Ammonia leak out in Bottrop Urology: Fire Brigade in action!

Ammonia leak out in Bottrop Urology: Fire Brigade in action!

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the urological outpatient clinic of a miners' hospital in Bottrop took an incident that assumed alarming proportions. A defective refrigerator led to an ammonia exit, which resulted in the pending alarm of the fire brigade. An employee had noticed the stinging smell and reacted immediately, which could take measures quickly.

After the discovery of the incident, the affected space was immediately closed to ensure the safety of patients and employees. Fortunately, everyone present was never in danger, such as [Fireworld] (https://www.fireworld.at/2025/24/d-ammoniakstreich-im--ge- unde-in-bottrop-%86%92-kuehlschlabrat-defekt/)

use of the fire brigade and measures

The Bottrop professional fire brigade hurried to the site, supported by volunteer units from the local weirs from the old town, Boy, Fuhlenbrock and Vonderort. The Kirchhellen local defense also became active by putting a turntable ladder. The basic protection for the urban area during the operation was taken over by the local defense.

An attack force under breathing protection took care of the transport of the defective refrigerator, which was housed in airtight protective bags in order to minimize any danger to the staff. The refrigerator was then handed over to the best Aör, which is responsible for proper disposal at the landfill.

hazardous substances in everyday hospital life

The incident in Bottrop throws a light on the dangers in healthcare, especially when dealing with hazardous substances. In clinics, these are present in almost all departments, from the use of disinfectants to anesthesia. [Safe Hospital] (https://www.icheres-krankenhaus.de/ undegebergreifende-themen/gegegeifendendendes-themen/wellstoffe-im-krankenhaus) emphasizes that employers have to carry out regular risk assessments in hospitals in order to ensure the safety of employees, even if only a few employees are on site.

The hazards that can result from dealing with hazardous substances are diverse. They range from lovely and caustic fabrics to toxic and cancer -generating materials. Particular attention should be paid to the labeling according to the CLP regulation, which regulates the safe handling of such fabrics. Technical protective measures such as sufficient space ventilation and the use of disinfectant donors are indispensable to minimize the exposure of employees.

In human medicine, dermal and inhalative hazards also play a role. Skin diseases make up over 65% of suspicion notices on occupational diseases that were reported from human medicine in 2019. Employers in the healthcare system are required to take suitable protective measures and to document them.