ROURKELA: Eight workers of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) were taken ill after being exposed to poisonous gas during repair work near the Clarifier Area on Monday. Condition of the affected persons is stated to be stable.
RSP management sources said the eight workers, three regular and five contractual, felt uncomfortable at around 10.40 am and were rushed to Ispat General Hospital (IGH). A woman contract worker received preliminary treatment at the Occupational Health Centre within the RSP. Those admitted to the ICU of IGH are out of danger but kept under observation.
RSP director-in-charge Atanu Bhowmick visited them at the IGH. The incident occurred at a place adjacent to the U-Seal of Blast Furnace (BF) - 5.
An inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the matter, and actions will be taken against those responsible for such incident, said RSP in a statement.
General secretary of Rourkela Shramik Sangh Prashant Behera said a shutdown was implemented for the repair and during the incident, the gas pipe was inactive. He also said it appeared the workers were exposed to trapped gas in the pipeline containing slurry.