Chemicals tested for toxicity after spill at Mosman

Four people were taken to hospital and a 200 metre exclusion zone was set up after a garbage truck was involved in a chemical spill at Mosman.

A garbage truck driver was overcome by fumes coming from the back of his truck while driving down Sirius Cove Rd in Mosman. Police, fire and ambulance personnel attended the scene, closing down the street while they found the source of the incident. Picture: Toby Zerna

CHEMICALS from a garbage truck spill are still being tested for toxicity, while the remaining materials have been returned to a Mosman property.

Four people were taken to hospital earlier today after Sirius Cove Road was sealed off by emergency crews.

Two garbage workers were collecting rubbish as part of a council clean-up when they picked up bags filled with bottles containing chemicals.

Fire and Rescue NSW believe the containers broke inside the truck and the chemicals mixed together giving off a noxious smell.

Four people were hospitalised following the chemical spill. Picture: Toby Zerna

Hazmat crews arrive on the scene. Picture: Toby Zerna

Eight fire crews, including a Hazmat unit, and five ambulance vehicles rushed to the area and a 200-metre exclusion zone was set up.

The garbage truck was later escorted to the Belrose tip by fire crews where investigations are ongoing. Readings have shown nothing of concern.

Mosman Council said Hazmat workers secured the chemicals that were not loaded into the truck and returned them to the private residence in drums for their disposal.

A hazmat worker decontiminates after the incident. Picture: Toby Zerna

A number of emergency services workers were involced in the clean up. Picture: Toby Zerna.

The council will be pursuing the matter further and the householder from Ruby St may face both fines and recoupment of costs.

“The chemicals have been secured in drums and left on the property. They are responsible,” said Craig Covich, Director of Environment and Planning at Mosman Council.

“We remind residents that council doesn’t dispose of chemicals.”

The garbage truck contractor initially contacted council about the problem. Two council staff went to the scene and found bottles with chemical descriptions on them in the waste and made the decision to call Hazmat.

“We took all precautions,” added Mr Covich.

Ambulance treated two people for mild eye irritation. The other two patients didn’t present with any injuries but were taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for further assessment.

The garbage truck driver was one of two people decontaminated at the scene.

It is believed all four have since been discharged.

During the lockdown residents were asked to stay indoors but there were no evacuations. The exclusion zone was lifted at about 2pm.

Sirius Cove Rd leads down to a beach and reserve.

A ute leaves the scene of the chemical spill. Picture: Toby Zerna