Hi Amanda,
I'm presently dealing with a 2,000 litre spill of domestic heating oil
(Kerosene) from a private property that has migrated to an adjacent council
owned property. In this particular instance the home owners insurance (loss
adjusters) have been requested to undertake air sampling within both
properties and sampling around and out with both properties (they have
instructed a consultant oil specialist).
Both families have been relocated until we have the results back confirming
vapour levels within both properties. Incidentally the most serious acute
clinical effects in a case like this are likely to be from inhalation. Low
to moderate concentrations of vapour can cause transient euphoria, a burning
sensation in the chest, weakness, lack of co-ordination, confusion and
disorientation. High concentrations can cause headache, drowsiness,
increased respiration, convulsions and coma. Death may occur from
ventricular arrhythmias as at high concentrations the solvent sensitises the
myocardium to adrenaline and other catercholamines. There is also
information relating to chronic exposure if you want it.
On receipt of the site specific risk assessment remediation options will be
presented and agreed.
Both SEPA (pollution of controlled waters) and the fire authority (risk of
fire or explosion) have been notified and are actively involved in
addressing this situation.
I am conscious of the Part IIA implications and have advised the home owner,
insurance company and consultants that a major concern for me in this
respect is the potential for pollution of controlled waters (there is a
water course not more than 20 meters downhill from both properties).
I agree with Andrew Wiseman as in this particular situation we are
addressing this issue in terms of the maintenance company that had been
contracted out to undertake essential repairs and have admitted that one of
their engineers may have inadvertently ruptured a pipe.
I'm hopeful for obvious reasons that this will be satisfactorily resolved
itself through the actions taken by the loss adjusters.
Kind regards
Andy McClements
Senior Environmental Health Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Department for Sustainable Communities
Sandwick Road
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2BW
Western Isles
Tel: 01851 709492
Fax: 01851 709287
email: [log in to unmask]
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