One person was burnt and 13 others were treated for ammonia inhalation after a gas leak at the Durban harbour.
|||Durban - One person was burnt and 13 others were treated for ammonia inhalation after a gas leak at the Durban harbour on Friday.
A man was rushed to hospital after his wrist was burnt by the chemical. He was treated and released a few hours later, along with the others.
Harbour spokeswoman Finola Quarsingh said the leak was detected at the fresh produce terminal storeroom at about 10am.
“Thirteen employees have suffered exposure and minor respiratory irritations, while one other has contracted chemical burns,” she said.
The terminal’s health and safety manager, Ashwin Bhugeloo, said the leak was caused by a faulty valve. Staff were evacuated and emergency service workers were called to the site.
An environmental specialist then determined that the occupational exposure limit for ammonia was too high, so workers could not resume work until several hours later, when the tests were redone.
“The place was then declared safe.”
Harbour worker
Mthembile Gina said there was pandemonium when they were told to vacate the area.
“I saw one guy who was burnt on his arm and another girl who was wearing an air mask,” he said.
Independent on Saturday