Pollution
Humain
Environnement
Economique

1,500 l of liquid chlorine were released from a chlorine expansion pipe (1.25” – DN 31,75 mm) during scheduled maintenance on a chemical manufacturing site storing 3.5 tons. The pipe was dried during the maintenance works using an infra red heater. The liquid chlorine in the expansion pipe was thus heated to more than 140 °C, causing a chlorine-iron fire which “burnt” 35 cm of the expansion pipe. The fire brigade of the city responded to the accident also asking assistance of regional fire brigades. Water curtains were used to dilute the released chlorine. The leakage was localised and isolated. The operator issued a press release.

No personal injuries were reported. Three employees (of contractors) in the plant were able to get away in time. Southeast wind blew the cloud towards the harbour and towards the town of Delfzijl. A few people (both onsite and in the harbour) reported minor irritation. Health monitoring was carried out by the medical services.

The risks had not fully been taken into account before starting the maintenance works. Moreover, the supervising on the maintenance works was not sufficient. The company was fined by the Labour Inspectorate.

The operator reviewed its internal emergency plan and decided not to use infra red heaters to dry pipes anymore. He reinforced risks analyses before issuing work permits.