Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) specialist crews have rendered safe the scene of a hazardous materials incident now at Arncliffe in Sydney's south. FRNSW HAZMAT operators were called in to assist the Australian Border Force (ABF) during an operation in Kelsey Street around 8 am.
The specialist crews located low-level radioactive isotopes, commonly used in several industries, at the location. The material was found in suitable and effective containers, with no release of radiation.
Evidence of exposure
Other residents nearby, evacuated as a precaution, have since safely returned to their homes
FRNSW established a 10-meter exclusion zone around the property as firefighters, in protective clothing, used special detectors to inspect the site.
They were able to further seal the material without incident. Three occupants of the address were taken to hospital, purely for observation.
There was no evidence of exposure. Other residents nearby, evacuated as a precaution, have since safely returned to their homes.
Radiation tests of residents
FRNSW alerted the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (ANSTO), which sent Radiation and Scientific Support teams to the address to assist.
EPA testing confirmed there was no evidence of exposure. Radiation tests of residents and ABF staff returned regular readings and FRNSW has declared the scene safe.
