KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) was called into action following a mercury spill in the science lab of SMK Agama Tun Ahmad Zaidi Edrus here yesterday.
A Bomba spokesman said nine personnel from Petra Jaya fire station, led by Senior Fire Officer II Wan Umar, along with a Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) machinery and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle were dispatched to the school after receiving a distress call at 2.01pm.
Upon arrival at the school eight minutes later, the firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, began the cleaning-up process by sprinkling sulphur powder on the surface of the mercury. A tapestry tape was used to clean remnants of mercury on the floor before it was stored in closed containers.
The spokesman said the firefighters then washed the floor surface with bleach to ensure no traces of chemicals were left behind.
Meanwhile in Sibu, a team of seven personnel from Sibu fire station was called to clean up a mercury spill in the science laboratory of SMK Tung Hua around 11.00am yesterday.
Upon arrival at the school at 11.18am, the personnel led by Senior Fire Officer II Bakar Bujang immediately carried out the cleaning-up process in the laboratory. The operation ended at 11.50am.
