UPDATE, Friday 10.33pm: A FRACTURED pipe in the refrigeration system at Don KR Castlemaine was the cause of an ammonia leak on Thursday night, a company spokesperson said.
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“However we are currently investigating the matter to determine the root cause, and are working closely with authorities around the incident.”
The spokesperson said ammonia leaks at the site were an uncommon occurrence.
“This was our first external ammonia leak since our commissioning of the new Castlemaine plant in 2009,” they said.
“Earlier this month, we experienced an insignificant internal leak at the facility which was identified and contained immediately.
“It had no impact on staff or the local community and there was no requirement for evacuation or other emergency protocols.”
They said a small number of employees received medical treatment on site last night.
“To our knowledge, there are no outstanding medical issues caused by this incident,” the spokesperson said.
They reiterated that the safety of employees was the company’s highest priority.
“We consistently review all our systems and protocols and have a consistent testing regime, to ensure our health and safety regulations meet the highest standards,” the spokesperson said.
UPDATE, Friday, 11.15am: Don Smallgoods has released a statement confirming an ammonia leak at its Castlemaine facility on Thursday evening.
“Immediately when the leak was detected, via facility sensors, emergency protocols were followed, employees were evacuated from the facility and authorities alerted,” a spokesperson said.
“Emergency services quickly arrived and took control of the site, and the leak was subsequently fixed and marked safe. The site was handed back to DON Smallgoods this morning.
The spokesperson said the health and safety of the people and community at DON Smallgoods is the company’s highest priority.
“Our Castlemaine facility operates to the highest safety standards and regulations. We are currently investigating the matter to determine the root cause, and are working closely with authorities around the incident,” the spokesperson said.
If anyone has any medical concerns or questions, they should seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
UPDATE, Friday, 6.35am: A hazardous gas leak at Don KR in Richards Road has been contained and cleaned up.
Emergency services marked the incident safe at 4.20am and said residents can return to their usual routines.
EARLIER: “CLOSE all windows and doors and remain indoors,” Castlemaine residents have been advised following a hazardous gas leak at Don KR.
The Country Fire Authority said there was no threat to the community, but people should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
Residents have been advised to keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond to the ammonia leak at Richards Road in Castlemaine.
A CFA spokesperson said the call for assistance was received about 10.12pm.
About 10 units are on scene, with further specialist crews en route from Ballarat.
The CFA has advised anyone experiencing any symptoms that might be due to exposure to seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.emergency.vic.gov.au, the VicEmergency app, or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
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