Firefighters declare area safe after Hazmat concern - VIDEO - Woollahra
Published: 29 Aug 2023 12:40pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have declared safe the scene of a hazardous materials emergency this morning at Woollahra, in Sydney's inner east.
Around 9am, workers, carrying out renovations at an apartment in Oxford Street, discovered a plastic bag, marked 'uranium' in a wall cavity.
Concerned about possible radiation contamination, they called Triple Zero (000), sparking an immediate response from FRNSW, NSW Police and NSW Ambulance.
An exclusion zone was established, along with a decontamination area, as the four workers were tested for potential exposure.
Those tests returned a 'zero reading' for radiation.
The workers were monitored by paramedics throughout the incident but displayed no signs of illness.
FRNSW also liaised with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as Hazmat experts, wearing breathing apparatus and spill suits, carried out additional scientific tests at the scene.
Those tests have also found no traces of radiation and the scene was declared safe by FRNSW.
The occupant of the property has told authorities he sourced a rock from South Australia around 15-years ago and placed it in the wall cavity.
The EPA has taken possession of the material for further analysis and disposal.
Media note - FRNSW footage of the incident can be obtained here: https://vimeo.com/858841422/2a9ec566ce [external link]
Updated: 29 Aug 2023 12:55pm
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]
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