A WORKINGTON chemical factory has drawn up an off-site emergency plan.
Vertellus Specialties UK Ltd, based off Northside Road, near the Port of Workington, has not made changes to its production but a change in regulation means it is now required to have an emergency plan as the threshold for potential off-site risk has been lowered.
The firm is working with the county council’s resilience unit and a drop-in event was held on Wednesday at Northside Community Centre.
Chris Drew, senior emergency planning officer at the council, said the plan would involve properties within a 375metre-range from the plant, which includes Northside Primary School.
Dunmail Park is not within the emergency zone.
Mr Drew said: “We have a specific plan in place with the school, they have a siren and if it sounds they know exactly what to do.”
He said risks included the potential for a chemical toxic or flammable gas cloud.
Information has been given to residents as to how to behave if they hear the siren and traffic diversions.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here