Three people have been transported to hospital following a chemical reaction outside the University of Sydney Sports Aquatic Centre in Darlington today.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) arrived on scene in Codrington Street around 10.00am after receiving reports of a person suffering from chemical burns.
Firefighters immediately set up an exclusion zone and called for a specialist HAZMAT crew to assist with the incident.
The area has since been secured and analysed before being decontaminated and rendered safe.
One person received burns to his hands and was taken to hospital by NSW Ambulance. A further two people were also transported as a precaution.
SafeWork and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have been informed of the incident.
Media note – footage of the incident is available here:
https://vimeo.com/1019636652/f67d9fa6d7 [external link]
The Incident
One employee and two bystanders were affected by the acid-based chemicals, FRNSW said, which were being moved for disposal.
One person received burns to his hands and was taken to hospital, and a further two people were also transported as a precaution.
The area has since been secured and analysed, before being decontaminated and rendered safe. SafeWork and the NSW EPA have been notified of the incident.
University Statement
The University of Sydney issued a statement acknowledging the incident, advising students and staff to avoid the area around Codrington Street and Butlin Avenue until further notice. The Services Building was also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The university stated that “We’re grateful there do not seem to have been serious injuries as a result. However, ambulance services are on campus and providing appropriate healthcare to the small number we’re aware of who require it.”
They advised individuals who were in the vicinity of the incident to seek medical attention if they experienced any symptoms such as itchiness to the skin or eyes, or irritation to the respiratory tract.
Investigation
Safety Measures
Following the incident, FRNSW worked to decontaminate areas where people had washed off after the chemical flash, which was described as a “rapid release of heat.” The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols when handling hazardous materials. It is crucial to ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures are in place to mitigate risks and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Impact and Aftermath
The chemical explosion caused a disruption to daily activities at the university, with an exclusion zone set up in the area and the evacuation of the Services Building. While there were no other major disruptions, the incident raised concerns about safety on campus.
The university's response to the incident was swift and thorough, ensuring the safety of students, staff, and the surrounding community.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing. The results of the investigation will be crucial in determining the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
