May 28, 2014
An ammonia leak briefly forced the evacuation of the Swickers plant in Kingaroy this morning.
Emergency services were called to the plant about 10:15am after a pressure relief valve activated, releasing ammonia refrigerant gas into the plant area.
Two fire crews and police attended.
One woman was taken to hospital by ambulance for observation after she reported feeling unwell.
The leak stopped production at Swickers for about an hour until the “all clear” was given.
“Swickers management handled the incident very promptly and very well,” Kingaroy QFRS station officer Bruce Groer said.
“Basically, the pressure relief valve worked. It did its job to protect the system.
“However it is undetermined why it activated.”
The fire brigade personnel assisted Swickers’ refrigeration mechanics on site with breathing apparatus and used venting fans to clear out the plant room.
Swickers’ production has since resumed.
