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March 31, 1998
(Environment and Labour)


The following statement was issued today by Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Assembly, I wish to express condolences to the family of the late James Mercer of Bay Roberts. Mr. Mercer died as a result of a fire and explosion at the Come By Chance Oil Refinery.

As well, I wish the other two men who were injured in the accident a safe and speedy recovery.

I would like to advise the House of Assembly that the North Atlantic Refining Company has suspended operations at the Come by Chance Oil Refinery, effective immediately.

This shutdown advances a scheduled retro-fit which was due to begin in May. The company has decided to shut down earlier than scheduled. In light of the circumstances, government welcomes this move by the company.

Meanwhile, government is taking steps to investigate the tragic accident of last Wednesday. The Fire Commissioner commenced his investigation into the fire and explosion immediately. This is continuing. As well, the Fire Commissioner has engaged the firm of A.D. Tupper and Associates to undertake a Fire Life Safety Audit. This audit will address a number of issues, including: the current conditions of the physical plant; policies and procedures relevant to fire protection and those used during fires or explosions; an examination of quality control and safety training procedures; staff training for fire prevention and life safety; and, a review and inspection of all fire safety equipment.

Government expects the Fire Commissioner's investigation to take from four to six weeks. We will await the results of his investigation. We will make his report public after it has been received and reviewed by government.

At the same time, my department, with its responsibility for workplace safety, as well as Government Services and Lands with its responsibility for pressure vessel inspections, will conduct safety audits. These safety audits will examine other aspects of the refinery's operations beyond those being dealt with by the Fire Commissioner. These audits will be conducted in cooperation with the Fire Commissioner.

1998 03 31 2:40 p.m.

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