Worker 'splashed with medical waste' in Dunedin explosion

Firefighters had to decontaminate a worker injured and splashed with medical waste in a gas explosion in Dunedin's industrial area this morning.

The worker was washed down with fire hoses outside the Dunedin branch of Interwaste which handles waste for healthcare facilities and "biosecurity risks". 

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said they received a report of a boiler exploding and a gas leak at the company's Ward St premises.

He confirmed one person had been decontaminated after getting ‘‘debris’’ on them, believed to be medical waste.

A witness said a worker was stripped and washed down by firefighters. 

Fenz district commander Craig Gold said firefighters responding to the explosion isolated the gas supply and are checked for residual pockets of gas.

Cordons were initially put in place as a precautionary measure.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they were notified of a chemical incident in Ward Street at 8.38am.

One ambulance, a rapid response unit and an operations manager attended.

One patient, in minor condition, was being transported to Dunedin Hospital, the spokesperson said.

Interwaste handles waste for healthcare facilities and "biosecurity risks".

A hazardous chemical notice is posted on the fence outside the building.

The company has been contacted for comment.

tim.scott@odt.co.nz