suspicious chemical spill in a shop in Ellen Street on Wednesday.

After the owner of Edwards Jewellers noticed the spill at the rear of the shop from a container left by the previous owner, the Metropolitan Fire Service was called as a precaution.

It was found to be diluted sulphuric acid and the owner said that this chemical was not used for cleaning jewellery.

Sulphuric acid is a hazardous chemical and if contact is made with skin, burns are potentially very

serious.

After the clean-up of the spill, for the safety of the public and his colleagues, high-pressure hoses washed down fire-fighter Helm.

– Val Rafanelli

SAFETY FIRST...Fire-fighter Nigel Helm wears a protective suit during the incident at a city shop when acid was found. He was hosed down by other personnel after entering the premises.