A spokesperson for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) said the following:
“At approximately 7:00am this morning, two ANSTO staff reported that a chemical solution had spilt on them. The incident occurred in a building not related to the reactor,” the spokesperson said.
“As is the established process, police and emergency services were informed and responded, and the two staff were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
“ANSTO is conducting an investigation. Initial indications are that the incident involved a small amount of sodium cyanide, and was caused when a container holding the chemical split.
“ANSTO undertakes a range of minerals analysis and study in partnership with the minerals industry. Sodium cyanide is part of the process of extracting gold from minerals.
“The chemical splashed on the legs of two male staff who were working in the building at the time, and a decontamination process was undertaken.
“ANSTO is in the process of informing the relevant stakeholders.”
