A company was fined $200,000 for a chlorine leak incident on Sept 4, 2016, in which seven people were taken to hospital. The incident involved a chlorine leak in a cylinder stored in a chlorine storage facility. The leak triggered an alarm from one of the facility’s chlorine detectors and a worker activated the chlorine gas emergency scrubber and exhaust system. Two workers donned protective equipment and attempted to stop the leak but were unsuccessful. The facility then called the local FD for help at around 9:20 a.m.
Three fire engines, four hazardous materials vehicles, three ambulances, and two support vehicles were dispatched to the scene. A specialist team plugged the source of the leak, while another team used three water jets to dilute the chlorine vapor in the air. Operations ended at noon on the same day.
Two FD officers and five members of the public outside the workplace were momentarily exposed to the leaked chlorine gas, which is corrosive. They experienced problems ranging from eye irritation to difficulties in breathing and were taken to a hospital before being discharged on the same day.
Investigations revealed that the company had failed to…