Poison gas leak at abattoir which was warned three times before
A WORKER was seriously ill in hospital last night after a suspected toxic leak at a controversial abattoir incinerator that left three other people needing medical treatment.
Emergency services were called to the plant in Brechin, Angus, shortly after 10am yesterday, after reports of staff suffering from breathing difficulties.
A 53-year-old man was in the high-dependency unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee with “severe damage” to his lungs after the incident. Doctors described his condition as “serious”.
A female paramedic who responded to the emergency call was among the others treated in hospital.
It emerged last night that the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) had served three enforcement orders on the Sacone Environmental plant over the past year.
The facility - which burns the carcases of animals - has now been closed down.
It is believed those who fell ill may have been overcome by sewer gas from rotten meat products.
Apart from the man in a serious condition, two other workers, aged 53 and 34, were admitted to hospital with irritation to their lungs. The 41-year-old paramedic, who treated one of the men at the scene, also required treatment.
Tayside Fire and Rescue said ventilator fans at the incinerator had not been working yesterday morning.
The Health and Safety Executive has launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesman said its officials were waiting to be given the all-clear before entering the premises.
Tayside Police said the gas involved was believed to have been potentially fatal hydrogen sulphide, which can arise from the decomposition of organic matter. Exposure to it in low concentrations can result in eye irritation, sore throat, coughing and breathlessness.
The incinerator, which is thought to employ about 30 staff, has been the subject of long-running complaints from nearby residents about unpleasant odours.
Last month, SEPA issued an enforcement notice against the plant after complaints from neighbours. The agency said it was investigating mechanical breakdown of pollution control equipment, which possibly contributed to the odours.
No-one from Sacone Environmental was available for comment last night.
