Workers injured in New Zealand tannery spill released from hospital
05/11/2012
An investigation has been launched into how the hydrogen sulphide leak at Tasman Tanning – News Zealand’s only finished leather tannery – occurred.
The injured men were experienced operators who had worked at the facility for more than 20 years.
Fire service assistant area commander Roger Calder told news agency AAP a "cloud" of hydrogen sulphide had been created after two unknown chemicals had mixed. “It is part of the process of tanning hides but of course something has gone wrong and caused it to either get too much or get too little [of one chemical],” he said.
Nineteen other people were treated in hospital after inhaling the fumes, although none were in a serious condition.
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