10 January 2012 Last updated at 11:08 ET

Staff taken to hospital after Palletways chemical spill

Part of the site in MacIntosh Road was closed off

Twenty-three people have been treated in hospital following a chemical spill at a warehouse in West Lothian.

Denatonium Benzoate - which is used to make inedible liquids, such as anti-freeze, bitter - leaked into an area at Palletways in Livingston at 08:08.

Most of the casualties, thought to be workers, have been discharged from St John's Hospital, the rest are being kept in for observation.

MacIntosh Road was closed off but has now been reopened.

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said a container had been punctured while a forklift truck was moving a pallet.

A spokeswoman said: "The casualties were complaining of throat irritation and mild breathlessness."

About 20 firefighters wearing breathing apparatus and chemical suits used other absorbent chemicals to clear up the spill.

The warehouse was evacuated and the site was cleared of the chemical by 10:17.

Dr Alison McCallum, NHS Lothian director of public health and health policy, said: "A total of 23 people were identified as having minor symptoms and they were assessed and treated in the accident and emergency department at St John's Hospital.

"There is no impact on the services at St John's, which continue to run normally."