KNYSNA NEWS - Customers were met by closed doors at both entrances to Checkers Knysna, Knysna Village Square, Rawson Street, on Wednesday 26 August after a hazardous chemical incident prompted the evacuation of the affected area.
The store remained closed from 10:00 until 15:30. Staff members who were exposed to the hazardous chemical were taken to a nearby hospital for medical assessment and were all cleared and declared safe.
Knysna Municipality’s fire services were called out to the scene after some chlorine and pool acid had been accidentally mixed, releasing toxic chlorine gas and causing an ignition.
The firefighters established an exclusion zone and isolated the chemicals to prevent further exposure. Atmospheric monitoring and ventilation were conducted before the conditions were considered safe for re-entry.
The Garden Route District Municipality’s fire services provided specialist assistance with the containment, safe removal and disposal of the remaining chemicals and contaminated materials.
The hazardous material was safely removed and disposed of appropriately. The store has since reopened and normal operations have resumed.
Hazmat-related incidents can be reported to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.
The hazardous chemicals involved in the incident after some chlorine and pool acid were accidentally mixed, causing an ignition and the temporary closure of the store and affected area. Photo source: GRDM/Facebook
The affected area inside the store was evacuated, and atmospheric monitoring and ventilation were conducted before re-entry was permitted and the area was declared safe. Photo source: GRDM/Facebook
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