Protective gear is put on at the site of the chemical spill. Photo: FRNSW
A chemical spill and slightly higher radiation levels outside the Sydney Sports Aquatic Centre in Darlington on Tuesday (October 15) have been safely contained.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said chemicals confiscated by them had been returned to the university for disposal.
In conjunction with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), more tests confirmed that radiation levels had returned to their baseline background levels, the FRNSW said.
The service explained that for radiation levels there are two distinctions: the dose already in a location and defined as “background” and a dose due to a deliberately introduced and specified source.
Radioactive material is found throughout nature with detectable amounts occurring naturally in soil, rocks, water, air and vegetation, it added.
FRNSW says the site presents no further risk to the community.
Earlier, three people had to be taken to hospital after FRNSW crews arrived on scene in Codrington Street around 10am in response to reports to a person suffering from chemical burns.
One employee and two bystanders were impacted by the acid-based chemicals, the service confirmed.
Firefighters immediately set up an exclusion zone and called in a specialist HAZMAT crew.
One person was burnt on his hands and was taken to hospital; two others were also taken as a precaution.
A University of Sydney statement said one of their buildings was temporarily evacuated as a precautionary measure with no other disruption to university activities.
“We’re grateful there do not seem to have been serious injuries as a result,” the statement read.
“A full investigation into what took place will occur in due course, and we’ll continue co-operating with the appropriate authorities as required.”
The statement said Health Direct has a symptom checker on its website and can provide 24-hour medical support by calling 1800 022 222.
SafeWork and the NSW Environment Protection Authority were informed of the incident.
