safety and of systems engineering to make sure that chemicals, machinery, software, furniture and other products are not going to cause harm to people or buildings.
In other words, they anticipate, identify and evaluate hazardous conditions and practices. They develop hazard control designs, methods, procedures and programs which they implement, administer as well as advise others on such programmes. It is not unusual for safety engineers to consider software, chemical, electrical, mechanical, procedural, and training problems at the same time.
NEED FOR SAFETY ENGINEERS
Why is it imperative to hire safety engineers? Financially, it makes sense. With safety ensured, companies actually save money as they spend less on insurance and medical costs. Secondly, when workers know work place safety is being taken care of professionally, they will feel better about their jobs and become more productive in turn. They are also less likely to quit, which eliminates the need for companies to hire new staff whom they will have to train. Even if an accident should occur, the workers know there are personnel on hand who can act quickly to take care of the problem.
Safety engineers look for ways to prevent accidents in the workplace. Sometimes, it’s their job to take into consideration the design and material of buildings and what a building would be used for, as well as emergency exits
Depending on the industry they are employed in, they may also test air and water quality, noise levels and temperature and constantly monitor equipment to ensure all are in top working condition.
In conclusion, safety is, undeniably, one of the more important disciplines in engineering and, if not implemented, may lead to disaster and loss of lives.
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High Standards of Technical Safety Awareness in Oil and Gas
by Ms. Tan Bee Hong
CHRISTINA PhangstandsupasIwalkin,awarmsmile
perhaps of her passion for increasing awareness of technical safety practice. The Managing Partner of Management in Kuala Lumpur, Christina is an expert on safety and loss prevention. When she started some 20 years ago, she was one of the very few Malaysians, and probably the only woman here, who
Technical safety discipline (oil and gas) is a relatively new engineering discipline, she said. Awareness rose only after a few major incidents,suchasthe Piper Alpha disaster. (Piper Alpha was a large oil platform in the North Sea. On 6 July 1988, a massive explosion
has international standards in this regard. But safety can be compromised. When on the fast track, safety issues are highlighted only later and this can prove costly. She said safety measures should, in fact, be included earlier. For instance, she said, safety measures such as the structural weight of a platform, must be considered earlier as at later stages, this can prove not just costly but it can also result in project delay and the danger of not being able to meet deliveries.
“ Malaysia has shown we are capable of executing worldclass technical safety work.”
Afterall,sheadded, Malaysia has shown we are capable of executing world-class technical safety work. Her team of engineers, for instance, has worked on projects the world over, including in Canada, Vietnam, Indonesia, Ghana, China, Thailand, South America and is presently doing a project in West Australia.
167 people. Piper Alpha was operated by Occidental Petroleum, a wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation).
“From that time, safety awareness has grown and continues to grow here,” said Christina. But, she conceded, there’s still plenty of room for improvement
“Though there are many more (safety experts) today compared with when I started out, the level is not yet presently, 20 safety engineers working here,” she said. There are different levels of safety awareness. Occupational awareness is not good enough, she felt, as local workers often tolerate having to work with limited safety measures.
As for technical safety in the lifecycle of Malaysia’s oil and gas assets, Christina said Petronas, for instance,
There is as yet, no professional accreditation for technical safety discipline in the country, apart from the newly available Professional Process Safety Engineering registration by IChemE. To improve Malaysia’s technical safety records, Christina suggests making accessible incident reports made to DOSH, a government department under the Ministry of Human
In Malaysia, The Occupational Safety And Health Act (OSHA) 1994 provides the legislative framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of safety and health at work. The aim is to promote safety and health awareness, and establish effective safety organisation and performance through self-regulation schemes designed to suit the particular industry or organisation. OSHA is enforced by DOSH
Need to Constantly Train Employees and Monitor Mines
by Ms. Tan
“YES, there is a Mineral DevelopmentAct 1994 that covers safety aspects in mining,” said Tuan Haji Mohd. Za’imAbdul Wahab. The Deputy Director of Operation Coordination and Implementation Division, Department Of Minerals And Geoscience Malaysia, said this covers all aspects, from exploration, mining, mineral processing and soon.
Mining companies have to submit an operational mining schemetothedepartment for approval before the commencement of any development work or mining within the mineral tenement area. According to the Act, the scheme includes assessment of ground stability, processing and smelting methods including hazardous materials to be used, methods for handing such material and explosives (including transportation, usage and storage), environmental protection (including pollution control and monitoring), safety procedures during development work and progressive rehabilitation and postmine closure plans. As for underground operations, details of development work including engineering drawings, ventilation, roof support, dewatering etc. are required.
The department will check that all is in order or request
impromptu checks,” he said, adding that the department is empowered to shut down any mine that contravenes the rules. Sometimes, he said, the problem is not in the upper ranks. Professional engineers and the management are very aware of the safety aspects and know what to do such as provision of the necessary equipment and taking all measures to ensure the safety of the workers. Unfortunately, it is often the lower rung workers themselves,
rules even though the proper safety equipment is provided.
“Perhaps they feel that wearing a hard hat and boots all the time is uncomfortable and cumbersome,” explained Tuan Haji Mohd. Za’im. “It takes time to educate the people but there is a need for everyone to understand safety and be aware of the risks involved. Mines also come under the Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA).” The onus, he feels, is on the management to insist on their workers complying with safety rules at all times.
He said it is also unfortunate that today, the majority of ground level workers are foreign labourers. However, he
admits, the profession is now considered a 3D job – Dirty,
jobs as these are noxious, dirty and so on. So we end up having Mongolians doing exploration, Bangladeshis and Indonesians employed in the mines and so on,” he said. In the country at present, there are 13 tin mines, 79 iron ore mines, 16 gold mines as well as a few mines extracting manganese, bauxite and kaolin. Then there are the quarries too. Stones are imperative for development –roads, buildings etc.
“ The standard of safety is higher in big corporations than smaller, independent companies.”
Tuan Haji Mohd. Za’im feels Malaysians remember the safety aspect only after some incident happens, but for most times, the subject is put on the back burner. He cited a recent case in Perak where a boulder came crashing down the side of a hill and killed a driller.
“The standard of safety is higher in big corporations than smaller, independent companies,” said Tuan Haji Mohd. Za’im, adding that there is a need to constantly monitor as well as to train and instill awareness.
“We conduct safety campaigns all year round though usually, it’s the same group of people who attend. Still, we have to do this continuously to impress upon the corporations that it is their responsibility to make the mines safe, not just for the workers but also for the environment or surroundings,” he said. “People who live in the vicinity of mines, especially open mines and quarries, complain about
He added that the permissible level for vibration in Malaysia is much lower than that of other countries in the region, including Singapore. Technical safety, he said, has to be considered right from the beginning. “We cannot over-emphasise the safety factor, even after a mine closes. For open mines that are closed, the land must be properly drained and as for underground mines, access must be closed tight to ensure nobody can enter the disused mines,” he explained.
“The department has all the expertise for world-class technical safety discipline but there is only so much it can do without the cooperation of the mining companies. There is also the matter of budget constrain. We only have 30
Bee Hong
Financial Stability The Key to Sustainability in IEM
by Ir. Choo Kok Beng, FASc
–WarrenBuffet American Business Magnate & Investor
IEM did not happen overnight. Its success can be traced
CHANNEL #2: TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
CHANNEL #3: TECHNICAL ADVISORY SERVICES
CHANNEL #1: MEMBERSHIP JURUTERA).
need to attract
YOUR PART
Do whatever you can – whether it is to encourage
interested in any of the above, or if you have better ideas to
CONGRATULATIONS
The IEM Council would like to congratulate Ir. Prof. Dr Wahid bin Omar for being appointed Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia(UTM). Editorial Board, IEM
DBB and DIB Valves: Not the Same Thing
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the phrase “double block and bleed” has been incorrectly used by many engineers when referring to the philosophy of double isolation and bleed. Looking into a process engineering working scenario, in a maintenance line, engineers would not want to shut off the entire process line. Instead, they will only block off and depressurise the section (installed with a typical DBB valve) that they are working on.
It can be easily assumed that it will be safe to carry on working after a shutdown but it is a major mistake which in some cases could lead to a disaster. Engineers should not take for granted that a DBB valve provides a double positive isolation. This is not true. One should understand the capabilities of DBB and DIB valves before operating it. Moreover the design could also vary from one manufacturer to another.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DBB AND DIB VALVES
pressure source to an upstream and downstream valve. DIB valves are used to isolate the pressure source from both end of the valve.
For a DBB valve, assuming an engineer works in the second seal would not seal in the same direction, meanwhile in a DIB valve, the system has two seals whereby both seals bleed, the second seal provides a barrier and thus saves the engineer working downstream from danger. If we are looking into double positive isolation, well, DIB valves serve
a better purpose compared to the DBB valve. DIB valves provide double security whereas the DBB valve, although the name implies double security, it provides security in two different directions using a separate seal.
THE PHILOSOPHY
DBB Valve
Double-Block and Bleed Valve (DBB) – A single valve with two seating surfaces that, in the closed position, provides a seal against pressure from both ends of the valve with a means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the seating surfaces. This does not provide positive double isolation when only one side is under pressure.
Under normal conditions, there is pressure on the upstream seal, which keeps it energised (with an internal spring). There is no pressure on the downstream side, so the only thing energising the seal on that side is a spring. The bleeder valves are open, and the cavity in the ball is at atmospheric pressure. If the system starts to leak at the upstream seal, it won’t be a problem because the leakage will be carried away by the bleeder, except when the bleeder is not working. The pressure in the valve cavity can then possibly reach very high levels and overcome the spring on
downstream to where the engineers may be working.
Generally, DBB valves contain two unidirectional seats which isolate the pressure in the piping from the body cavity between the seats while energised. In practice, trunnion mounted ball valves are designed for upstream sealing, so that the double-block and bleed features are contact with the ball and provide tight shut-off even at low pressure differential. Independent sealing of upstream and cavity, thus the double block and bleed operation. The trunnion bearings and is directly transmitted to the valve body. The valve stem is hence free from any bending load which leads to reduced stem friction torque and enhanced
in pressing the spring-loaded upstream seat against the ball. Thus, the operating torque and wear on the seats are relatively low, enhancing seat life.
by Engr. Puvanesan Mariappan
Double-Isolation and Bleed Valve (DIB) –Asingle valve with two seating surfaces, each of which, in the closed position, provides a seal against pressure from a single source, with a means of venting/bleeding the cavity between the seating surfaces. This feature can be provided in one direction or both directions.
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DIB valves include one or two bidirectional seats. When two bidirectional seats are used, the valve provides double isolation from pressure at either end of the valve. Since it can’t relieve body cavity pressure past the seats, an external relief piping system must be used to allow any pressure build-up in the body cavity to release to the upstream piping. This means that DIB design utilises double piston effect seats either in the downstream end or both
DBB Valve
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DIB Valve
ends. Double piston effect (DPE) seated ball valve work by having a seat design such that both line pressure and body seat seal onto the ball. The valve body incorporates a drain plug, located at the bottom of the cavity, and a bleed valve for vent purpose, located at the highest possible position of the cavity. When in a closed position, the drain plug is opened to monitor any leakage into the cavity. If there is no leakage, this means the primary seal is good. If there is leakage, depending on the amount, the bleed can be piped away and work can continue.
APPLICATION
DIB can be used in chemical injection lines, closed or open drain lines, instrument pressure transmitter connections and sample connections. DBB can also be a normal ball valve that is used in all places of the plants. Some functions require the second pressure barrier to seal independently of the primary pressure barrier. This is due to the operational safety requirements or the nature of services such as gas service, low tolerance for leakage and cleanliness of the
valve can be in a single direction or in both directions with appropriate seat design. Where safety is the driving force, DIB has the advantage over DBB.
Engr. Puvanesan Mariappan obtained his B.Eng (Hons) Mechanical from Multimedia University, Malaysia (2007) and MBA from Victoria University, Australia (2011). He is a piping engineer with Aker Solutions and is currently the Vice Chairman of the Young Engineers Section (YES) as well as Co-opted Member of the Oil, Gas & Mining Technical Division (OGMTD).
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Fill in the remaining 80 squares with single digits 1-9 such that there is no repeat of the digit in every Row, Column and Block of nine squares. The number at the top left hand corner of the dotted cage indicates the total for the digits that the cage encompasses.
QUANTITATIVE RiskAssessment (QRA) is a technique to quantify the risk to personnel within and without an asset or facility. For Malaysian upstream oil & gas activities, facilities are remotely located without adjoining third party assets. So QRA tends to focus on the risk to personnel present at the facilities. An example of the objective of such a work is to:
1. Provide a numerical estimate of the Individual Risk per Annum (IRPA) for the various personnel categories at the facilities
2. Provide a numerical estimate of the combined Potential Loss of Life (PLL) per year on the respective facilities
3. Identify and rank the key risk contributors to personnel working on these facilities
4. Evaluate the acceptability of these risk levels against the agreed risk tolerability criteria
5. Recommend, if applicable, practical and effective measures to further tolerate the risk within As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) levels.
METHODOLOGY
Figure 1 illustrates the classical structure of a risk
to guide the application of risk assessment to many different hazardous activities. With minor changes to the wording, the structure can be used for qualitative risk assessment as well as for QRA.
installation or the activity where risks are to be analysed.
for the study, identifying which activities are included and which are excluded and which phases of the installation’s life are to be addressed.
of possible accidents that may occur, based on previous accident experience or judgement where necessary. There are several formal techniques for this which are useful in their own way to give a qualitative appreciation of the range and magnitude of hazards and to indicate appropriate mitigation measures, which may be described as hazard
techniques, but has a more precise purpose – selecting a list of possible failure cases that are suitable for quantitative modelling.
analysis estimates how likely it is for the accidents to occur. The frequencies are usually obtained from analysis of previous accident experience, or by some form of theoretical modelling.
In parallel with the frequency analysis, consequence modelling evaluates the resulting effects if the accidents occur, and their impact on personnel, equipment and structures, the environment or business. Estimation of the consequences of each possible event often requires some form of computer modelling, but may be based on accident experience or judgements if appropriate.
When the frequencies and consequences of each modelled event have been estimated, they can be combined to form measures of overall risk. Various forms
Figure 1
of risk presentation may be used. Risk to life is often expressed in two complementary forms:
Individual risk or risk experienced by an individual. This has previously
Group (societal) risk or risk experienced by a group of people who are
Up to this point, the process has been purely technical, and is known as risk analysis. The next stage is to introduce criteria, which are yardsticks to indicate whether the risks are acceptable, or to make some other judgement risk assessment.
In order to make the risks acceptable, risk reduction measures may repeating the QRA with them in place, thus introducing an iterative loop into the process. The economic costs of the measures can be compared with the management of the installation, depending on the objectives of the study.
FREQUENCY ANALYSIS
The following section provides an outline of one step of the QRAprocess, the frequency of topside releases. In this case, the initiating event considered loss of containment of hydrocarbons due to a leak.
ISOLATABLE SECTION
ancillaries that can totally discharge its contents into the environment. The set or system is isolated from other parts of the process by Emergency Shutdown Valves (ESDV).The inventory within the section and the properties section.
PARTS COUNT
Leak of hazardous materials can take place through a hole of any size, from a small hole to a large leakage along a process line or within an isolatable section.Itismostlikelytooccuratanyjointandconnectionalongtheprocess or equipment within an isolatable section provides a basis to determine the leak frequency from that section. The consequences and the frequencies unignited (e.g. CO2 release) risks to personnel.
LEAK FREQUENCY DATA
for example the UKHSE Hydrocarbon Release Database.
EVENT TREE
Event tree analysis is used to examine the development of an initiating event (in this case, a leak) into its possible outcomes. An example of a truncated event tree is as follows:
Ir.RazmahwataMohd.RazalliisaDirectorofSynergyOil&GasEngineering Sdn Bhd. He graduated with a BA from Cambridge University. He has over 16 years in the Malaysian Oil & Gas industry, in operation, engineering and consulting roles. Ignition (E4)
Table 1
Further Information
Flyrocks Issues from Quarry Blasting
by Ir. Hj. Look Keman Sahari
ROCK blasting is an essential part of quarrying operations. It is the fragmenting of rock into sizes suitable for further crushing and screening countless other applications. Blasting is still the cheapest and the most economical way to fragment rocks into usable product in large volumes.
to quarries and this is where the problems begin. Generally there are four environmental effects of quarry blasting:
1. Fly rocks
2. Ground vibration
3. Airblast
4. Fumes
cause of many deaths and injuries to people living near quarries as well others injured and the factory premises damaged.
The other three effects of blasting are more a nuisance than a danger. They are not likely to cause damage under the current minimum allowable limitsimposedbytheauthorities.Howeverthereareusuallyalotofcomplaints from the public who fear for their safety and who believe their houses may
have been subjected to regular blasting over long periods.
from the writer’s perspective and vast experience in operations and construction blasting.
Flyrock is caused by a mismatch between the explosive energy being used to break rock and the strength of the rock. This can be due to the failure of the blasting engineer
are very important criteria that must be taken into account.
borehole with more explosive than needed. In other types of may also result in local overcharging. Overcharging by just the blasting areas.
Overcharging by hundreds of kg of explosives may hundreds of metres from the blasting area. If a person is unless it is put in plastic bags before being inserted into the explosives is needed in every borehole instead of charging up to stemming level.
As explosive manufacturers are well versed with their of any deviation in the charging volume of explosives in the borehole as well as what can be done if such a case happen. also badly damage the reputation of supplier companies. Customers should be advised about the advantages and disadvantages of using bulk explosives and steps should be taken to mitigate any mistake made during charging operations.
design to suit the geology of the area such as changing the who is only taught the introductory blast design in a six-day complicated blast design. Many people in the quarry industry cannot be expected to take the place of a blasting engineer.
comprehensive Drilling And Blasting record which includes any amendment made during the blasting process. This will make it easier for the blasting team to audit and conduct investigations in case of any unwanted incidents.
Flyrockisasafetyissuecloselyrelatedtothecompetency of the person responsible for the job. Competency is gained through experience and learning under a competent and guidelines for blasting at quarries and construction sites which can be taken as a reference in Malaysia. However the authorities can still use administrative procedures to control blasting operation.
blasting engineers will contribute to reducing mishaps and to creating highly competent employees in the future which
Blasting is hazardous work and requires very meticulous butalsoforthepublic.Theauthoritiescanhelpbyintroducing practice or guidelines with the help of the Industry. This will also make it easier for the industry to plan future syllabus for
The new training syllabus should include blasting work
Course does not cover such specialised blasting works
the three Government departments mentioned above (which have the legal authority and expertise) should join
professional services abroad
Ir. Hj. Look Keman Sahari graduated in 1979 in Mining Engineering from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland and M.Sc (Explosives Ordnance
Research Engineer specialising in slope engineering and later as Inspector of Mines serving in Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan and Malacca with the former Mines Department from 1979-1996. After retirement, he works as Consulting Engineer specialising in explosives and blasting work and also rock breaking using non-explosives demolition agent.
Reliability of Gas and Flame Detectors on Offshore Platform
by Ir. Gan Chun Chet
INTRODUCTION
Infra red gas detectors are used on offshore platforms to detect gas leakage from hydrocarbon inventory inside pressure containing equipment such as vessels and pipelines. It is located near dangerous places at the workplace, especially in the process areas, complying with the hazardous area
down the platform during a catastrophe due to a leakage. If this happens and shutdown occurs, the hydrocarbon inventory will be isolated from coming out of containment.
[2]. Pressurised pneumatic air, with melting elements connected along and at the end of the tubing routes in the process area will depressurised
pressure detected inside the pneumatic tube by a pressure switch will signify
INFRA RED GAS DETECTORS SINGLE AND PAIR ARRANGEMENT
On offshore platforms, the gas detectors (normally infra red type due to hydrocarbon inventory) are arranged in pairs. This is to achieve a reliable in the protection area, for immediate shutdown. So when one detector fails in a particular area, it is very critical. The situation is not performing as intended and the second detector will function as an alarm in the same area of detection. It should be noted that the protection area has been minimised to a certain extent temporarily until the fault is removed, i.e. the faulty detector replaced with another healthy detector.
Figure 1a: Detectors in Pair Arrangement
Figure 1b: The reduced coverage area due to a failure of pair arrangement
EXAMPLE OF NON-CONFORMANCE
detection in required in assuring the users. However there are situations where non-conformance occurs. An example is given here. By calculating the number of gas detector failures on an offshore platform, the following gives an
This shows the number of operating gas detectors on this set of formulation as tabulated below, deriving these case is as shown in Diagram 1.
No./PercentageDescription
24 qtyThe total number of gas detectors purchased
Replace after check by supplier during 4 years operation years Failures, in total, for 4 operating years Failure per year on average (of this period)
From the calculation and illustration above, spare detectors are required to be kept in stock to immediately replace any faulty detector returned to the suppliers. This is to ensure that the detection coverage is maintained at the optimum level although there will be some periods where there will only be one detector instead of the intended two. Having spare detectors will increase the operational hours of the detectors slightly as there would not be the need to wait for a replacement.
In operating hours, the calculation is as below: 4
-4 failure in 1 hour
This shows that the quality of these detectors not meeting failure in 1 hour).
INFRA RED FLAME DETECTOR CONE OF VISION
a clear vision of the target area without compromising the sensing distance (or cone of vision), and alerts the inhabitants to the danger.
areas, it is a matter of chance whether the detectors would
2.
if one detector is faulty, only one will be left operational. Thus, it is always advisable to utilise fusible plugs which are
the situation, promising greater safety in the workplace.
Diagram
Table 1: Failure Occurrence of Gas Detector on An Offshore Platform
Diagram 1: Gas Detectors Failure and Operation
CERTAINTY IN DETECTION
Sometimes, different area sizes need to be calculated for
comes to variations in distances, the situation is solved
leakage source if the governing distance is short for close
CONCLUSION
fail due to faults. During the replacement period, there is a certain timeframe when the platform detection system will not be performing at optimum requirements. Keeping
have fusible plug accompany the design, although it is slow
REFERENCES
[1] IEC 600 79, Published standards by International Electrotechnical Commission on Explosive Atmospheres.
[2] API RP 14C, American Petroleum Institute, Recommended Practice for Analysis, Design, Installation and Testing of Basic Surface Safety Systems for Offshore Production Platforms.
Ir. Gan Chun Chet is an Honors Student in Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom in 1996. He has a Master of Science in Operations Management awarded by University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), United Kingdom graduated in the subsequent year. He started his career with the General Industry, and later moved to the Oil and Gas Industry where he has chalked up 15 years of working experience.
Diagram 2: Coverage area, within viewing distance
Figure 2a: Locating A Flame Detector Near a Pump
Figure 2b: Locating A Few Flame Detectors in a Pump Area
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Performance-based Design
Interview with Prof. Malcolm Bolton
by Ms. Reika Kua Kee Eng
THE NEED FOR SOIL MECHANICS
THE JURUTERA
VENTURING INTO CENTRIFUGE MODELLING IN GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
THE CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF CENTRIFUGE MODELLING
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ACADEMICIANS AND PRACTISING ENGINEERS
REPLACING THE USE OF SAFETY FACTORS WITH PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTION OF SCHOFIELD CENTRE
ENGINEERING DIGEST
Johor company bags RM1.97bil contract
Johor Baru-based CHE Group of Companies has clinched a RM1.97bil (US$620mil) contract to undertake the design, engineering work and commissioning of 20 rice husk biomass plants in the southwestern part of Vietnam. plants. said.
Can Tho, Kiew Giang and Soe Trang.
(Sourced from The Star, 23 October 2013)
Malaysia assets
(Sourced from NST, 23 October 2013)
(Sourced from NST, 25 October 2013)
global fuel by 2020
Rising demand in China and India will push coal past oil as the cheaper fuel to power their economies. Coal demand in the
(Sourced from The Star, 15 October 2013)
Toyota Tsusho acquires 20pc stake in
(Sourced from NST, 16 October 2013)
(Sourced from NST, 15 October, 2013)
Trigger
NOW that we know our PEAR inside out, how can we tell if an incident will escalate into a crisis? Certain events have pre-cursors that will warn us that an incident can potentially turn into a crisis. We call these pre-cursors “triggers”.
NATURAL
Flood Storm, Typhoon Earthquake
AGGRESSION
Malicious Rumour
Strike
Workplace Violence
Civil Disruption
Kidnapping
Biological Threat
Obviously not all these triggers will turn into a full blown crisis. It all depends, among other things, on the magnitude, duration and the initial response to the incident. The local knowledge and past experience can help guide us to identify if the situation will become a crisis. Keep to the facts.
It is important to be able to identify triggers from the onset before it becomes too late to handle the crisis. Here are some situations:
INDUSTRIAL
Major Injury Accident
Fire, Explosion
Major Environmental Release
OTHERS
Pandemic Flu
Major Legal Proceeding
Government Investigation
Major Product Defect, Contamination
Threat to Brand, Reputation
Unauthorised Press Statement
Trigger me if I have overlooked anything at: pub@iem. org.my
Beware of opportunists who exaggerate the situation. Do not be trigger happy. Keep a cool mind and go through the triggers armed with facts. Happy Deepavali!
Organised by Tunneling and Underground Space Engineering Technical Division Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.
4 December 2013
Organised by Building Services Technical Division Time: 9.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.
by Ir. Shum Keng Yan
Ir. Shum Keng Yan
Talk on Controlled Blasting at Construction Sites in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan
OIL, GAS & MINING TECHNICAL DIVISION
TWO committee members of the Oil & Gas and Mining Technical Division, Ir. Hj. Look Keman and Ir. Tony Chew, gave a talk on controlled blasting at construction sites on 8 June 2013. The former is a Consultant Blasting Engineer and the latter is Deputy Director of Jabatan Mineral and Geosains (Mines & Quarry) or JMG
ThetalkbeganwithIr.Hj.Lookexplainingthatinpractice, all blasting – whether at mines, quarries or construction sites – are actually controlled blasting where there is a need
anddust. However when blasting at construction sites, especially those near residential areas, there shall not be compliance to that required by the authorities. The safety of humans and the protection of public property from damage are of paramount importance.
The talk covered cases personally experienced by him such as blasting work at Sogo, Kuala Lumpur, accident cases in Cheras, Johor Baru and Rawang when he was an Inspector of Mines in the 1990s. During that time,
or to attend any courses on blasting. There were also no practising engineers or consultant blasting engineers in the construction sector then.
Ir. Hj. Look later elaborated on techniques of controlled blasting that he personally applied as Consultant Blasting engineer after he retired from Government service. These included proper coverings such as using blasting mats, wire mesh, tyres, steel plates etc, to ensure that there were no
In blasting work there is an absolute need to properly prepare blast design records and to record the blast monitoring results. This is important in case of complaints or even lawsuits from the public arising from potential damage to homes. As there is no formal training for blasting at construction sites, project managers must ensure that chosen blasters are experienced and to choose an experienced blasting consultant.
Ir. Hj. Look Keman concluded by talking about the use of Non-explosive Demolition Agent (NEDA) for demolition and breaking rocks whenblasting was not permitted.
Ir. Tony Chew began his talk by introducing the Jabatan Mineral & Geosains, Selangor/WP, and his department’s role in overseeing mining and quarry operationsas well as blasting work at construction sites. There have been many complaints about blasting work carried out at construction
by
sites such as noise, ground vibration and alleged cracking to buildings.
Sometimes, blasting work was carried out without a proper permit from PBT (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan) and JMG. It is the duty of the project proponent or developer, he said, to put up a practical blasting proposal, which includes proposed blast design and blast monitoring work, to check for compliance to JMG for technical evaluation, before applying for an explosive permit from the Police and a blasting permit from PBT.
He said all construction blasting proposals must be
P.Eng (M) in Mining or a mineral resources engineer whose consultant company is registered with BEM, instead of a project manager or civil engineering consultant as many had done so before.
Where the location is too close to residential areas, the project proponents are also advised to consider alternative means of rock breaking such as NED. Ir. Chew added that when crushing and screening of rock are carried out at construction sites, a letter of authority to quarry must also be obtained from JMG as such activities are considered
The talk ended after a lively question and answer session with the 71 engineers who attended the talk.
Ir. Hj. Look Keman Sahari graduated in 1979 in Mining Engineering from Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland and M.Sc (Explosives Ordnance
Research Engineer specialising in slope engineering and later as Inspector of Mines serving in Perak, Selangor and Negeri Sembilan and Malacca with the former Mines Department from 1979-1996. After retirement, he works as Consulting Engineer specialising in explosives and blasting work and also rock breaking using non-explosives demolition agent.
OBITUARY
With deep regret, we wish to inform the passing of the following members:
, former Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Vice-Chancellor on 13 October 2013
Ir. Rusli bin Embok, past Chairman of IEM Terengganu Branch on 28 October 2013
On behalf of the IEM Council and management, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family members.
IEM Editorial Board
Ir. Hj. Look Keman Sahari
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Visit to Selinsing Gold Mine
OIL, GAS & MINING TECHNICAL DIVISION
THE Oil, Gas & Mining Technical Division hosted a visit to Selinsing Gold Mine on 22 June, 2013. The participants arrived at the administrative area at 11 a.m.
Its Vice President, Encik Zaidi Harun, gave us a presentation and technical introduction to the operations and answered our questions. We were informed that the site processed 3000 tonnes of feed per year, producing around 55,000 ounces of gold. The site employs around 260 employees, of which 30 are professional engineers.
Over 94% of Heriot-Watt graduates are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduation.
We were accompanied by a senior metallurgist En. lunch by the company. We then presented the company representatives with a token of appreciation.
by Ir. Razmahwata Mohd. Razalli
View at Mining Pit 1
Ir. Razmahwata Mohd. Razalli is a Director of Synergy Oil & Gas Engineering Sdn Bhd. He graduated with a BA from Cambridge University. He has over 16 years in the Malaysian Oil & Gas industry, in operation, engineering and consulting roles.
Lecture on Design and Construction of Long Tunnels in China
TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND SPACE TECHNICAL DIVISION
ON 27 February, 2013, Prof. Jenny Yan of China Railway Southwest Research Institute Co. Ltd. gave a 90-minute lectureto115participantsonthe“DesignandConstructionof Long Tunnels in China” at Wisma IEM in Petaling Jaya (See Figures 1 & 2). The event was organised by IEM Tunnelling and Underground Space Technical Division. Prof. Yan is the Deputy General Manager of China Railway Southwest Research Institute Co., Ltd., the Standing Director and Deputy General Secretary of Tunnelling and Underground Works Branch of China Civil Engineering Society since 1994 as well as vice Animator of Working Group No. 17 (long tunnels at great depth) of ITA (International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES)
Prof. Yan began her lecture by showing visuals of various tunnel projects in China. By the end of 2010, there were 9,800 existing railway tunnels with a total length of
ttmizi2000@yahoo.co.uk
7,000km under operation, 4,000 railway tunnels with 7,500km in length under construction and 5,100 railway tunnels with 11,000km in length under design and planning. Among the railway tunnels under construction, 104 were long tunnels and 6 were longer than 20km each. The longest railway tunnel under construction is the 32.6km long Guanjiao Tunnel and Taihangshan Railway Tunnel is the longest under operation. Besides, there are many other kinds of long tunnels.
By the end of 2010, 7,384 highway tunnels with a total length of 5,122km had been built and 11 highway tunnels longer than 10km were under operation or construction. The longest highway tunnel is Qingling Zhongnanshan Tunnel, the second longest highway tunnel in the world measuring
by Ir. Dr Ooi Teik Aun
Figure 1: Prof. Yan delivering her lecture
Figure 2: Some of the participants at the lecture
18km. Figure 3 shows the locations of tunnels in China. Shield TBMs are the major equipment for tunnelling of metros while D&B is the most common method for railway and highway tunnels. About 10 railway tunnels are built by 20 TBMs.As long tunnels are usually at great depth, it is not easy to know the exact geology before excavation. Thus, in China, geology prediction and monitoring during tunnelling are adopted to ensure the safe construction and
Prof. Yan discussed 5 typical long tunnels under construction or just under operation in China. These are:
1. Guanjiao Railway Tunnel, 32km, the longest railway tunnel in China by D&B
2. West Qinling Railway Tunnel, 28km, the second longest railway tunnel in China by TBM and D&B
3. Qinling Highway Tunnel, 18km, the longest highway tunnel in China by D&B
4. Shizhiyang Railway Tunnel, 10km, the longest undersea railway tunnel in China by shield machines
5. Hong Kong-Macao-Zhuhai Highway Tunnel, 6km, the largest immersed tunnel in China.
Prof. Yan also introduced the design and construction of long tunnels on
“Energy release and pressure reducing” method is the key for the successful construction of tunnels crossing karst cavities with high water pressure on Yiwan Railway.
to great applause from the participants. On behalf of TUS Ir. Dr Ooi Teik Aun presented a memento to Prof. Yan.
Figure 3: Tunnel locations in China
Ir. Dr Ooi Teik Aun is an Advisor for Tunnelling and Underground Space Technical Division (TUSTD). He is the Honorary Fellow of IEM and is also actively involved in International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES).
Visit to Engineering and Science Centre together with Good Samaritan Home
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICAL DIVISION
23RD March 2013 was a special day for METDians as we continued to bring engineering and science to people from all walks of life and in particular, the young ones. We invited the children from the Good Samaritan Home for 1-day visit to the engineering and science centre, Petro Sains and Aquaria KLCC
The day started with some 30 excited children anxiously forming smaller groups and queueing up to enter Petro Sains. This interactive science discovery centre engages through sight, sound, touch and smell and covered all aspects of sciences – from the microscopic to the cosmic, from fearsome dinosaurs to the fascinating world of petroleum. The children had a chance to immerse themselves into a stimulating learning environment through hands-on exhibits, understanding how took on the role of part-time science teachers to read the manual to the children and explain what it all meant.
Then we stopped for lunch, after which we went toAquaria where we and horse crab at the touch-pool. It was a journey to discover fascinating aquatic life. The highlights include a 90m tunnel tank with a moving travelator. We were thrilled to be surrounded by sand tiger shark, giant
“Good Samaritan Home is a home for children. Founded in January 1999 by Albert Ong and YM Ong, a former pastor and his wife, Good Samaritan Home (GSH) cares for children who have been abandoned by their parents, who have lost one or both parents or where a parent is unable to cope after divorce. GSH today is home to 28 children whose ages range from 3 to 17. The home seeks to not only provide for the children’s physical and material needs, but also to minister to their emotional and psychological needs, especially in the light of their broken family backgrounds.”
stingray, marine turtle and many other varieties of sea creatures swimming around unhindered in the vast oceanarium. We also watched a spectacular live show where divers fed the tiger sharks at Aquatheatre.
The day ended at 4.30 p.m. when the children happily smiled and posed for a group photo. I would like to end this report with a quote from Winston Churchill who said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give”
by Engr. Chan Jian Wen
Engr. Chan Jian Wen holds a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from UNITEN, Malaysia. He is the Enterprise Sales Manager of Schneider Electric IT (M) Sdn. Bhd. Currently, he holds the Vice President position for Malaysia Chapter of American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), a Chartered Engineer, and GBI Facilitator.
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Power of the Wind
Talk on Wind Effects on Tall Buildings and Structures in Urban Environment and Complex Topography
CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING TECHNICAL DIVISION
PROF. Kenny Kwok from University of Western Sydney delivered a talk titled Wind Effects on Tall Buildings and Structures in Urban Environment and Complex Topography to about 100 IEM members at Wisma IEM, Petaling Jaya on 28 March 2013. His lecture centered on three key areas: Overview of thunderstorm climates, Measurement of structural properties of tall buildings, and Perception of vibration in wind vibration and occupant comfort in wind excited tall buildings.
Prof. Kwok said thunderstorms are isolated acts of Nature,
Simulations similar to pulse jet would be required to conduct useful studies. Cases of thunderstorm modes on stationary, stationary with environmental winds and translating with environmental winds were discussed. The conclusions which he has drawn here are as follow: of a downburst.
features, but not to the extent of winds during synoptic storms.
Henextspokeontheusefulnessofmeasurementofdynamic behaviour in tall buildings. The dynamic response depends very much on many factors. Prof. Kwok concentrated on frequency and damping ratio. Measurements of tall masts, poles, lattice towers, lighting towers, control towers, and residential buildings were discussed.
Prof. Kwok also highlighted measurements taken of two tall buildings in Hong Kong – one was 38-storey and the other a 256m residential building. Excitations were carried out by students pushing up in a rhythmic sequence and with mechanical shakers. The measured frequencies in all the cases were generally higher
calculated outcome.
Then he highlighted the use of a motion simulator in a project with an amplitude of 30 mullig and 0.23hz and 1hz respectively. As the frequency increases, the accelerations
concluded that there was a frequency dependence of motion perception and recommended that assessment of occupant comfort criteria should include frequency dependency of motion.
by Ir. Chen Wai Peng
Prof. Kwok further discussed the results of a survey of 5,000 participants in Hong Kong on perceived wind
respondents felt it was not acceptable for buildings to move
move in excitation by wind had been given prior awareness education to understand the inherent safety aspects.
Prof. Kwok said the complaints of discomfort could be cultural dependence and may be subjected to public housing demand. Due to such subjective perceptions, he recommended that dampers should not be provided based on complaints received from a given percentage of population sampled, but only to investigate the need for such provision when amplitude of vibration exceeds a value of 25 mullig.
The talk ended on a very positive note, with a
mainly comprised practising engineers. Then a token of appreciation was presented to Prof. Kwok by the event organizer
Solution for 1Sudoku published on page 16 of this issue.
Ir. Chen Wai Peng is a Consultant attached with HSS Group. He is a member of the IEM Technical Committee on Earthquake.
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THE Two-Day Symposium cum Workshop on Earthquake Engineering earthquake lectures and courses held in 2011 and 2012. It was organised by with IEM Technical Committee on Earthquake TC Earthquake.
(2) Seismic Hazard Assessment in Europe
(3) Performance of Structures in Region of Lower Seismicity
(4) Determination of the Seismic Loads based on TCXDVN 375:2006 and Comparisons with those obtained from other codes
(5) A Global Approach to Ground Motion Predictive Relationships for Structural Design Applications
(6) Seismic HazardAssessment for Sri Lanka
(7) Local Site Effects on Earthquake Loading Model in Regions of Lowto-Moderate-Seismicity
Ting Wee
Aluminium Switches
with rigorous steps involved to determine the period with deterministic approach based on Peak Displacement Demand (PDD) and reaching a magnitude-distance
the two response spectrum models into a single hybrid were also compared to the proposed hybrid model. In the design simplicity.
and Hypocentreprograms were presented.
approach and whether or not the Malaysian code should adopt this came under discussion. This approach had been
must be robust.
by coordinates and engineer does not need to calculate
tables in accordance to SPT and shear wave velocity –tier approach.Ahigher tier approach using hand calculation
suggested two-tier method.
was made by practicing consultants to eventually map the
The above discussions were endorsed in the workshop in approach
Malaysia structure
damage control limit state and service ability limit state.
displacement-based design approach. It was suggested to where the displacement component should be taken into design earthquake spectrum.
However it was noted that this must be subjected to impact non-engineering industries were concerned with the social
consensus was agreeable on the proposed spectrum using
Figure 1: Forum (2) site factor discussion and endorsement, sketched out on whiteboard
The equivalent seismic base shear design method was also discussed.
buildings as earthquake engineering knowledge was not well established yet among consultants in Malaysia.
EC8
Concerns about non-structural elements were raised. IEM TC Earthquake elements under seismic load.
1 had been submitted and was awaiting parliament reading and approval. same route.
mentioned above. It was noted that the benchmark impact study was workshop was to achieve a coded standard that was not overly complicated
The workshop ended at 5.30 p.m. with the appreciative participants speakers
Note: To read the full article, please refer to www.myiem.org.my
is the Chairman of Civil & Structural Engineering Technical Division. Engr. Looi Ting Wee
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IT was a great honour for the Geotechnical Engineering Technical Division (GETD) of IEM, to have two renowned experts in cone penetration testing – Mr. Tom Lunne of Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and Dr John Powell of Geolab Ltd – conduct a one-day course on 23 April 2013. Due to the overwhelming response with 171 participants registering, the venue had to be moved to Sri Kayangan Ballroom at De Palma Seminar and Conference Centre, 15th Floor of Menara PKNS from Auditorium Tan Sri Ir. Prof. Chin Fung Kee in Wisma IEM.
The course was jointly organised by IEM GETD and Malaysian Soil Investigators Association (MSIA). It supported by advertisements from MSIA members to keep the registration cost affordable for members of IEM and MSIA. There was also strong support from the public, government link companies and the oil & gas industry. The same course was also conducted in Kota Kinabalu under IEM Sabah branch, with the full support of IEM GETD
Apart from the course, a technical reference book titled “Cone Penetration Testing in Geotechnical Practice”, coauthored by Lunne and Powell with Peter Robertson, was made available at a discounted price of RM400 instead of US$315 (Reference 1). There are still seven copies available at the same discounted price. Those interested to buy can contact the IEM secretariat. IEM GETD has also donated two copies to the IEM library for future reference by the members.
During the Q&A session, there was active discussion of opinion. The short course ended at 5.00 p.m. with a group photo taken with the two speakers, committee members from MSIA, IEM GETD and organising committee.
ERRATUM
Erratum on Forum Report for the Reprise of 52nd Rankine Lecture on Performance-Based Design in Geotechnical Engineering by Professor Malcolm Bolton in JURUTERA September2013pp.41-43.
The last sentence in Paragraph 5 of Section 2 Extended Mobilizable Strength Design Method for Braced Excavations should read as “He stated that safe excavation depths in normallyconsolidatedclayshouldhavetheMobilisationFactor, M(theinverseofmobilizedstrengthfactor),inexcessof1.25.”
Theerrorismuchregretted.
Acknowledgment: Theorganisingcommitteewishestoexpress thanks to Mr. Tom Lunne and Dr John Powell in providing the presentation slides for the short course. Participants who registered for the course can contact IEM secretariat for the weblink to download the full course notes.
REFERENCE
[1] T. Lunne, P.K. Robertson and J. Powell (1997): Cone Penetration Testing in Geotechnical Practice, CRC Press.
NON IEM EVENTS
18-20 November 2013
Venue:
Organiser: Tel: +603 2267 3633
Email: fdi@mida.gov.my Website: 19-20 November 2013
46th EAROPH Regional Conference
Venue: Organiser:
Email: Fees:
by Ir. Liew Shaw Shong
Ir. Liew Shaw Shong is currently the Chairman of IEM Geotechnical Engineering Technical Division (GETD). He is the Senior Director of G&P Geotechnics Sdn Bhd.
Group photograph with Lunne, Powell, MSIA committee members, IEM GETD members and organising committee members
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Visit to Top Glove Bhd
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICAL DIVISION
THE Chemical Engineering Technical Division (CETD) of IEM organised a technical visit to Top Glove Bhd (Factory 9) in Klang, Selangor, on 22 May 2013. Established in 1991, Top Glove Bhd is, today, the world’s largest rubber glove manufacturer, with 23 factories and 458 production lines in Malaysia, Thailand and China.
Taking part in the visit were 27 IEM members. On arrival, we were warmly greeted by Top Glove Bhd Managing Director Mr. Lee Kim Meow and other top management staff operations.
Prior to the plant visit, we listened to a talk on the current rubber glove technology. Top Glove collaborates with government agencies such as Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) and Lembaga Getah Malaysia (LGM) to keep abreast of the latest in rubber research technology.
Top Glove’s natural latex and nitrile latex gloves have been recognised for top quality, with an annual production of 41.1 billion gloves. With the motto, “Top Quality, Top
company has shown outstanding achievement in the worldwide glove manufacturing industry. During the discussion session, it was revealed that there had been interesting and unusual customer requests when it came to rubber gloves. For instance, those in the tattoo business prefer black gloves while dentists favour gloves with strawberry or orange scents which mask the unpleasant odour of natural latex from their patients.
IEM members were then invited to visit the latex production process, together with experienced facilitators to answer any query we might have. A facilitator informed the group that over the years, Top Glove had been upgrading the process from manual operation to full automation. We were also encouraged to offer constructive suggestions to improve the process during the plant tour. Overall, the visit helped the IEM participants understand better the overall latex glove operation and challenges faced by glove industry.
Ir. Dr Lee Tin Sin is an Assistant Professor at the Chemical Engineering Department of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR). He has been a committee member of IEM Chemical Engineering Technical Division (CETD) since 2011. Ir. Dr Lee won the 2012 Young Engineer Award of IEM.
by Ir. Dr Lee Tin Sin
Process Colour Offset Printing Viewed at Close Range
STANDING COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND PUBLICATIONS
ON 20 July 2013, representatives from the IEM’s Standing Committee on Information and Publications comprising Ir. David Lai Khong Phooi, Ir. Yam Teong Sian and Ir. Ong Guan Hock, and IEM Secretariat staff Ms. Pamela Jitab, made a technical visit to Hoffset Printing Sdn. Bhd. in Taman Perindustrian Kinrara, Puchong, accompanied by the General Manager and Business Development Manager of Dimension Publishing Sdn. Bhd. Hoffset Printing Sdn. Bhd. is responsible for the printing of IEM’s monthly bulletin, JURUTERA
more about the printing process itself.
printing quality and an outline of the entire process involved the bulletin are trimmed, bound and packed for delivery to factory premises. Although much of the process has been automated or computerised, there is still a sizable human component involved in the entire process particularly for
had to be accomplished before the actual printing could
are made of thin aluminium, are not reusable, and are made in printing quality.
printing of 20,000 copies of JURUTERA
test runs, quality monitoring, binding and packing. Colour printing is a complex art that relies on modern technology, skilled operators and proper quality assurance during the printing operation in order to deliver the desired high quality results. interesting tour of the plant.
Ir. Ong Guan Hock is a member of the Standing Committee on Information and Publications and is a Technical Director of Minconsult Sdn. Bhd. where he heads the Infrastructure & Water Supply Division
by Ir. Ong Guan Hock
Ir. Yam Teong Sian, Ir. David Lai and Ir. Ong Guan Hock being briefed by Mr. Kwong Tai Chee (centre)
A view of one of the many printing machines in use
Observing how electronic editing is performed on the proof
IEM Charity Golf 2013
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICAL DIVISION
DESPITE concern over the worsening haze a week earlier, the skies cleared in time for the IEM Charity Golf 2013 on 3 July at Bangi Golf Resort, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. The event received overwhelming support and attracted
The mode of play in the tournament was Stableford System-36, a system based on the handicap of the day with the highest Stableford points. The Organising Committee managed to secure a total of 13 sponsors who contributed either in kind or in cash for the charity golf. The sponsors were:
Acson Malaysia Sales & Service Sdn Bhd
HAB Construction Sdn Bhd
IEM Training Centre Sdn Bhd
Advanced air nozzle technology
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The winners of the charity golf are as follows:
IEMMemberCategory
CHAMPION: Ir. Mohd. Jamal Sulaiman; 39-points
2ndPlacing: 3rdPlacing:
4thPlacing: 5thPlacing:
6thPlacing: Ir. Gopal Narian Kutty; 37-points
7thPlacing: 8thPlacing: Ir. Bob Oh Sing Seng; 36-points
9thPlacing: 10thPlacing:
by Ir. Noor Hisham Yahaya
Registration and collection of goodie bags at the booth
Ir. Noor Hisham Yahaya, chairman of Mechanical cheque for RM10,000, from contributions received from event, to IEM President Ir. Choo Kok Beng, for the Wisma IEM Building Fund.
The Organising Committee wishes to express their sincere gratitude and thanks to all sponsors, participants and secretariat staff who contributed to the success of the event in The IEM calendar.
Ir. Noor Hisham Yahaya is the Chairman of Mechanical Engineering Technical Division and Chairman of IEM Charity Golf 2013 Organizing Committee.
Hole#16:
Mohd. Nor Alias
Players (from left): Ir. Gopal Narian Kutty, Y.Bhg. Datuk Ir. Prof. Dr Ow Chee Sheng, Y.B. Dato’ Ir. Donald Lim Siang Chai and Ir. Noor Hisham Yahaya
Mock cheque presentation to IEM President, Ir. Choo Kok Beng from Chairman of METD, Ir. Noor Hisham Yahaya
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Seminar on Trenchless and Tunnel Technology in Myanmar
Ir.Yam Teong Sian is currently the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee on Information and Publications and Bulletin Editor. He has served as Council Member of the Institution since 2000 and is currently the Executive Committee member for 2013.
Ir. Cheng Kim Hua is a professional engineer in both Singapore and Malaysia. He graduated from Monash Unit, Australia and the Delft Hydraulic
by Ir. Yam Teong Sian and Ir. Cheng Kim Hua
ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (AFEO) and ASEAN Engineering Register (AER)
MES and speakersCompleted sections – accurately done
Rectangular Pipe jacking machinePipe jacking (Tunnelling machine for rock)
Talk on Enhancing Stage Bus Services for Northern States in Malaysia
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL DIVISION
THE Project Management Technical Division (PMTD) of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia organized the above talk on 14 May 2013 at Wisma IEM. It was attended by 48 participants. The talk was delivered by Ir. Tengku Kahar Muzaffar, currently the Manager of Policy, Planning and Research Division, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD). According Ir. Tengku Kahar Muzaffar, the public transport in Malaysia, prior to 1995, consists of two modes, i.e. buses and taxis. Mini buses and traditional stage buses operated within their own territories. Intrakota was introduced in 1996 to enhance bus services in Klang Valley. By this time too, rail services began operations with KTM Komuter, and STAR LRT and PUTRA LRT commencing in 1996 and 1998 respectively. From year 2000, Prasarana, through RAPID, controls and operates about 60% of buses in Klang Valley. Rail services were expanded via ERL in 2002 and KL Monorail in 2003.
However, each transport mode has its own challenges. Rail services are over-crowded during rush hours. Bus services have become less reliable in rural areas. Taxi drivers sometimes overcharge customers. Network coverage too can be further expanded to cater to the ongoing demands of the public.
Presently, public transportation does not seem to be the favourite choice of travel. One of the prime reasons for this is the increasing affordability of private vehicles. As of end 2011, private vehicles registered reached more than 21 million, or a 1:1 ratio of vehicles and persons. Malaysia’s high GDP per capita has inadvertently contributed towards
in modal split for public transportation from 34% in 1985 to only 16% at present. This is an urgent gap that needs to be addressed as it will lead to greater congestion in city centres where the road network will be unable to accommodate the number of vehicles. By the same token, high ratio of private vehicles will also burden the nation with an over consumption of fuel.
Most stage bus networks in Malaysia implement a radial approach.1 From a metropolitan region, bus routes are dispersed outwards focusing on intra-regional trips and peak hour commuter travel.
Moving forward, S.P.A.D. plans to implement a Network
Practices.1 Multiple routes running close to each other are to be combined via a trunk and feeder system. Networks are stable, with only the frequency varying depending on the demands of the day. The network is to be interconnected so that an anywhere to anywhere travel option can be offered. The only disadvantage here is that passengers may need to transfer between services to get to their destination. However, through convenient transfer strategy,
by Ir. Tengku Kahar Muzaffar Tengku M.Y. Anuar and Ir. Noor Iziddin Abdullah Hj. Ghazali
Radial approach for public transport
The participant listening to the talk
FORUM
buses should be planned to arrive within 10 minutes at the transfer station. High speed cross city lines or trunks would have the advantage of a forget the timetable concept if the frequency is less than 10 minutes. Feeders, although low in frequency, would need to be consistent for users to plan their journey. Information at bus stops is essential to ensure that passengers know exactly when the next bus is arriving, and the buses need to arrive according to schedule.
S.P.A.D. has initiated a nation-wide effort to enhance public transportation in Malaysia. For stage buses, within all states in the peninsula, S.P.A.D. has embarked on a massive project to revamp services. Beginning end 2012, upon the completion of the National Land Transport Masterplan, S.P.A.D. has spearheaded pilot projects for operation plans scheduled to be ready by mid-2013.
Network planning
A case study is elaborated here for Perlis, as one of the northern states. Present routes in Perlis utilises a radial approach, with both MARA Liner and CityLiner running the services2,3.Applying Network Planning principles, the routes are proposed to be revamped to enhance connectivity and increase present coverage to more than two-fold. A main trunk is introduced running from Kangar, as the state’s commercial and governance centre, to Arau, as a major transportation link for the state. The express bus terminal at Jalan Bukit Lagi in Kangar is proposed to be fully utilised as the primary end point. Three major interchange hubs are planned to start via a clock-faced approach (i.e. 00 - 1530 - 45 minutes interval). The pilot project also introduces a new modus operandi where bus operators are to be compensated via km-run instead of the present fare box collection model.
Looking at global implications, land transport utilises 20-25% of the world’s energy consumption. Additional
movement of people, goods and services. Additional social costs include air pollution where land transport contributes to 23% of greenhouse gases emissions4. As such, the Government is paving the way toward provisioning a
bus network in Perlis
sustainability is becoming a pressing matter that needs a paradigm shift for the better. All of us should be agents of change, by simply taking steps to use public transportation.
time, practising the Project Management on timely delivery.
REFERENCES
[1] Principles of Public Transport Network Planning – A review of the emerging literature with select samples, by Jago Dodson, Paul Mees, John Stone and Matthew Burke, 2011.
[2] MARA Liner, 2013.
[3] CityLiner, 2013.
[4] Wikipedia, 2013.
Ir. Tengku Kahar Muzaffar Tengku M.Y. Anuar is Manager of Policy, Planning and Research Division, Land PublicTransport Commission (SPAD). Ir. Noor Iziddin Abdullah Hj. Ghazali is Secretary of Project Management Technical Division, IEM and Manager, Facility Management Division, Sunway Property Berhad.
Present
Visit to Singapore
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TECHNICAL DIVISION
THE visit to environmental sites in Singapore was organised by IEM, Environmental Engineering Technical Division (ENETD), in cooperation with Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES). ENETD is grateful to IES for planning the itinerary of the site visits, without which the trip would not have been a success. It also enabled us to visit a restricted site, the Public Utility Board’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System or DTSS.
The 2-day 1-night trip was from 27 May to 28 May 2013. Because there were four site visits, the itinerary was tight but pleasant. It covered four environmental sites and one talk at IES on Solar Energy. There were 11 members from IEM, led by ENETD chairman Ir. Fan Hong Poh. On the second day, nine members from IES joined us.
In Singapore, we were welcomed by IES President Prof. Er. Chou Siaw Kiang and IES Council member and ENETD Chairman, Er. Alfred Wong Fee Min. The latter accompanied the group throughout the duration of the tour. The four sites we visited were: Singapore Marina Barrage Gardens by the Bay at Marina South PUB Changi Water Reclamation Plant and DTSS
Bedok NeWater Visitor Centre.
Speaker for the technical talk, titled “Solar in the City State”, was Chistophe Inglin who has 16 years of experience in the value chain from silicon ingot to solar power plant turnkey. He touched on various subjects on photovoltaic (PV) solar panels and its implementation in Singapore’s Marina Barrage, Changi Airport and some HDB blocks. Solar energy via PV is in-line with Singapore’s objective in supplying 10% of Singapore’s energy supply. The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) was established in 2008 to research and develop solar power in the tropics (Equator belt) aside from existing northern and southern hemisphere establishments worldwide. With the current Singapore electrical tariff of 0.26/kWh, large commercial PV systems pay for themselves in seven years.
MARINA BARRAGE
We also visited Marina Barrage, Singapore’s latest dam-reservoir which is located on reclaimed land. The Marina Barrage is Singapore’s 15th reservoir and stores 10 per cent of the republic’s a lifestyle attraction (ownership of water) for Singaporeans. The barrage is 1/6 the size of Singapore (Singapore is approximately 714 sq km).
Marina Barrage has increased Singapore’s water catchment area to 2/3 of the republic’s land area since 2011. This is the most urbanised water catchment facility with the capacity to collect storm water from Ang Mo Kio, Bishan and Paya Lebar (central and south-east of Singapore) with gravity feed canals and drains. Marina Barrage boasts of a “boat hoist” which can lift and move boats from the reservoir to the sea and vice versa. Hence
based on high and low tides. At low tides, the crest gates release at high tide when 7 units of drainage pump discharges water from the reservoir to sea. Each drainage pump is rated at 2,500 cubic meters per second. That’s approximately one Olympic size swimming pool per second! Energy saving would be leveraging on siphoning effect shortly after the pumps are activated.
Marina Barrage started as a brackish water reservoir. However,
freshwater collected reduces the salt content in water (dilution) over a period of time. There is plenty of wildlife in the barrage, within the facility.
Located in the city, the barrage is also part of a comprehensive the city as well as a venue for kayaking, boating and other water sports activities. In fact, it once hosted a dragon boat race.
PUB’S DEEP TUNNEL SEWERAGESYSTEM (DTSS)
With the permission of the Singapore Public Utility Board (PUB), IEM and IES members visited the DTSS to understand its inner workings. The DTSS is a 48km-long by 6m-diameter tunnel that is used for collecting waste water (sewerage) for treatment, reclamation and disposal.
An elevator transported our group down to approximately 78m below ground to the restricted pump station zone. Here we saw a sequence of pumps that were used to pump and collect waste water via the DTSS. It is a rare opportunity to be able to visit the DTSS deep pumping station. I am told its visitors have included foreign diplomatic dignitaries, presidents and prime ministers of many countries including Malaysia.
NEWATER
Our last stop was the NEWATER recycling company owned by PUB. NEWATER is a product that returns fresh drinking water to the people of Singapore. The technology consists of using a
NEWATER is not for sale but is given free instead as a marketing product. All visitors are presented with a bottle as a souvenir.
We bade farewell to IES soon after the visit to NEWATER. In view of the success of the trip, ENETD hopes to organise another visit to Singapore in the near future.
Ir. Kenneth Yeoh Teong Kim is currently the Secretary for ENETD. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Adelaide (1999) and is a professional pollution control consultant for industries.
by Ir. Kenneth Yeoh Teong Kim
The Marina Barrage project is the winner of the ASEAN Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award (source: IES)
Norway’s Flåmsbana (The Flåm Railway)
IN July 2013, my wife and I went on a relaxing two-week (short according to the Ir. Chin Mee Poon scale) whirlwind tour of the Nordic countries of Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Finland and Sweden). We travelled on planes, buses, trains and ferries.
Among the more interesting journeys through Norway’s spectacular natural countryside was the ride on the famed Flåm Railway. The incredible one-hour train ride over a distance of 20.2km took us from Myrdal (altitude 863.5m) to Flåm (altitude 2.0m). It traversed down the precipitous mountain sides to the edge of the majestic Aurlandsfjord, which is a branch of the world’s longest fjord (the Sognefjord on the western coast of Norway). The mountain station of Myrdal is located on the Bergen to Oslo Railway Line (west coast to south coast) inaugurated in 1909.
Built in 1923, the audacious design and construction of the railway track obviously would have presented many challenges to engineers then. There are 20 tunnels (many of them twisted) wending their way through the mountains at various levels. Eighteen of these were excavated by hand. The railway line criss-crossed the river and the bottom of the valley three times to avoid risk of avalanche. River tunnels generally replaced bridge crossings. The tracks were laid in 1936 and the line was opened for steam trains in 1940 and for electric trains in 1944. The trains are still operating as present.
by Ir. Tham Kum Weng
FromMyrdalStation,thetrainsnakeditswaydownsheer inclines and sharp bends with 80% of the Railway Line at
ride as it is considered one of the world’s most attractive and spectacular railway lines. The journey provided us with a panoramic view of some of the wildest and most striking features of the Norwegian mountain landscape. Deep ravines cut by rivers, towering, snow-capped mountains, impressive cascading waterfalls and all round natural mountain beauty. It gave us many moments of awesome spiritual peace and tranquillity.
Norway, the land of summer midnight sun, is the most beautiful country in Europe. It is blessed with many natural landscapes formed during the Ice Ages and many are in UNESCO World Heritage List.
During our brief holiday in Norway, we were truly blessed to have experienced so many wonderful moments to enjoy such spectacular, pristine views. Each encounter literally took our breath away. The feeling of being close to nature, the peace and the serenity were simply beyond words.
Ir. Tham Kum Weng worked for JKR for 18 years before practising as C&S consulting engineer for the past 21 years. His current focus is on engineering inspection, assessment and evaluation of structures and bridge engineering. He shares relevant travel sights of engineering interest through his occasional travels.
TEMUDUGA PROFESIONAL
Kepada Semua Ahli,
Tarikh: 10 Oktober 2013
SENARAI CALON-CALON YANG LAYAK MENDUDUKI TEMUDUGA PROFESIONAL TAHUN 2013
Berikut adalah senarai calon yang layak untuk menduduki Temuduga Profesional bagi tahun 2013.
sebulan dari tarikh penerbitan dikeluarkan.
PERMOHONAN BARU
NamaKelayakan
KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
FATHULLAH BIN MOHAMADBE HONS (UiTM) (CIVIL, 2004)
KAMARUDIN BIN SAHIBUNBE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 1997) ME (UTM) (HYDROLOGY AND WATER REASOURCES, 2005)
LEE ZI SHUNBE HONS (QUEENSLAND) (CIVIL, 2008)
MOHD FIRDAUS BIN MOHDBE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2006)
NORAZLAN BIN
MOHAMMAD NOR BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2006)
RAJA FAIROL FAROUK BIN
RAJAABD ASSISS BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2001)
ZAINUDIN BIN KARJANBE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2003)
KEJURUTERAAN ELEKTRIKAL
NOOR AZMAN BIN ALIASBE HONS (UNITEN) (ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS, 2002) CONVERSION PROG. (UNITEN) (ELECTRICAL, 2010)
KEJURUTERAAN GEOTEKNIKAL
JEE YI YNGBE (NANYANG) (CIVIL, 2000) MSc (NATIONAL UNI. OF SINGAPORE) (CIVIL, 2008)
KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA
KOK SIAU HUIBE HONS (UKM) (CHEMICAL, 2001)
KEJURUTERAAN MARIN
MOHD FADLY BIN ASMAAIBE HONS (UTM) (MECHANICAL, 2000)
KEJURUTERAAN MEKANIKAL
MUHAMMAD FIRDAUS
BIN MUSA BE HONS (UiTM) (MECHANICAL, 2007)
NAZRULHISHAM
BIN OSMAN BE HONS (UTP) (MECHANICAL, 2004)
TAN CHEE SENGBE HONS (UNITEN) (MECHANICAL, 2005)
WONG LEONG HONGBE HONS (COVENTRY) (MECHANICAL, 1997)
PERPINDAHAN AHLI
No. Ahli NamaKelayakan
KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
37955AHMAD RAKIN BIN MOHD ARIF BE HONS (UTHM) (CIVIL, 2008)
33726DENNIS ANAK ENYANG BE HONS (UTM) (CIVIL, 2003)
36867ISARUDDIN BIN MORSHIDI BE HONS (UNIMAS) (CIVIL, 2002)
37875CHRYS JONATHAN PHILIPPINUS BE HONS (UKM) (MECHANICAL, 1999)
59865TAN CHUN WEIBE HONS (UM) (MECHANICAL, 2005)
39956TANG JENQ HANN @ TAN JENQ HANN BE HONS (NEW SOUTH WALES) (MECHANICAL, 2009)
KEJURUTERAAN PEMBUATAN
43756MOHAMAD ZUBIR BIN ZULFAQAR AHMAD BE HONS (UKM) (MANUFACTURING, 2004)
KEJURUTERAAN PERTANIAN
21169VASAN A/L MARIAPPAN BE HONS (UPM) (AGRICULTURAL, 1998)
KEJURUTERAAN SUMBER MINERAL
57124KOH KANG WEEBE HONS (USM) (MINERAL RESOURCES, 2008)
NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION TO FILL VACANCIES FOR THE COUNCIL SESSION 2014/2015
Council vacancies for the Session 2014/2015 in accordance with Article 5.2 of the Constitution. An election programme had also been approved by the Council for implementation.
The following Council vacancies will arise for the Session 2014/2015 as a result of Council members retiring at the end of the Session 2013/2014.
and
(2014/2015, 2015/2016 and 2016/2017)
Notice inviting nominations for the Election of Council Member for Session 2014/2015 will be posted on the IEM Notice Board and on the website on 18 November 2013 for the information of all Corporate Members.
Nomination Forms may be obtained at the IEM Secretariat or downloaded from the IEM website www.myiem.org.my on and after 18 November 2013. All Nomination forms, duly completed, shall be sent in sealed envelope marked to:
The Honorary Secretary The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia Bangunan Ingenieur, Lots 60/62, Jalan 52/4, P.O. Box 223 (Jalan Sultan) 46720 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-7968 4001/2 and to reach him not later than 12.00 noon on
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