A serious ammonia gas leak occurred at dawn on Friday, April 11, 2025, in a fish processing factory in Nouadhibou, resulting in 23 workers being injured. The victims were transferred to the Specialized Medical Center in the city for urgent medical care. According to the medical staff, most cases are stable, although three workers required emergency oxygen treatment due to respiratory distress.
This incident follows a similar accident last year in a sardine factory in the same city, raising serious concerns about the absence of basic industrial safety systems in such high-risk facilities.
🛡️ Missing Industrial Safety Systems
Despite the recurrence of such incidents, most fishmeal factories in Nouadhibou lack the minimum mandatory safety systems, even though they handle hazardous substances like ammonia gas.
Essential missing safety measures include:
- Gas leak detection system: automatic sensors that detect ammonia and trigger audio-visual alarms.
- Early warning systems: sirens and flashing lights to instantly alert workers of danger.
- Emergency ventilation systems: high-capacity extractors to remove contaminated air and restore oxygen levels.
- Emergency wash stations: for rinsing eyes and skin after direct exposure.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): protective masks, goggles, specialized suits, and chemical-resistant gloves.
- Evacuation plans and regular drills: clear escape routes and frequent training to prepare workers for emergencies.
- Regular medical follow-up: routine health checks to monitor long-term exposure effects.
- Preventive maintenance: frequent inspection of pumps, pipes, and key installations.
- Incident logbook: to document all accidents and inform future prevention strategies.
The absence of these systems represents a flagrant violation of international occupational safety standards, including ISO 45001 and OSHA guidelines.
🔍 Official Investigation Underway
Local authorities in Nouadhibou have launched an administrative and security investigation to determine the exact causes of the incident, while unions and civil society organizations are calling for comprehensive medical examinations of all affected workers to prevent long-term complications. Exposure to ammonia can cause damage to the respiratory system, eyes, and even the nervous system.
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