CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP

SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT (SHE)

Other incidents of significance

• an explosion occurred in the scrubbing system of a Chemserve plant in Brazil. There were no injuries but production was disrupted for three days;
• four production-related incidents occurred at Chemserve manufacturing plants in Umbogintwini, resulting in fumes affecting nearby manufacturing facilities;
• at AEL’s Modderfontein operations, an explosion occurred within the compartment of a lead azide dosing station. This caused significant damage to the machinery, but no injuries;
• at a Chemserve plant in Brazil, a complaint was received from the neighbouring community regarding odours. These were attributable to the first-time production of a chemical for lubricant applications. The process was stopped and is being reviewed in an attempt to eliminate the problem;
• at SANS’s Bellville operations, heating fluid was released to atmosphere after a relief valve lifted. The neighbouring community was inconvenienced by the strong smell that resulted;
• a number of road transport-related incidents occurred whilst products were being moved by contractor companies. In AEL’s operations, eight incidents occurred that involved more than one ton of ammonium nitrate or emulsion being spilled. No significant environmental impacts resulted. A tanker moving product for Chemserve rolled, causing the temporary closure of a highway. Tragically, another vehicle moving material for Chemserve collided with a bus, resulting in the death of the vehicle’s driver.