Barwon Prison Olearia Wing set to reopen, cleared of gas leak
A notorious wing of Barwon Prison is finally set to reopen after an independent report declared it safe in the wake of what was feared to be a gas leak.
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A notorious wing of Barwon Prison is set to reopen after an independent report declared it safe from noxious gases in the wake of health issues and an evacuation.
High-risk inmates from the prison’s Olearia Ward were moved earlier this year to the recently completed Western Plains Correctional Facility following a suspected carbon monoxide leak.
However, according to the Department of Justice and Community Safety, the independent report found airborne concentrations of carbon dioxide were within normal environmental limits and that levels of carbon monoxide, methane, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide and hydrogen sulphide were negligible.
“Following an extensive independent investigation, a gas leak has been ruled out as the cause of incidents affecting some staff at Barwon Prison.
“The report has advised that the Olearia Unit is safe to reopen.
“As part of the report recommendations, Corrections Victoria will provide air-monitoring systems for the unit so staff can be reassured that the environment is safe.
“Corrections Victoria will consult with WorkSafe Victoria, the local health and safety representatives and the CPSU prior to staff and prisoners returning to the unit.”
There is currently no timeline as to when the prisoners will return to Olearia Ward.
It’s understood the report found the likely cause of the odour on March 29 was an electrical fault from a piece of equipment in the control room.
The Geelong Advertiser revealed in May two prison guards were pursuing compensation weeks after the incident which forced the high-security prison to evacuate.
A spokesman from the Community and Public Sector Union said at the time “a number of our members were impacted by the leak in early April, and we are pursuing their rights through WorkCover”.
Asked about the condition of impacted officers, the spokesman said “we have a couple who are very sick, and have not been back to work since.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning can take some time to show its impacts on affected individuals, so we are urging all members working at the facility to remain vigilant and present to a medical professional immediately if they feel ill,” he added.
At least 25 prisoners were moved following the incidents.
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