Fumes make five port workers ill

Victim alleges correct procedure ignored during chemical spill at container terminal

Five people became sick during a chemical leak at the Port of Tauranga container terminal. A contract crane operator, who wished to remain unnamed, says he reported the chemical smell about 10am on Friday after he was overcome by fumes from a container.

“I went in to pick up a container — I got hit with gas in my cab and just about blacked out,” said the man.

He said he reported the leak to the port terminal first.

Two port managers inspected the container by walking around it but came back to him reporting they could smell something, but nothing that warranted concern, he claims.

Two other straddle crane drivers were made sick over the course of the morning, and both had since been to hospital, the crane operator said.

A further two stevedores were taken to hospital later in the day, bringing the total to five.

The crane operator said a container of crude sulphate turpentine was identified as the source of the leak. The compound is a byproduct of pulp production and is used in the paint and chemical industries.

I went in to pick up a container — I got hit with gas in my cab and just about blacked out. Crane operator

The man said the decision was still made to load the container on to the ship, resulting in the injury of two stevedores.

The Fire Service was called to that event about 12.30pm.

He said the correct operating procedure was for all operations to be shut down within 300m downwind of such a leak — which he said did not happen.

“I reported this as soon as I got hit with the gas and told them. They sent two managers [who] came out, they walked around and said they never smelled it. But we're up above them, another 10.5m up in the air.”

The man's medical discharge certificate shows he reported dizziness, headaches and nausea. He still had headaches and vertigo, he said.

He has contacted the Maritime Union NZ and plans to report the incident to WorkSafe and Maritime NZ today.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council regulatory compliance team leader Alex Miller previously told the Bay of Plenty Times that crude sulphate turpentine leaked from a tank at the port in a “minor spill”.

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board has confirmed the five men were treated and discharged on Friday afternoon and evening.

Port of Tauranga corporate services manager Sara Lunam said that as far as she knew the Fire Service was called in to assist with a leak and men had been taken to the hospital as a precaution.

“There will be an investigation into the incident but it wouldn't be proper to comment further until we know what happened. We do take it very seriously and will follow up.”