Poor communication and training linked to fatal B.C. ammonia leak
The independent body that oversees the safety of technical systems and equipment in British Columbia has found a deadly ammonia leak near Kamloops last May was a tragedy that took years to unfold.
A report from Technical Safety BC says the release of a “significant amount” of ammonia happened May 26, 2022, at Arctic Glacier, an ice-making facility in an industrial park on the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc reserve in Kamloops.
The report says the refrigeration unit had been shut down in 2015 but the ammonia wasn't removed and, over the years, miscommunication, staffing changes,  and then the failure to use a licensed refrigeration contractor to check for ammonia all contributed to the unexpected release.
One person died, two others were injured, the area around the plant had to be evacuated and nearby businesses were temporarily closed when the deadly gas was released as a crew began to dismantle the refrigeration system.
Technical Safety BC says workers thought the system had already been emptied but the release happened when a valve holding back pressurized ammonia for the entire system was opened.
The report makes three recommendations, including that a licensed contractor always be used when refrigeration equipment is shut down and disassembled, and that the Canadian Standards Association develop requirements for any work to decommission refrigeration systems.
Jeff Coleman, director of technical programs with Technical Safety BC, says the province's safety system is built on the expectation that hazardous work is only completed by those with the necessary skills and knowledge.
“Unfortunately, when this equipment was shut down in 2015, the ammonia was not removed,” Coleman says in a statement accompanying the report. “Then in 2022, a licensed refrigeration contractor was not engaged to prepare the equipment for final disassembly.”
The statement says between the initial shutdown in 2015 and the release of gas in 2022, “organizational changes, unclear communication, and incorrect assessments, were all contributing factors to the ammonia not being removed.”
Previously cut piping and disconnected gauges showed the system was empty, says the report, and that “led to the incorrect assumption that the entire ammonia system was empty, despite ammonia being found the day before the incident.”
Technical Safety says any contractor licensed to perform regulated work in B.C. can be found through its online “contractor look-up tool.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.