Four hospitalised in chemical leak

Four people were taken to hospital following a chemical leak at a Holbeach Hurn factory.

At 11am on Monday, June 11, emergency crews were dispatched to QV Foods in Marsh Road, Holbeach Hurn following the leak.

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue said the leak occurred “due to a mechanical failure during manufacture.”
Four casualties needed first aid treatment at the scene due to chemical inhalation and had to be taken to hospital.

Fire crews from Spalding, Kirton, Boston, Long Sutton and Grantham attended the incident and used breathing apparatus to help the injured and give them oxygen.

Firemen were also able to secure a sample of the chemical substance.

The fire service said tests had confirmed the leak contained an inorganic compound called sodium metabisulphite.

The substance can be used as a preservative and antioxidant in food as well as a steriliser.

The acceptable daily intake of which is up to 0.7 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight.

The substance can lead to allergic reactions in those who have respiratory problems such as asthmatics and anaphylaxis as well as releasing the toxic gas sulphur dioxide if it mixes with water.

After the clean up production continued according to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

A spokesman said: ” Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue stayed on to monitor the restart of manufacture to make sure there was no further danger.”