Potentially dangerous chemical spill contained

Photo / Tara Cordes

A potentially dangerous chemical incident in a south Auckland factory has been contained, the Fire Service says.

A bubbling drum of hydrogen peroxide sparked the evacuation of the Takanini School Rd business, believed to have been an apparel company, around 7.15am.

A number of other buildings in the area were also evacuated and the road and surrounding area closed off from the public.

Staff at the company called emergency services after the drum was spotted bubbling and fuming, shift commander Michael Upton said this morning.

Around 22 firefighters, including a hazardous materials team in chemical protection suits, were called to the scene to determine what the chemical was and make it safe.

Police and ambulance were also called in to help close roads and were on standby in case of any injuries.

However, the incident passed safely, Mr Upton said, with firefighters confirming the bubbling chemical was hydrogen peroxide, most commonly found in bleaching agents and disinfectants.

"The guys [on the scene] advised that they managed to neutralise and dilute the spill," Mr Upton said.

"So it's all tidied up and handed back to the business owner. I'm assuming they will have some commercial waste removal people come in and tidy it up."

WorkSafe NZ would also need to give the factory the all-clear, before work resumed, he believed.

No injuries were reported from the incident, which was over by 9am.