02 February 2012 - Fire crews called to ammonia leak from fridge at Edinburgh care home
Two female members of staff were taken to hospital suffering from breathing difficulties following an ammonia leak at an Edinburgh care home in the early hours of the morning (2 February).
Staff, who had discovered a pressurised ammonia leak from a fridge in a downstairs office at Clermiston House in Parkgrove Terrace at 4.14am, raised the alarm.
Three staff members were affected by fumes and all were initially treated at the scene by the ambulance service with two of them being sent to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for further treatment. Nine residents were moved into an annexed day care centre as a precautionary measure.
Two firefighters in breathing apparatus ventilated the building and cleaned up the small spillage of ammonia. The fridge was moved into the open air.
A full chemical attendance, including two pumping vehicles and four specialist units, was mobilised by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service to tackle the leak.
Residents were eventually let back into the affected part of building around 5.30am, once the home had been properly ventilated.
Enquiries: Ruth MacLeod, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Tel: 0131 228 2401
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