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Firefighters rushed to a high school in Sydney’s south on Wednesday afternoon after a chemical spill made almost 30 students and staff feel unwell.
Fire and Rescue New South Wales attended the Hurstville school on Vine Street, near Kenwyn Street, about midday after a chemical leaked in a science laboratory.
It is understood a 600ml bottle of benzyl chloride was in the process of being moved for disposal when it spilt, according to FRNSW.
A total of 20 students and eight teachers were left feeling unwell after the chemical leak.
“A number of people in the immediate vicinity felt irritation and smelt strong fumes as a result of the incident,” FRNSW said in a statement.
Five fire trucks and 18 firefighters, including hazardous materials specialists, were called to the scene.
“NSW Ambulance assessed and monitored 20 students and eight teachers as a precaution; however, none have been transported to hospital,” FRNSW confirmed.
“Other students at the school have been moved to a safe location and are being kept updated on the situation.”
Photos provided by FRNSW on Wednesday showed crews wearing hazmat suits working to decontaminate the classroom at the school.
The chemical spill has since been contained and specialist equipment has been used to conduct “atmospheric monitoring”.
FRNSW said the chemical which was spilt, benzyl chloride, is sometimes used to make dyes and pharmaceuticals.
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