Part of a Sunderland industrial estate was sealed off this month after a potentially dangerous chemical leak. Around 25 firefighters were called to Onyx Scientific on the Enterprise Industrial Estate just after 10:30am on 22 May 2007 when a drum of chemical waste began to give off fumes. In an ironic twist of fate, the estate is also home to health and safety and environmental specialists CEDREC! A 200 metre cordon was placed around the premises, and around 100 people were evacuated from nearby businesses as emergency measures were called into action.
Staff at Onyx, who provide a wide range of chemical services to the life sciences industry, reported a pressure build-up in a 200 litre tank of highly flammable liquid waste. There were fears that the pressure, which was the result of a chemical reaction with the waste and caused the formation of hydrogen gas, could explode. Seven fire engines, along with special appliances brought in from a company in Dudley, finally brought the crisis to an end around 3:00pm when emergency crews used the specialist equipment to puncture the tank and release the pressure. Sand was then used to soak up the drained-off chemicals.
Despite being remarkably close to the cordoned area, CEDREC remained one of the few companies on the estate who were not evacuated. Much to the pleasure of their dedicated staff. Fears were initially raised for the safety of Company Director and entrepreneur Steven Armstrong and Business Development guru Julia Bradley, who were out of the office on important business and unable to gain access back onto the premises. However, these fears were allayed on hearing the news that they had taken refuge in a nearby food and drink establishment at a suitably safe distance. No doubt discussing important legislation issues...
