Cradley Heath chlorine leak sparks safety alert

The leak happened at Cradley Plating Company unit on Woods Lane, Cradley Heath.

Neighbours were advised to stay at home and keep their windows and doors closed as investigations were carried out.

Haden Cross firefighters attended along with the fire service's detection identification team.

They found that there was one cylinder in 'a corroded state' which was leaking chlorine gas. That was close to three others in a similar state, the spokesman said.

Firefighters were alerted to the leak at about 6.19pm on Saturday and remained there until 1.30am today, along with police officers, once they had undertaken extensive tests to ensure the chemical spill had been contained.

No one was injured and the spokesman said much of the time spent there was making the scene safe.

The emergency services were called to the scene after a member of the public reported 'a bleachy smell' in the air near the factory.

Cradley Plating Company staff were also told by firefighters not to enter the building as investigations took place and experts were called to give their advice on how to contain the leak.

Chlorine leaks can cause serious health scares and problems.

In April 2009, nearly 50 people were taken to hospital after an incident at the now demolished Coseley Baths on Pear Tree Lane, near Wolverhampton.

Patients complained of suffering breathing difficulties, irritation to their nose and throat, watering eyes and panic attacks and paramedics were called.

Some were even so worried by the leak they ran from the swimming pool in their swimming costumes and had to be given thermal blankets to keep warm.

At the time, 48 people were treated at three Black Country hospitals. New Cross in Wolverhampton treated 16 people, 13 were taken to Russells Hall in Dudley and three to Sandwell.