Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Northvolt employees not in risk zone during gas leak

Concern spread among the staff at battery giant Northvolt after they were urged to continue working despite high levels of the hazardous gas ammonia being measured in the company's premises. Northvolt emphasizes, however, that they have followed the guidelines of the Work Environment Authority.

» Updated: 03 October 2024, 16:55

» Published: 16 August 2024

Northvolt employees not in risk zone during gas leak
Photo: Magnus Lejhall/TT

When high levels of ammonia were measured in the premises, the company sent out an internal message instructing employees to continue working, even if the levels of ammonia were much higher than usual, according to Sveriges Radio's Ekot.

In the Teams message, it emerged that staff were expected to work up to 500 ppm before the premises were evacuated, according to the radio. Ammonia gas is hazardous at high levels, and therefore the Work Environment Authority has set a limit of a maximum of 50 ppm (millionths).

Risk Assessment

However, the authority's limit of 50 ppm applies to work without protective equipment. The limit set for work with protective equipment depends on what the equipment can handle.

It is the risk assessment that the employer must make with the help of the material provided by the manufacturers of protective equipment, says Ann-Louise Jonsson, expert in chemical work environment risks at the authority, to TT.

Internal Safety Margin

According to Northvolt's communications manager Matti Kataja, the company has a safety margin. Staff are not allowed to work if the value exceeds 300 ppm, despite the protective equipment being able to handle levels of 500 ppm.

Safety always comes first at Northvolt. If we cannot work safely, we do not work at all. We measured a maximum level of 155 ppm. Therefore, our employees could continue to work safely and securely, he says to TT.

The Work Environment Authority emphasizes, however, that personal protective equipment should be a last resort for the employer – but can be a temporary solution when trying to address the problem in other ways.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime
1 MIN READ

Dropped investigation against Jomshof for hate crime

The Government Extends Border Control
1 MIN READ

The Government Extends Border Control

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen
2 MIN READ

Suspicions of Terrorism Against Swedes to be Tried in Copenhagen

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg
2 MIN READ

Two students stabbed at school in Hallsberg

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud
2 MIN READ

Unannounced visits, a new weapon against benefit fraud

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark
2 MIN READ

16-year-old convicted of murder plan in Denmark

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support
2 MIN READ

Social Democrats' demands on Kristersson: EU plan for Ukraine support

Suspects Released After School Operation
1 MIN READ

Suspects Released After School Operation

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims
1 MIN READ

The Verdict: Cannabis in the Blood of Pastry Poisoning Victims

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"
2 MIN READ

The Kumla hackers gained access to "almost everything"

Criminal got job as social worker
1 MIN READ

Criminal got job as social worker

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås
1 MIN READ

Woman dies after being hit by a car in Västerås

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors
1 MIN READ

Voluntary for Municipalities to Employ Doctors

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht
1 MIN READ

In Malmö, we commemorate Kristallnacht

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study
1 MIN READ

The gap is increasing – more women than men continue to study

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed
1 MIN READ

Man Shot at in Kista – Escaped Unharmed

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan
1 MIN READ

The Government is Reported for Lack of Climate Plan

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year
2 MIN READ

"Almost Certain" – 2024 the Warmest Year

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump
2 MIN READ

Stefan Löfven: This is how you talk to Trump

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"
3 MIN READ

Expert: Trump's victory "a slap in the face"