Operating Process Equipment - Loss of Containment (Leaks of Hazardous Liquids)

Description of Incident

While conducting routine morning reads, a Water Treatment Facility Operator noted an irregularity with the level plot in a tank containing Sodium Hypochlorite (13%). This was brought to the attention of the Supervisor who went to inspect the tank. The Supervisor noted a thin stream of liquid coming from underneath a 50mm nozzle at the base of the tank. Smell indicated that this was Sodium Hypochlorite. The leak was draining freely to the bund drain. An exclusion zone was put in place and a water hose was set up to dilute the chemical and assist in free drainage back to the feed pond. This incident was classified as a Tier 2 Loss of Containment.

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