Monday, October 25, 1999 Published at 18:54 GMT 19:54 UK
Inquiry after man dies in chemical leak
Fire crews were called to deal with the spillage
An investigation has been launched after a laboratory assistant died and four other people were injured in a chemical leak at the Wester General hospital in Edinburgh.
The man died after liquid nitrogen spilled in a basement storage room of the Medical Research Council's Human Genetics Unit in the hospital complex.
Four other were treated for the effects of inhaling chemicals and were later discharged. One was also treated for cuts to the head.
The Health and Safety Executive said it had launched an immediate investigation into the death.
The centre is a world leader in research into human genetics and the substance involved was used to store human tissue at a sub-zero temperature.
In a statement, the MRC said it was "deeply distressed" by the death of a member of its staff.
Referring to the dead man, Professor Hastie said: "This was a person who has worked daily with liquid nitrogen for years.
"It poses no threat, it's an inert substance and he used it regularly for our experiments."
Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade spokesman Ross Wynn said: "Nitrogen gas itself is not dangerous - 80% of the air is made of nitrogen.
"But in a confined space it can be dangerous or in close proximity to the liquid gas, you could get cold burns."
A spokesman for Lothian and Borders Police said the dead man, whose name would not be released until his relatives have been informed, was a laboratory assistant.
The Human Genetics Unit, established in 1967, is one of the MRC's largest research establishments, supporting about 220 scientists and staff.
The unit is at the forefront of research into human genetics. Its role is to advance the understanding of genetic factors implicated in human disease.
The injured were named as: Margaret McGurk and Ruth Suffolk, both aged 41, from Edinburgh; Agnes Gallagher, 43, from Carnwarth, Lanarkshire and Stewart McKay, 37, from Balerno, in Midlothian.