Investigations launched into release of ‘non-toxic’ gas

There were reports of workers “running for cover” following the leak of vinyl acetate monomer at Ineos Enterprises on Monday, which is based on the BP Chemicals Site at Saltend.

The company said a couple of workers had an eyewash as a precaution, following the incident. Unconfirmed reports state that “five to 10” tons of vapour escaped into the atmosphere.

Both the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency are investigating.

VAM is a chemical used in paints, adhesives, floor coverings and clothing. In a statement Ineos said the incident involved “a minor release of non-toxic vapour” with “no significant injuries and no off-site impact.”

It said the site toxic alarm wasn’t sounded as the chemicals released were non-toxic, but added: “as a precautionary measure workers in close proximity to the incident were advised to go inside and clear the area.”

BP provides services for the operators on the site. Plant manager Paul Betts said it was a “small” incident confined to the Ineos plant and there was “absolutely no need” to invoke the site-wide emergency procedures.

The Environment Agency said: “The company reported a release of vapour from a storage vessel at the plant for a period of 15 minutes at around 4.30pm. We are now investigating this incident to find out how it happened and whether it caused any environmental impact. It is not thought to have caused any harm to human health.”