Commission To Investigate Gas Escape In Cool Store

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29021, 9 October 1959, Page 9

Commission To Investigate Gas Escape In Cool Store

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 8.

The Minister of Marine (Mr fox) has announced the membership of a commission set up to inquire into the fata’, accident which occurred on September 3 in the King’s wharf premises of the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company. Ltd., Auckland. The commission consists of Mr L. G. H. Sinclair, S.M., of Auckjgnd (chairman), Professor C. F. Kettleborough, professor of mechanical engineering, of Auckland, and Mr R. N. Kerr, chief building services engineer, Ministry of Works, Wellington. The commission will inquire into and report on the following matters.* (a) The cause or causes of the accident in which, as the result of an escape of ammonia, two persons were killed, four injured,

death Ot^ ers exposed risk of aeath or injury. itJ b 2f T^ e sde<5 de< I ua cy and suitabildesi«n - materials and construction of:

(1) The pipe from which the said ammonia escaped, and <2) The piping installed elsewhere in the premises for carrying ammonia.

(c) The sufficiency, from the point of view of safety, of the inspection and maintenance system in operation in respect of the ammonia refrigeration plant in the premises.

(d) The working of any existing law in its relation to industrial ammonia refrigeration plants.

(e) Whether any legislation is necessary, or expedient, for the safety of workers employed in industrial premises equipped with ammonia refrigeration plants, or other persons lawfully in or in the vicinity of such premises. Mr Fox s. .d the commission would be ab’ to sit early next month.