Visy’s controversial paper mill in Southern NSW has been given the thumbs up after the site was audited at a high explosion risk assessment.

The hazard audit found the Tumut mill’s recovery boiler, which pulps the wood and paper, was at an increased risk of explosion due to built up corrosion.

In a notice send to staff members at the mill, general manager Jean Yves Nouaze says ‘speculation’ about an imminent explosion at the Tumut mill was causing unnecessary panic.

Nouaze says the problems in the boiler were ‘common’ and Visy has now installed a new recrystallisation plant which is set to ensure the system is operating as safely as any other comparable machine.

[Related: Visy Tumut mill safety in question]

Visy has hit back at various claims the mill was operating at risk to employee safety, stating all hazards found have been rectified or in the process of adjustment.

According to Visy, the Tumut mill is now classified as a highly protected risk facility and has been recognised with a ‘risk improvement’ award.

Visy is privately owned by the Pratt family and produces paper and packaging material across 120 locations across Australia, NZ, Thailand and Vietnam.

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