Fire crews attend leaking drum at Port Kembla
Published: 10th November 2011
At 11.52am today fire crews were called to reports of a drum leaking an unknown substance in a large pile of industrial waste at a recycling area in Springhill Road at Port Kembla.
Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews in protection suits are working their way through a large area of industrial waste to locate and contain the spill. The area of affected waste is only approximately 2 x 3 metres, but difficult to reach due to the size of the industrial waste pile. Front end loaders and bobcats are being used to assist fire crews.
Due to high temperatures and the need for firefighters to wear protective clothing, FRNSW has responded four fire crews from surrounding stations together with Hazmat crews who are being rotated regularly to avoid heat stress.
Just after midday, one employee working at the site was assessed by paramedics but was allowed to continue working after treatment.
There have been no evacuations necessary and there is no risk to the community at this stage.