Work accident news
24/06/2010

Eight injured in chemical spillage

Eight workers at a Staffordshire laundry required medical treatment after a chemical spillage.

Staff had to be evacuated from the industrial laundry after 3,000 litres of a peroxide, acid and alkaline mix spilt into the surrounding yard, a nearby road, footpaths and drains.

Seven fire crews were called to the scene and fire-fighters spent several hours clearing the spillage before declaring the area safe.

Concerns were raised that the hydrogen gas which the chemicals were releasing could cause an explosion so fire fighters used gas monitors to ensure the gas had evaporated before leaving the scene.

Assistant Area Commander for East Staffordshire reassured the public that the mixed chemicals posed no threat to the public although some people might be able to smell perfume or bleach-type of aroma from the drains.

None of the personal injuries sustained in the work accident were thought to be serious.