Fire in the North section of the site

On March 3, 2021, at 9:30 a.m., a product release of methyl diethanolamine and oxogas as well as a subsequent fire occurred in a plant in the North section of the BASF SE site in Ludwigshafen. Smoke was visible outside the site premises for a short period of time. The cause is still under investigation.

One employee, who was near the source of the leak at the time, was sent to the site clinic for observation as a precautionary measure.

At least 150 kg of methyl diethanolamine was released into the Rhine via cooling water ducts. The substance is classified as slightly hazardous to water (water hazard class WGK1).

The fire is under control and was contained to a locally restricted plant section by the BASF fire department. The site fire department is still on site.

Excess gases are being burned by flares as intended.

BASF environmental monitoring vehicles were on the road within and outside the site premises to measure air emissions. They did not record any increased values.

The respective authorities have been informed.

The safety data sheet for methyl diethanolamine contains the following classification:

• Causes serious eye irritation.

The safety data sheet for oxogas contains the following classifications:

• Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated.
• Extremely flammable gas.
• Toxic if inhaled.
• May cause harm to the unborn child.
• Causes damage to organs (blood) through prolonged or repeated exposure.