Worker critical after leak at chemical plant

BRITAIN: A chemical worker was in a critical condition last night following a leak at a plant in Britain, which left 37 people…

BRITAIN:A chemical worker was in a critical condition last night following a leak at a plant in Britain, which left 37 people needing medical treatment.

An investigation has been launched into the release of a corrosive and hazardous substance at the BASF plant in Billingham, Teesside, which emergency services treated as a "major incident".

It is the third safety scare that the manufacturer has suffered on Teesside, following a huge fire in 1995 and the death of an employee who was overcome by fumes four years later.

BASF said one employee was being treated at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary following the leak at the nylon intermediates plant. A spokesman said: "We understand that he remains critical but stable."

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Another injured worker remained under observation at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital last night.

Thirty-seven people were treated after the leak of Hexamethylenediamine, a chemical used widely in making plastics. All were decontaminated on site and 17 were taken to hospitals for treatment.

BASF managing director Torben Berlin Jensen said: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with the BASF employees and their families. The condition of our injured colleagues remains our major focus and we will be monitoring their progress closely."

The chemicals giant has launched an investigation into the incident and is supporting the investigations being carried out by the health and safety executive and the environment agency.

The spokesman added: "For the time being, the affected section of the nylon intermediates plant will remain shut down as part of the investigation. BASF would like to stress that there was no risk to people off site at any stage during the incident."

A toxicologist from Leicester University warned about the hazards the chemical poses. Dr Andrew Smith said: "Hexamethylenediamine . . . is very corrosive if spilt on the skin and eyes and to the airways and lungs if breathed in. Long-term exposure may lead to liver and kidney damage." - (PA)