Failure at a chemical plant. Some employees were evacuated

“We would like to inform you that today, i.e. November 4, 2024, there was a leak in one of the installation devices in the vinyl chloride department at the Anwil SA production plant,” said the information posted on the social media profile of the Włocławek City Hall. The entry was described as a “Chemical Plant's announcement”.

Information about the failure was confirmed by Anwil representatives in response to questions from the tvn24.pl business editorial team. They also said that due to the situation, “all standard preventive procedures and security systems have been implemented, including the announcement of the evacuation of some employees.” “The Company Fire Brigade of Anwil SA immediately took action at the site of the incident. Anwil SA services responsible for safety are monitoring the situation,” it added.

In a post on social media of the Włocławek city hall it was reported that “there is no threat to city residents”.

It was also written that “a qualified team of technologists is working on resuming the operation of the installation” and that “other production installations at the production plant operate without interruption.”

Vinyl chloride is an extremely flammable, toxic gas. It can cause from minor irritation of the conjunctiva and upper respiratory tract to visual disturbances, headaches, dizziness, nausea and even loss of consciousness.

Anwil is part of the Orlen Group. It is one of the largest producers of nitrogen fertilizers and the only producer of suspension polyvinyl chloride in the country.

Polyvinyl chloride is used to produce a wide range of products – from hard profiles, plates, pipes and foils, through electrical insulating and drainage pipes, various types of technical parts and packaging, to hoses, profiles, foils, footwear materials and cable insulation.