Fonterra's chief executive Theo Spierings says he has confidence in health and safety measures at a South Canterbury milk factory where a chlorine spill sent seven people to hospital.
Theo Spierings. Photo: RNZ
Part of the dairy coooperative's Clandeboye plant, north of Timaru, had to be evacuated after the spill just before midday on Wednesday.
Mr Spierings says it appears that the incident was caused by chlorine coming out of cleaning tanks from a leaking valve or pipe and spilling on the floor.
The area was evacuated and the people closest to the spill were taken to hospital as a precaution which he said was an "outstanding operating procedure".
The plant's operations manger, Steve McKnight, said the chlorine was being pumped into a tank as part of the cleaning process.
"One of the bends of the pipe ... has let go. We don't understand how or why yet, but that'll form the basis of our investigation."
Mr McKnight says some workers closest to the spill had breathing difficulties and needed to be given oxygen.
All seven people have since been released from hospital.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment is also looking into the incident.