Hardman Chemicals in Seven Hills fined over gas leak
A western Sydney business has been hit with a hefty fine after being convicted of an environmental breach.
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A Seven Hills business has been ordered to pay more than $160,000 after an environmental breach saw a large amount of chemical gas released into the air, leading to several staff being taken to hospital.
Hardman Chemicals was convicted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) last month and hit with $60,000 in fines and legal costs of more than $100,000 over the incident at its Boden Rd facility two years ago.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching its environmental protection licence on May 3, 2018, when 160 litres of hydrogen peroxide was added to a large hydrochloric acid storage tank, resulting in the release of 10kg of chlorine gas into the atmosphere.
According to an EPA spokesman, workers on site and at surrounding businesses experienced breathing difficulties, violent coughing, burning sensations and headaches after the incident.
Three employees were taken to hospital.
The company manufactures chemicals for use in water treatment as well as in the agricultural, pharmaceutical and construction industries.
At least 23 people were reportedly affected, including nine Hardman Chemicals staff and one contractor.
The court heard that in the months leading up to the incident, the company had tried to uncover the source of a sulphur-like odour being emitted from the premises after neighbours had complained to the EPA.
In order to remove the odour, staff added hydrogen peroxide to a storage tank containing hydrochloric acid.
The EPA said the company failed to assess possible risks before mixing the chemicals.
“Before adding the chemicals, Hardman Chemicals staff failed to conduct an adequate risk assessment and also failed to consult any literature or safety data sheets available to it which contained warnings about the incompatibility of those two chemicals,” the spokesman said.
A statement from Hardman Chemicals said it would ensure no similar incidents occurred at the facility.
“Actual harm to human health was caused as a result of the incident in that three of its employees were admitted to hospital overnight, and employees and persons located at surrounding businesses reported a range of symptoms resulting from exposure to chlorine gas,” the statement read.
“At all times, Hardman Chemicals has cooperated with the EPA’s investigation including providing timely responses to all requests for information and has put in place a number of measures to ensure no similar exceedances occur again.”
EPA Director of Regional Operations Giselle Howard, said the company had failed to meet its obligations in regards to the safe handling of chemicals.
“There is a responsibility to carry out adequate safety measures before mixing chemicals of this nature and on this occasion licensed activities were not carried out in a competent manner,” Ms Howard said.
The fine will be used by Blacktown Council for two environmental initiatives, including its ‘Cooling our streets through sustainable stormwater management’ and ‘2020 Eco-Active Schools Program.