Investigation into Winstone Pulp Mill's 'Pulp Mill Process Vapours Report, November 2014'

L O'Connor made this Official Information request to WorkSafe New Zealand

The request was successful.

From: L O'Connor

Dear WorkSafe New Zealand,

Has Worksafe New Zealand been provided a copy of Winston Pulp Mill's report titled 'Winstone Pulp, Pulp MIll Process Vapours Report, Findings and recommendations' dated November 2014? This report details high levels (described as likely to be a cause of problems) of Sulphur Dioxide, Nitric Oxide, Formaldehyde, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide.

Has WorkSafe New Zealand conducted a report into the dangerously high levels of vapours at Winstone Pulp Mill? If yes, may I please have a copy of the findings/report?

The report details the installation of an extractration system on the pre-heater floor as a hazard control measure. Is WorkSafe New Zealand aware of any follow up testing conducted by Winstone Pulp Mill or a contracted company of vapours to ensure that the measure is working successfully?

Thank you very much in advance

Yours faithfully,

L O'Connor

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From: WorkSafe NZ OIA
WorkSafe New Zealand

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From: WorkSafe NZ OIA
WorkSafe New Zealand


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Dear L O’Connor

Thank you for your email of 1 April 2016, requesting information about the
report you refer to.  Our electronic records have been reviewed and staff
from our assessments and investigations teams have been asked about the
report and I can advise that we have no knowledge of it, nor have we
undertaken a report ourselves. If you believe there is a health and safety
risk at this plant I encourage you to notify this to WorkSafe New Zealand
either by calling our response centre on 0800 030 040 or by email at
[1][email address]. Your notification can be
anonymous.

 

Our formal responses to your request are:

 

Has Worksafe New Zealand been provided a copy of Winston Pulp Mill's
report titled 'Winstone Pulp, Pulp MIll Process Vapours Report, Findings
and recommendations' dated November 2014?  This report details high levels
(described as likely to be a cause of problems) of Sulphur Dioxide, Nitric
Oxide, Formaldehyde, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide.

 

Your request for this information is declined under 18(g) of the Official
Information Act (OIA) as the information is not held and it is not
believed the information is held by another agency.

 

Has WorkSafe New Zealand conducted a report into the dangerously high
levels of vapours at Winstone Pulp Mill?  If yes, may I please have a copy
of the findings/report? 

 

This request is declined under 18(e) of the OIA as the information does
not exist.

 

The report details the installation of an extractration system on the
pre-heater floor as a hazard control measure.  Is WorkSafe New Zealand
aware of any follow up testing conducted by Winstone Pulp Mill or a
contracted company of vapours to ensure that the measure is working
successfully?

 

WorkSafe has not been advised of any follow up testing.

 

You have the right ask an Ombudsman to review these decisions under
section 28(3) of the Act.

 

If you have any further questions please email [2][email address].

 

Kind regards

 

Jo Pugh

Acting General Manager - Operations and Support  

 

P O Box 165, Wellington 6140

W    [3]www.worksafe.govt.nz

 

 

[4]cid:image004.png@01D190CB.74F63B70

 

 

[5]www.govt.nz - your guide to finding and using New Zealand government
services

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Any opinions expressed in this message are not necessarily those of
WorkSafe New Zealand. This message and any files transmitted with it are
confidential and solely for the use of the intended recipient. If you are
not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivery to the
intended recipient, be advised that you have received this message in
error and that any use is strictly prohibited. Please contact the sender
and delete the message and any attachment from your computer.

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