Case Study – Cyanogen Bromide in Dichloromethane Spill
The product, cyanogen bromide in dichloromethane (Packing Group 1), entered UK in a 20ft ISO. The complete container contents were mixed general cargo, pharmaceuticals and the product. The lorry driver was overcome by fumes when he opened the doors of the container to unload it. He was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties, but fortunately soon allowed home.
As a ‘Responsible Care’ signatory, the chemical company importing the product decided the first priority was to rectify the situation and resolve questions of responsibility and insurance later. The fire service had assessed the situation and decided that whilst the container doors remained closed, there was no danger to life or the environment, and left the scene. The chemical company therefore called Braemar Howells Ltd to unload the container, and dispose of any contaminated waste in a safe manner.
It was evident from the initial assessment and information from the depot manager that the container would need to be unloaded by forklift. General cargo such as heavy steel pipes and other materials was also packed inside, and some of this was offloaded with the forklift driver wearing a respirator. However, it was decided that the driver should wear full breathing apparatus when the operation required the forklift to enter the container.
Once the main part of the Cyanogen Bromide load could be accessed, it was found that three of the packages were damaged and one package (that had shifted to the front of the container during the journey) had actually leaked. Under a ‘Section 62′, the three damaged packages were transported in a salvage drum to the incinerator in Ellesmere Port for final disposal.
Braemar Howells Ltd is a specialist chemical response company with response depots all around the UK. The company takes the lead role in the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Hazardous and Noxious Substance Response team.
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