Operations have been halted at Fairview Container Terminal following an incident involving 11 employees early Sunday morning.
Terminal operator, DP World Prince Rupert, has confirmed that at approximately 5 a.m., Sept. 3, there were 11 employees working in one area of the container yard who required treatment at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital for symptoms of respiratory and eye irritation.
“Two were initially kept for observation and thankfully all were discharged within hours of their arrival. We continue to check on their well-being,” according to the DP World statement released Sept. 4. “Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our employees, the local community, and any others who may have been affected.”
As part of its emergency response, the terminal operator suspended activity and evacuated employees from the container yard. DP World stated that in the first hour after the incident safety teams tested the air quality and no contaminants were found.
An external industrial hygienist was also brought to the scene to conduct on-site assessments and monitor the air. By 4:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 4 the site was declared safe with no inhalation hazard to the community, DP World stated in the release.
The terminal is expected to return to normal operations on Tuesday, Sept. 5 following the holiday. There are few other details regarding the incident.
COSCO Thailand arrived at the container terminal at 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 3 and the Port of Prince Rupert website states it will depart Sept. 6 at 1 a.m.