1500 evacuated over acid spill
About 1,500 people were evacuated from the Department of Education and Children's services on Flinders Street in the city today.
At about 12.30pm fire crews rushed to the high rise on the corner of Flinders Street and Gawler place, after 15 litres of hydrochloric acid was spilled on one of the top floors, during maintenance of the air-conditioning system.
11 workers were overcome by the fumes and suffered from breathing difficulties, and had to be helped by MFS crews to evacuate as the acid travelled through the building's air-conditioning system.
Paramedics treated those affected by the fumes at the scene. Two people had to be taken to hospital with problems breathing.
The building was closed and workers remained evacuated for several hours, while fire crews ventilated the building.
Metropolitan Fire Service Commander, Paul Fletcher praised the building's evacuation plan.
"Safety wardens ensured that their fellow staff remained calm and evacuated in an orderly manner," he said.
"This is a timely reminder to all businesses that well planned and practised evacuation procedures are vital to the health and safety of your staff."
