Gym Owners Deny Safety Offences

THE OWNERS of a Wirral gym have denied health and safety offences following a hazardous chlorine gas leak.

Three employees and two club members were rushed to hospital on May 22 last year after lethal fumes began leaking from a chemical tank at the Total Fitness gym at Prenton.

Fire crews from Birkenhead, Wallasey, Upton and Kirkdale were called to the leak and about 30 people were evacuated to a nearby Royal Mail building and the offending container isolated.

Representatives for the gym appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to two charges involving failing to ensure the health and safety of employees and visitors. Judge Nigel Gilmour, QC, fixed the trial to begin on January 12.

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