News » News Archive
News Headlines
2009
October
Oil depot fire in India – death toll rising (30/10/2009)
A fire at an oil depot in India causes the ground to shake as oil tankers explode and go up in flames. The number of deaths is uncertain… some sources say 5 and others quote as many as 16. What is known, is that there have been hundreds of people injured and approximately 500,000 people evacuated. Power has also cut to the surrounding area as a precautionary measure.
Watch a video of the fire on the BBC web site
Current COSHH practices reviewed 20/10/2009
View HSE web site for further information
Amazement as village escapes factory fireball (UK) (18/10/2009)
A polymer resin factory went up in flames this weekend, prompting the evacuation of local residents in Birch Vale. A cordon was set up due to risk of further explosions involving a range of chemicals held at the site. Crews from around the area attended the scene, and were careful in controlling run-off water potentially damaging the environment and contaminating the local water system.
Massive acid spill on road (UK) (15/10/2009)
A spill of 500 litres of hydrocholic acid caused chaos in Walsall (UK). The road on which the spill took place, was closed for in excess of five hours while Hazmat crews ensured a thorough clean-up.
Five in hospital after chlorine spill – Australia (01/10/2009)
A chemical factory in Sydney has been evacuated following a chlorine spill. Several members of staff were seen by paramedics and taken to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties, irritation of the eyes and vomiting.
Read news story
September
Jamaica tightens rules after chemical spill (15/09/2009)
In reaction to the sulphuric acid spill earlier this week, there is a strong possibility that permits will be required to ensure safe operation of hazardous chemicals in Kingston, Jamaica.
Read News Story
200 litres of industrial sealant spilled on M56 (09/09/2009)
An accident involving a lorry, led to 200 litres of industrial chemical being spilt onto the carriageway of the M56. The chemical (an industrial sealant) reacted with rain.....
China chemical explosion kills 18 (02/09/2009)
Read News Story
August
Royal Mail reveals six postage stamps to illustrate the bravery and skills of the UK's Fire and Rescue Service (30/08/2009)
See the stamps
Number of Emergency Calls received by NCEC at a record high!
July 2009: The single highest volume of calls for a given month in the 30+ years of NCEC operation including 50 Chemsafe calls which is also a record high.
New Article: Counting the costs of chemical incidents (03/08/2009)
With the economic downturn forcing businesses to tighten their belts and cut costs, Benn Heatley, from the UK’s National Chemical Emergency Centre (NCEC), explores the business case for investing in safety now to prevent chemical accidents in the future.
Read Article
Mass. chemical leak sends 100-plus to hospitals (USA) (03/08/2009)
Read News Story
July
Fire causes Texas town evacuation (31/07/2009)
Read BBC News
HSE responds to Lord Gill's Inquiry Report into the explosion at ICL Plastics, Glasgow (2004) (16/07/2009)
HSE Website
Free guidance on the transport of Lithium batteries
Read Press Release
Hauliers face new VOSA enforcements
Read Press Release
Death toll rises to five, two missing in China factory blast (15/07/2009)
Read News Story
HSE issue guidance on pesticides and veterinary medicines (09/07/2009)
View HSE Guide
Fatal blasts in India factories (06/07/2009)
BBC News
Homes evacuated in tyre yard fire (03/07/2009)
Fire and Rescue personnel contacted NCEC for advice after initial setting up a 250 metre cordon and evacuating approximately 550 homes. Although the fire was based in a tyre yard there were also gas cylinders present and NCEC advise on the treatment of these to minimize any risk of explosion.
BBC News
June
Chemical spill scare at battery factory (UK) (23/06/2009)
Read News Story
Blast fears at chemical fire site (UK) (17/06/2009)
Homes have been evacuated and schools and colleges closed.
BBC News
Lorry acid spill prompts warning (Leicestershire - UK) (08/06/2009)
NCEC advised Emergency Services on trichloroethylene and possible reaction product vapours during this spill.
Local News
BBC News
1 killed, 19 hurt as Okhla chemical factory gutted (India) (08/06/2009)
News story
Staff checked after depot spill (UK) (04/06/2009)
Two NCEC Emergency Responders attended the scene offering advice on the identification of the product which was unknown at the time.
BBC News
May
Mining company fined $185,000 over chemical burns accident (Australia) (25/05/2009)
Read story
Twenty-two treated following Broughton chemical leak (UK) (22/05/2009)
Read story
Birmingham's Bullring closed twice after toxic fumes alert (UK) (21/05/2009)
The NCEC has supplied advice to the WM Fire & Rescue services, as well as the Bullring Centre management company and all other organisations involved in this complex incident.
BBC News (21/05/2009)
Two dead, four injured in chemical factory blast (India) (17/05/2009)
Read Story
Unexplained ammonia leak at American Cold Storage kills two (14/05/2009)
Read story
Experts mull global ban on commercial chemicals (04/05/2009)
Read story
Third chemical spill in two days for Newbury (UK) (01/05/2009)
Initial story
April
Industrial fire leaves man in critical condition (21/04/2009)
Read news story
Boy falls into caustic soda tank (UK) (16/04/2009)
A nine year old boy fell through the roof of a derelict building and into a vat of an unknown liquid chemical. NCEC were contacted by South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue asking for advice on the identification of the chemical involved. There were no names or labels on any of the vats or drums at the premises but NCEC were able to offer chemical identification along with medical advice based on the processes that took place on the premises.
Read news story
32 taken to hospital after Chlorine gas incident - UK (08/04/2009)
Solutions of sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid were accidentally mixed during a delivery at Coseley Leisure Centre in Dudley, resulting in the formation of chlorine gas. NCEC advised the West Midlands FRS on the hazards of chlorine gas and appropriate personal protective equipment. We gave advice on the physical properties of the gas and how these affected the strategy for ensuring the area was made safe. NCEC also provided the Fire Service with contact details of suitable waste disposal contractors to aid with clean-up.
Read news story
Man dead and six emergency workers in hospital after chemical leak on A1 - UK (06/04/2009)
Read local news
Read BBC news
Revisions to First-aid training and qualification for purpose of Health and Safety Regulations 1981 will be implemented as of 1 October 2009 (06/04/2009)
See HSE Website for more details
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD) and the Chemicals Assessment Schemes Unit (CASU) will merge to form the new Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) on 1 April 2009.
March
Brazil inferno damages dozens of homes after chemical depot explosion (28/03/2009)
Read full story
View the Spring Newsletter (25/03/2009) for News on
- Transporting Lithium Batteries
- CLP (EU Implementation of GHS)
- CHIP Regulations (CHIP4)
- Dangerous Substances Directive
- New Instructions in Writing
- Chemicals Regulation Directorate
"Keep doors and windows closed" warn police after chemical spill (Northampton, UK) (23/03/2009)
People in the Finedon and Irthlingborough areas are being warned to take care following the spill at a factory in Paterson Road, on the Finedon Road industrial estate.
Read full story
A red gas was released from a 5000L nitric acid tank while it was being cleaned. The NCEC advised on the probable reactions that had taken place and the probable identity of the red gas. We provided hazard advice on the probable reaction products, and also advised that an early press release stating the red gas was nitrous oxide (laughing gas) was incorrect.
Explosions in 'huge' scrap blaze (UK) (22/03/2009)
Just one of the calls our Emergency Responders dealt with on Mothering Sunday… “A scrap yard fire has caused a huge plume of black smoke seen "from miles around" and numerous explosions.”
Read BBC News Story
5,000 evacuated after hydrofluoric acid spill (Pa. USA) 21/03/2009
Read full story
Inquiry into Rye Harbour chemical spill gets underway (UK) (12/03/2009)
The Health and Safety Executive are involved as an inquiry into yesterday's big chemical spill at Rye Harbour gets underway
Read full story
Huge chemical spill at harbour site (UK) (11/03/09)
Read full story
Four people have been injured after a chemical spill at Wellington Sports Centre in Somerset (UK) (10/03/2009)
Read full story
Chemical spill irritates swimmers (UK) (08/03/2009)
Twelve people, including seven children, were taken to hospital after a chemical spillage at a health club.
Read full story
Children rushed to hospital in playground chemical alert (UK) (08/03/2009)
Read full story
US$3.5 million worth of damage in plastics factory blaze in United Arab Emirates (05/03/2009)
Read full story
The European Commission has published COMMISSION DECISION (04/03/2009)
The decision transfers certain derogations previously granted under the ADR and RID Framework Directives to the new Inland Transport of Dangerous Goods Directive 2008/68/EC
View Pdf
Tuas chemical spill update: Death toll reaches four (04/03/2009)
Read full story
Tuas chemical spill: 3 dead (01/03/2009)
Read full story
Update: Bodies to be flown home (02/03/2009)
February
INTERESTING RESEARCH - Development of fire protection measures for vessels containing reactive chemicals
View HSE Research
A Nitric acid spill led to more than 50 workers being evacuated from a Leongatha dairy plant in Australia
(27/02/2009)
Read full story
Central coast chemical spill closes highway (Australia) (20/02/2009)
Read full story
Five firefighters hurt in chemical fire (09/02/2009)
View Press Release
HSE demands that loads are safely secured after driver dies (06/02/2009
More Information
HSE Press Release
Steelworker recovers from severe burns after accident at work involving a flammable liquid. (05/02/2009)
Read full story
Fire crews were called to plant in Bradford after reports of a chemical spill (05/02/2009)
Read full Story
CHELMSFORD: Chemical explosion sets man alight (03/02/2009)
Read full story
Kenyan tanker explosion kills 111 people (02/02/2009)
Read full story
January
Toxic phosphorus cloud caused by chemical fire in the West Midlands (02/01/2009)
The cloud is described as white in appearance with phosphorous causing eye irritation, sneezing, sore throats and shortness of breath. Police are advising residents of the Langley and West Bromwich areas to remain calm but stay inside and keep their doors and windows closed. Motorists have been urged to keep moving and keep windows closed and air vents off.
Read full story
Six new stamps to be produced depicting Fire and Rescue workers at various types of incidents (12/01/2009)
These are: a chemical incident, a major blaze, the urban search and rescue team, a road traffic collision, a water rescue and a generic firefighters image.
Read full story
Fears over beached chemical kits (13/01/2009)
People in South Devon are being urged not to open washed up military chemical kits containing mercury cyanide and sodium hydroxide
Read full story
42,000-gallon gasoline tank involved in refinery fire (13/01/2009)
A refinery fire in Wood Cross, Utah, required a half-mile evacuation zone and four people were injured. Two people were flown by medical helicopter and the other two were taken by ambulance. The injuries were described as burns to the faces, necks, arms and hands of the workers. One also suffered lung damage from inhaling the searing heat.
Read full story
Birmingham fire - four people hospitalised for chemical inhalation (20/10/2009)
Read full story
12 workers taken to hospital after a chemical spillage at a dental surgery (26/01/2009)
Read full story
2008
December
Lucky escape for workers at Slough chemical blast plant (01/12/2008)
Staff at a Slough rubber factory had a lucky escape after an explosion involving chemicals - but only because they were attending a meeting in another part of the building.
Read full story
View additional video
Chemical tanker catches fire on the M4 Severn Bridge (03/12/2008)
An accident on the M4 Severn Bridge has caused major tailbacks after a chemical tanker caught fire requiring a total of eight fire engines to bring the situation under control.
Read full story
Two people killed in nitrogen-cellulose-nitro-glycerine (NCNG) blast (05/12/2008)
Two killed and a further four have been seriously injured at an ordnance factory near Bhandara, India. Two of the injured sustained 100% burns and are still critical.
Read full story
Two roads closed after a container was found leaking an unknown chemical (08/12/2008)
The white tub was found with the handwritten words "corrosive"…
Read full story
Acid spill at Queensland University of Technology (09/12/2008)
Part of Queensland University of Technology was closed and evacuated after a litre of butyl acrylate was spilt
Read full story
Chemical factory fire in Serbia at site storing 500 tonnes of carbon-sulphide (09/12/2008)
One worker was killed in the incident and three others sustained injuries. Huge air quality issues arise as Environmental protection inspectors confirm sulphur dioxide values seven times higher than permissible.
Toxic chemical spill sparks 10 hours of chaos in Lochaber village (11/12/2008)
The chemicals, which gave off nitrogen oxide and nitric oxide, were said to be “venting off fumes”. Nitrogen oxide can react with moisture in the atmosphere to create a vapour that can damage lung tissue and worsen conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema. It can be fatal if inhaled.
Read full story
November
LPG canisters explode due to overheating by steam from an industrial process (05/11/2008)
Read full story
New customs requirements for export of chemicals subject to the PIC Regulation EC 689/2008 (07/11/2008)
Read full story
Nottinghamshire company fined after employee suffered serious burns (07/11/2008)
HSE has warned companies to protect employees from dangerous substances. The warning comes after a 59-year-old man was engulfed in flames following a petrol leak.
Read full story
October
New CHIPS Regulations in place as of 1st October.
The changes implement the 2nd ATP to the DPD and adjust:
- The rules and procedures for classifying and labelling a chemical preparation containing carcinogens, mutagens or substances toxic for reproduction;
- The generic concentration limits to be used for the evaluation of the hazards for the aquatic environment; and
- The classification and labelling requirements for preparations containing ozone depleting substances;
As a result, many companies will need to check their classifications/SDS, and it may also affect some sites storing chemicals, who may find themselves brought into the scope of COMAH.
Click here to read HSEs explanatory memorandum
Hundreds of U.S. Chemicals and Companies Will Be Impacted By European Union REACH Regulation (01/10/2008)
SIN List chemicals are produced or imported in 37 states as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, at as many as 78 sites per state
Read full story
Mercury exports banned (01/10/2008)
The European Union has banned exports of mercury from 2011, in order to cut emissions of the toxic metal into the environment. Meanwhile, the US is expected to pass legislation that would see its mercury exports banned from 2013. In addition to this, Mercury waste from processes such as the manufacture of chlorine and vinyl chloride will need to be stored in steel containers underground.
Read full story
USFA Releases Report on the Chemical Fire in Apex, North Carolina (06/10/2008)
"Once again we see the positive outcomes of preplanning, practicing the plans, and executing the plans when an emergency occurs," said U.S. Fire Administrator Greg Cade.
Read full story
Four treated in chemical incident at UK shopping centre(22/10/2008)
Four men have been treated for sore eyes and throats following a suspected chemical incident
Read full story
Man died after inhaling ammonia fumes at work (22/10/2008)
A Wigan cold storage company has been ordered to pay out £41,116, following an incident in which a man was killed.
Read full story
September
NEWS FLASH - Amendments to CHIPS Regulations coming into for 1st October 2008
The changes implement the 2nd ATP to the DPD and adjust:
- The rules and procedures for classifying and labelling a chemical preparation containing carcinogens, mutagens or substances toxic for reproduction;
- The generic concentration limits to be used for the evaluation of the hazards for the aquatic environment; and
- The classification and labelling requirements for preparations containing ozone depleting substances;
As a result, many companies will need to check their classifications/SDS, and it may also affect some sites storing chemicals, who may find themselves brought into the scope of COMAH.
Click here to read HSEs explanatory memorandum
Click here for Regulations
European Chemical Clampdown Reaches Across Atlantic (30/09/2008)
Hundreds of chemicals likely to be identified by the European Union (E.U.) as "substances of very high concern" are produced throughout the U.S. These dangerous chemicals have been identified via the E.U.'s 2007 Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) law, which requires the disclosure of all chemicals sold in the E.U.
Read full story
Tanker leaks fuel after derailing (20/09/2008)
A rail tanker came off the tracks and overturned in Gloucestershire...
Read full story
Chemical spillage at a jam factory in Essex (15/09/2008)
Fifty one people needed treatment after sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid mixed together to produce toxic chlorine gas.
Read full story
NHS Trust failed to identify chemical risk (08/09/2008)
ULHT (Unitied Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust) has been fined a total of £18,500 after pleading guilty to contravening s2 (1) of HSWA 1974 by not ensuring the safety of it's employees as risks associated with gluteraldehyde were not identified.
Read more here
August
Government publishes the first National Risk Register (13/08/08)
On 8th August 2008, the Government published the first ever National Risk Register, which sets out their assessment of the likelihood and potential impact of a range of different risks that may directly affect the UK.
The National Risk Register is designed to increase awareness of the kinds of risks the UK faces, and encourage individuals and organisations to think about their own preparedness. The register also includes details of what the Government and emergency services are doing to prepare for emergencies.
Read more here
Lithium Batteries Alert:
January 2009 will see significant changes to the regulations governing the carriage of Lithium batteries by road or air. These changes are defined by the 2009 editions of RID/ADR/ADN and the ICAO technical instructions. A new feature of the legislation is the requirement for an emergency telephone number.
Are you prepared for the changes?
Read more here
July
Chemical firm's small fine over dust blast (29/07/08)
A chemical company in Wales has been fined £12,000 following an 'entirely foreseeable and avoidable' April 2006 dust explosion and fire.
Read more here
Glove gaffe costs foundry (22/07/2008)
A foundry manager suffered serious burns at a Leicester aluminium castings firm because he was not wearing suitable gloves.
Read more here
Buncefield: latest results of investigation published (18/07/2008)
The Buncefield Investigation Board has published its eighth report into the incident.
The latest report sets out the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board’s (MIIB) third set of recommendations, this time on the subject of land use planning and societal risk around major hazard sites.
Read more here
CSB Releases New Safety Video on Fatal 2006 Oilfield Explosion in Mississippi, Emphasizes Safe Practices for Hot Work (17/07/2008)
Read more here
HSE announces: 228 work-related deaths in 2007-2008 (03/07/2008)
Provisional figures of work-related fatal injuries in Great Britain, issued by the HSE on 30 June, reveal that 228 workers lost their lived as a result of incidents at work in 2007-2008. This is 19 less work-related deaths than in 2006-2007, where 247 workers died.
Read more here
Government supports health and safety training in schools - Workplace Hazards Awareness Course (01/07/2008)
The Government has welcomed the launch of the Workplace Hazards Awareness Course (WHAC), which has been developed by IOSH and the HSE to teach students about health and safety before they enter the working world.
Read more here
June
Industry groups warn chemical bans threaten EU eco-label (17/06/2008)
Ten chemical trade associations have issued a joint statement warning that the future of the EU eco-label scheme is in danger due to rows over the acceptability of some substances. They are angry that Member States have rejected deca-BDE, PVC and other substances for what they regard as political, not scientific reasons. The groups argue that substances that have undergone EU risk assessments and/or REACH in future should not be rejected. But NGOs and several Member States argued in April that the label should be a mark of excellence and should avoid controversial substances.
Read more here
EU environmental risk assessment of bisphenol-A updated (12/06/2008)
The European Commission has now published updates of both the environmental and health parts of the EU risk assessment for the controversial plastics intermediate bisphenol-A. The environmental assessment concludes that no additional risk reduction measures are necessary for terrestrial and atmospheric compartments nor to address risks of secondary poisoning through food chains. But concerns persist over the effects of BPA on snails and the report notes the need to take into account a UK government study to be completed this year.
Read more here
NGOs set up hazardous substance 'priority list' database(09/06/2008)
Led by the International Chemicals Secretariat (ChemSec), NGOs have created an online database to help companies track the substances that will appear on their independent priority list of substances that should be authorised under REACH. The database will be accessible from 17 September when the group plans to announce its first list at a conference in Brussels
Read more here
EU ministers adopt Regulation on export/import of hazardous chemicals (06/06/2008)
EU environment ministers have adopted a revised Regulation on the export and import of hazardous substances, which is intended to fulfil its implementation of the UN Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent for trading in chemicals with developing country. An initial Regulation was annulled by the European Court of Justice citing an erroneous legal base.
Read more here
HSE warns aerosol companies to adopt good industry practices... (05/06/2008)
... after explosion at Merseyside factory killed one worker and seriously injured three others. The warning follows the prosecution of North West Aerosols Ltd of Brookfield Drive, Aintree, Liverpool, following a major fire on their premises in December 2005 where one man was killed and three others received serious burns.
Read more here
Company fined £12,500 after workers exposed to hazardous dust (03/06/2008)
Read more here
Subscribe to Newsletter
Want to be kept up-to-date with product and legislation news?
