Vat of hazardous product overturns; fish processing plant in Ostend partially evacuated

A hazardous materials incident occurred at the Morubel fish processing company in Ostend, Belgium, when a vat containing 1,000 liters of sodium hydroxide overturned. The incident prompted a partial evacuation of the facility and a precautionary closure of the surrounding area by police.

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We were called around half past 8 in the morning because a vat with 1,000 liters had tipped over when it was being moved with a forklift.

Firefighters were called to the scene around 8:30 a.m. Captain Bert Breemersch of fire zone 1 explained that the vat tipped over while being moved by a forklift. Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye, is a strong caustic substance used as a preservative in the food industry. It can cause severe burns upon contact.

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Sodium hydroxide is mainly known as a drain cleaner. But in the food industry, it is used as a preservative. It is a strong, caustic substance that can cause severe burns.

Upon arrival, the affected department had already been evacuated. The fire department's immediate priority was to neutralize the spilled chemical and ventilate the building. A specialized company was later called in to handle the cleanup. Fortunately, the forklift operator was protected by a screen, preventing any splashes from reaching him and resulting in no injuries during the incident.

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The driver of the forklift was behind a screen. As a result, no splashes of the product landed on him. Luckily, as he was spared severe burns.