Information pursuant to Section 8a of the Major Accidents Ordinance.

Despite all safety precautions, an accident can never be completely ruled out. An accident could originate from the following chemicals present at the facility:

• Chrome electrolyte: very toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. The chromium trioxide contained in the chrome electrolyte is carcinogenic, mutagenic, and very toxic if inhaled (in the form of aerosols – i.e., droplets finely dispersed in the air).
• Nickel electrolyte: toxic to aquatic organisms; may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
• Nitric acid: corrosive; in the event of a malfunction, nitrogen oxides may be generated, which are very toxic if inhaled.

A release of water-hazardous liquids (despite the existing accident-prevention measures) could lead to contamination of the soil and groundwater; however, such contamination would remain locally confined and remediable. The impacts would remain limited to the facility premises.

In the event of nitrogen oxide formation resulting from a malfunction, or in the event of a fire, (highly) toxic gases – such as nitrogen oxides (brown fumes) or combustion gases (carbon monoxide and soot in the form of dark smoke plumes) – could be released. Consequently, under unfavorable weather and wind conditions, parts of the surrounding neighborhood could be adversely affected (causing irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, shortness of breath, headaches, or dizziness). Based on all available experience, a serious hazard to persons located outside the facility premises is not to be expected.