A leak involving around seven litres of ammonia gas occurred at an ice factory in the Menglembu Industrial Area, Pasir Putih here on Friday.
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received an emergency call regarding the incident at 10.32am, which involved a leaking 400-litre gas cylinder at the premises.
JBPM Perak Assistant Director of Operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said initial investigations found that the incident occurred after the ammonia gas cylinder was not properly sealed, causing pressure release and leakage of the chemical substance.
He said ammonia readings inside the factory reached 300 parts per million (ppm), while the level outside the premises was recorded at around 100 ppm during the early stages of the operation.
Two members of the Hazardous Materials Special Team (Hazmat), equipped with full personal protective equipment (PPE), entered the affected area to shut the cylinder valve and stop the leak.
The team also carried out spill control operations using chemical absorbent materials before collecting the remaining leaked substance and placing it into special salvage drums.
Sabarodzi said the latest readings inside the factory showed a reduction to 250 ppm, while no ammonia was detected outside the premises.
The operation was successfully brought under control at 12.50pm without any casualties reported.
A total of eight firefighters were involved in the operation, supported by three vehicles including a Light Fire Rescue Tender (LFRT), a five-tonne lorry and a utility vehicle.
