HC Deb 05 August 1976 vol 916 cc941-2W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will prohibit the manufacture of trichlorophenol in the United Kingdom.

Mr. John Grant

The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that there appears to be no justification for taking such a step at the present time. The situation will be kept under review in the light of any new knowledge obtained from the recent explosion at Seveso.

Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Employment how many workers in the United Kingdom are involved in the manufacture of trichlorophenol; and what information they have been given as to the safety hazards.

Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list in theOfficial Report the location of factories in the United Kingdom whose manufacturing processes include the production of dioxin; if he will give the name of the manufacturing company concerned in each case; and how many employees work at each plant.

Mr. John Grant

The Chairman of the Health and Safety Commission informs me that 25 persons are involved in the manufacture of 2–4–5 trichlorophenol in the United Kingdom. They are all employed at Coalite and Chemical Products Ltd., Bolsover, and comprise 15 production workers and 10 staff. A shift system is operated.

Following an explosion at the factory in 1968, discussions on handling 2–4–5 trichlorophenol were held with management, workers, Her Majesty's Factory Inspectorate and the Employment Medical Advisory Service. The result of these discussions was the production of a code of practice by a tripartite committee, and agreed to by the Employment Medical Advisory Service and the district inspector. It advises workers on precautions and methods of work to avoid contact with dioxin which is formed in minute quantities as an unwanted byproduct in the manufacture of 2–4-5 trichlorophenol. Her Majesty's inspectors of factories carry out regular inspections to see that the code of practice is complied with and they are satisfied that it is. Nevertheless, while the factory is currently closed for its normal holiday period, extra safety reviews are taking place.

2–4–6 trichlorophenol is manufactured at two factories in the United Kingdom but at present there is no evidence that dioxin is formed in the product by the current method of manufacture.