29 October 2007
Department of Labour Inspectors have shut down the affected section at Tiger
Brands Enterprise in Germiston following yesterday's gas explosion, the
Ministry of Labour has announced.
Spokesperson Zolisa Sigabi says, "preliminary investigations into the
incident have revealed that an evaporator coil on a pipe transporting Ammonia
Nitrate (NH3) was damaged leading to the gas leak."
Sigabi said 82 people were affected by the gas and had to be hospitalised.
"Fortunately, there were no fatalities," she added.
"The company was served with a Prohibition Notice which will only be revoked
as soon as an approved inspection authority has declared the area safe.
Currently the company is trying to clear out 'pockets' of the gas from the
area" said Sigabi.
The Department of Labour has advised Tiger brands Enterprise to install a
device that would detect any leakages of the said gas early and warn employees
as this gas can be fatal.
Enquiries:
Zolisa Sigabi
Cell: 082 906 3878
E-mail: zolisa.sigabi@labour.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Labour
29 October 2007
Source: Department of Landbour (http://www.labour.gov.za)
