Alert after chemical spill at Rolls Royce
Fire service called following acid leak from tanker
A major probe has been launched after specialist fire teams contained a dangerous chemical leak at a manufacturing plant.
Emergency crews were called to the Rolls Royce factory in Inchinnan to reports of a hydrochloric acid spill at the site yesterday morning.
It is understood the highly corrosive material seeped from a tanker in a loading bay on the massive industrial site and emergency services were alerted.
An environmental protection unit from Scottish Fire and Rescue worked throughout the morning to make the facility safe.
There were no casualties as a result of the incident, which was first reported at around 10.45am.
Company bosses confirmed they have launched an investigation into the incident and insisted safety is their number one priority.
A Rolls Royce spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that there has been a small contamination incident at our Inchinnan site this morning. Safety is our highest priority and, as part of the strict protocols we have in place, the fire brigade were called as a precaution.
“The impacted area in the loading bay outside the facility was quickly contained and no- one was affected. A full investigation is now underway.”
Hydrochloric acid is a highly corrosive chemical used extensively in the manufacturing sector to strip metals of rust and other debris.
The toxic material can have a corrosive effect on human tissue, with the potential to damage respiratory organs, eyes, skin, and intestines irreversibly.
Protective gear is worn by workers when they are working with hydrochloric acid.
Scottish Fire and Rescue sent its specialised environmental protection unit and two fire engines to the Rolls Royce’s Inchinnan base, which is focussed on building aircraft engines.
A spokesman said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service worked to contain a chemical leak at a business premises on River Drive, Inchinnan. Operations Control immediately mobilised two appliances and an environmental protection unit after the alarm was raised at 10.42am on Wednesday. “There were no casualties. “Crews remained at the scene until the area was made safe.”