WorkSafe shuts Christchurch chemical plant after worker critically injured

WorkSafe has issued a prohibition notice to halt machinery at a Solvent Rescue distillation room in Sydenham. This follows an incident last Thursday where three people were taken to hospital, including one person in critical condition. The injured worker is expected to make a full recovery.

Fire and Emergency NZ reported the callout was due to a spill of approximately 200 litres of trichloroethylene. This non-flammable, colourless liquid is used as a solvent to remove grease from metal parts. Trichloroethylene is considered a probable human carcinogen.

Solvent Rescue director Chris Bathurst disputes that any chemical spill or vapour release occurred. Bathurst stated a distillation operator appeared to trip and fall while cutting open a 210-litre drum of chemical waste paint thinner. He claimed the drum still contained 200 litres of the chemical.

WorkSafe inspectors visited the site this week and placed the prohibition notice on all pressurised plant and equipment used in the distillation room. The equipment cannot be used again until an independent expert confirms it is fit for purpose. WorkSafe has not yet reached a conclusion regarding a chemical spill.

How it developed

• Fri 23 Oct, 4:34pmWorkSafe issued a prohibition notice on all pressurised plant and equipment in the distillation room until an independent expert confirms it is fit for purpose.

Where reports differ

• Fire and Emergency NZ reported a 200-litre spill of trichloroethylene, while Solvent Rescue director Chris Bathurst claims no spill or vapour release occurred.

Compiled from reports by 1News, The Press and Otago Daily Times.