UK: chemical company fined ₤2.5 million for uncontrolled acid releases

Industrial Chemicals Ltd has been fined ₤2.5 million for two uncontrolled releases of highly corrosive acids at its site in West Thurrock, Essex. The incidents happened in January and August 2020. The first saw the uncontrolled release of hydrochloric acid from three chemical storage tanks. As the acid met the atmosphere, it created a toxic hydrogen chloride gas cloud that spread to the nearby towns of West Thurrock and Chafford Hundred. Local schools were closed, and residents were advised to shut windows and doors. The emergency lasted around 24 hours. The second incident saw instead the release of sulphuric acid due to a cracked pipe. The valve designed to control leaks in the event of cracks did not work and contributed to the uncontrolled release, endangering the health of operators and delivery drivers. Sulphuric acid is highly corrosive and can damage the lungs if breathed in.
A joint investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Environment Agency (EA) on the uncontrolled release of hydrochloric acid found that pipework had not been properly maintained, leading to several smaller pipe failures before the incident. Moreover, a protective chemical-resistant coating had not been applied to the full height of containment walls. An investigation by HSE into the release of sulphuric acid also identified a lack of maintenance of pipework and valves. In that case, the leak continued for days due to the inability to operate a manual valve to stop the process. In their guidance, both HSE and the chemical industry stress that work equipment must be maintained in a good state and be regularly inspected.
Industrial Chemicals Ltd pleaded guilty to both incidents, receiving a £2.4 million fine for charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and another £100,000 fine for charges under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. HSE principal inspector Maria Strangward said the incidents were entirely avoidable and the company should have put in place “an appropriate planned maintenance programme.” Adrian Sherman, EA regulatory officer, added that they expect businesses to comply with environmental regulations and will take action if they fail. The prosecution was brought by lawyers Samantha Wells and Laura King.