A HEALTH and safety investigation is underway after two chemical workers were "gassed" during a routine procedure.

The men suffered carbon monoxide poisoning and had to be rushed to Leighton Hospital as a result of the incident, which took place at Brunner Mond's Winnington plant just after 10pm on February 24.

Both men were then transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral for treatment within its specialist unit and a third employee also suffered minor burns.

The exact cause of the incident is not yet known, but it is believed the men were carrying out a routine procedure in one of the lime kilns, which is part of the plant's soda ash manufacturing process, when they inhaled the carbon monoxide fumes.

In a statement to the Guardian, a spokesman for Brunner Mond said the normal combustion gases produced in the kilns contain less than one per cent carbon monoxide, but the company had systems and procedures in place as it is a known hazard in certain circumstances.

He added: "We are pleased to say that both men involved are now recovering well. They were given prompt first aid on site and excellent support from the local hospitals.

"We have been in constant contact with them and their families to keep them fully informed and to give whatever assistance and support was needed."

Brunner Mond is currently co-operating with the Health and Safety Executive but had also conducted its own internal investigation into the incident.