THE collapse two weeks ago of the steel structural roof support of a school under construction in Subang Jaya, Selangor, brings to mind an apparent pattern of structural steel collapses in recent years: the collapse of the steel structures of a sports arena in Teluk Intan; a bowling alley roof in Paroi, Negri Sembilan; and in Puchong, Selangor, where the steel structure of a tower crane collapsed resulting in the deaths of four workers.

An independent board of inquiry should investigate the causes of these failures so that action could be taken to prevent such recurrences.

The panel should include the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Construction Industry Development Board and organisations such as the Association of Consulting Engineers, Institute of Engineers Malaysia and the Malaysian Welding and Joining Society.

It should examine the following:

* Adequacy of the engineering and structural design vis-a-vis engineering standards and codes of practice;
* Strength and metallurgical quality of steel used;

* Use of welding procedure specifications for welding fabrication;

* Qualifications of welders with respect to the welding processes, materials and welding positions;

* Quality control procedures and testing during fabrication works;

* Repair and re-work procedures.

LEO PAUL

Puchong