News Flash

31 Flinders Street was evacuated today at about 12:45pm, after a pipe burst during routine cleaning of the air conditioning system, which resulted in diluted hydrochloric acid being released into the building.

Several employees required some medical assistance at the scene and the PSA understands three employees were transferred to hospital as a precaution.

By 2.15pm the building was declared safe and staff were allowed back into the building.

The PSA attending a meeting at this time with the building owners (DTEI), DECS Management DECS OH & S Representatives, representatives from Spotless and Worksafe Inspectors.

This meeting reviewed the evacuation of the building and discussed the processes followed to minimise risks to staff and ensuring that appropriate action was taken to treat staff affected by the substance.

The PSA sought to ensure that firstly the building was completely safe and there was no further risk to members. The meeting did provide the opportunity for further discussion regarding evacuation plans and responses to critical incidents.

The following points reflect the outcomes of the meeting:

• DECS will provide an update to staff, with details of the incident
• There will be a thorough Review of the evacuation process
• The PSA will be provided with a report regarding affected staff
• DECS will contact Department of Health to seek medical advice regarding the substance that was released.
• DECS will meet with PSA early next week and will provide a further report of the incident.
• Staff who went home at the time of the evacuation will not be docked pay or time.

26 August 2011