Hazmat Team Contains Chemical Spill In Alor Gajah

ALOR GAJAH, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) successfully contained a chemical spill in a pump room at a resort here today.

Melaka JBPM Zone 2 chief Assistant Fire Superintendent Zulkhairani Ramli said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 3.29 pm before a team from the Alor Gajah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was dispatched to the location.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the Hazmat and CBRNe teams found that a chemical spill had occurred while the substance was being poured into the filtration system for swimming pool treatment purposes.

“Inspections found liquid and powdered chemical substances spilled on the floor and inside a bucket, while gas readings detected chlorine gas at three parts per million (ppm),” he said in a statement today.

He said the chemical involved was identified as 90 per cent Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA) in powder form, which is used for swimming pool cleaning purposes.

He said Hazmat experts also reported several small explosions following the reaction of the substance with large amounts of water due to the spill.

“The fire and rescue team then transferred the chemical into a safer container before carrying out absorption work using absorbent pads and dilution of the remaining chemical residue to ensure no further gas was released.

“Subsequent tests found chlorine gas readings had returned to zero ppm and the situation was confirmed safe,” he said.

He said the operation involved eight personnel and utilised a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT), a decontamination (DECON) unit and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).

“All rescue personnel also underwent decontamination procedures in the safe zone as a precautionary measure, and the incident did not involve any injuries or other damage,” he said.

-- BERNAMA