Logistics News

Toll facility back to business after spill

Melbourne chemical leak that drew two dozen firefighters resolved

 

Toll Global Logistics’ operations at its Laverton North facility have returned to normal after a chemical spill from a delivered drum caused a major Melbourne emergency services operation.

In what was a test for its warehouse safety strategy, Toll staff called Metropolitan Fire Brigade firefighters to the Fitzgerald Road site yesterday in what the company says was a minor spill of hydrofluoric acid   

More than 25 firefighters in breathing apparatus and fully encapsulated chemical suits worked to clean up the substance.

The incident was covered extensively in mainstream media due to public sensitivity over Melbourne’s struggles with chronic chemical waste storage issues not linked to Toll.

The site was deemed safe at 4:40pm and control handed back. 


Read how Toll’s is aiming at carbon neutrality at its Alton North facility, here


“The safety of our people, the community, and the safe handling of the goods we transport, is of paramount importance to Toll,” a company spokesperson says. 

“Our Laverton North Global Logistics site is classed as a ‘major hazard facility’, licenced to safely handle hazardous goods. 

“On Wednesday afternoon, staff at the site found that there had been a small leak in one of the containers they received.

“Toll’s standard emergency response procedures were immediately activated and we notified the relevant authorities who attended the scene.

“As per standard procedure, the area was isolated and staff were evacuated from the site. 

“While there were no injuries, two staff members were taken to hospital for observation as a standard precaution and they were discharged later that evening. 

 “Normal operations at the site have resumed.”

Due to the nature of the chemical, MFB firefighters were monitored at the site by paramedics. Five firefighters were assessed at the scene and transported to hospital for observation.

MFB says they were released a short time later.  

WorkSafe Victoria tells ATN it is aware of and looking into the incident.

 

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