Chemical spill at a country hotel

Three hotel staff taken to hospital after chemical spill

Three staff members have been taken to hospital for examination after a chemical spillage at a country hotel.

Fire crews were called to Barnham Broom hotel and country club in Norfolk at about 1930 BST on Wednesday.

They found hydrochloric acid and chlorine cleaning amterials had leaked from pipes in the pool area.

The three were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and were released at 2300 BST. An investigation into the cause of the incident is now under way.

Guests had been moved out of rooms adjacent to the affected area.

Operation manager Justin Gough said: "An investigation into the incident in the plant room is now under way.

Standard cleaning materials

"These chemical are standard cleaning materials for use in pools at country clubs like ours and when an incident like this happens we are obliged to inform the fire service and to take precautions when people are involved.

"This meant we had to call the fire service in and ensure the people affected were treated as soon as possible. The three were taken to a local hospital but were back on the premises by 2300 BST."

Fire officer Barker said: "Five appliances attended the incident because were unsure if fire was involved and in rural areas we had to bring our own water supply.

"We included a specialist chemical spillage unit whose job it was to stop the leak, make the area safe and prepare it for the specialist cleaning company who would come in later."