A 500-kg leak of chlorinated fluorinated refrigeration gas occurred at 9:30 am in a supermarket bakery. The refrigerant spilled onto the floor, then evaporated and spread throughout the bakery and in the store’s public space. The 3 employees working with a refrigeration equipment maintenance firm and 13 store staff felt slightly ill and suffered headaches, after overlooking the type of material involved. Bakery personnel notified the local fire station.

Given the supermarket’s level of patronage and in focusing on a gas leak, the responders deployed considerable human resources and equipment. After recording measurements and obtaining information on the type of substance involved, responders decided not to evacuate the premises. Securing the damaged installation took place while wearing self-breathing apparatuses. The fire-fighters’ intervention lasted until 2 pm.

The leak had resulted from a human error committed by one of the 3 subcontractors assigned to maintain the refrigeration installations; he made a mistake by shutting off a valve.