Toxic chemical leak from tanker

Apr 17 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A TOXIC chemical escaped from a truck as it was being transferred to a plant in Wirral yesterday.

The ethylene dibro-mide – which can cause severe burning of the skin and even liver damage in prolonged exposure – was being transferred by tanker to the Kaneb plant, in Eastham.

Four site staff were decontaminated after the leak was discovered and later taken to Arrowe Park Hospital as a precaution.

The fire service was called at 11.33am to a leak at the site on Powerhouse Lane.

As well as the fire engines the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Unit, based at Bromborough Fire Station, also attended.

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue said: “The chemical was being delivered by road tanker to the facility and the leak occurred during the transfer. On site staff, in respira-tors, and Merseyside Fire and Rescue person-nel fixed the leak and contained it.”

He said the chemical is normally liquid when transported but solidifies at ambient temperatures making it easier to contain the spill.

The chemical is used for insecticides and as an additive to gasoline.

Incident commander Myles Platt praised the site staff and his own firefighters.

He said: “I was very pleased with the working between the safety team at Kaneb and our own staff.”