investigate a gas leak at the Kurnell oil refinery in Sydney's south

Refinery Life
Gas leak at oil refinery
Sunday Sep 25 11:27 AEST

Caltex and the NSW government will both investigate a gas leak at the Kurnell oil refinery in Sydney's south which resulted in 14 employees taken to hospital.

Emergency services were called to the refinery following the discovery of a hydrogen sulphide gas leak during a routine maintenance inspection.

The leak broke out in an area where a clean fuels upgrade was underway.

About 30 workers were evacuated from the site and 24 were treated for injuries including shortness of breath, nausea and eye irritation.

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Fourteen were taken to hospital, with five remaining for overnight observation.

NSW Industrial Relations Minister John Della Bosca told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper WorkCover had immediately launched an investigation into the incident.

"It will also examine response plans in place at the time," a spokesman for Mr Della Bosca said.

A Caltex spokesman said the company would also launch an internal inquiry.

"We will have a very thorough investigation," he said.

The incident is the latest in a series of problems at the refinery, including a large-scale LPG leak due to a faulty pressure relief safety valve eight months ago.

©AAP 2005