Emergency services were called to The Freight Specialist on Schiller Street just after 2pm, NSW Fire and Rescue Murray area duty commander Inspector Jeremy Stubbs said. 

“It was identified that a 1000-litre container holding toxic herbicide was damaged,” Inspector Stubbs said. 

“Quick thinking by employees of the transport company moved this to a bunded area where the spill was contained.”

The Daily Advertiser understands the chemical was gramoxone – a highly toxic agricultural spray which can kill green plant tissue on contact. 

It is toxic to humans and animals. 

A forklift driver was attempting to pick up the container of the chemical, but the forklift’s arms punctured the drum. 

Twelve firefighters wearing chemically resistant suits and breathing apparatus and using an air operated pump spent three hours decanting the substance into another container and mopping up the remaining substance on the ground. 

Crews remained on site until about 7pm. 

Due to the toxicity of the chemical businesses along Schiller Street were evacuated and road blocks were put in place by police. 

A number of paramedics were also placed on standby. 

Staff of the affected businesses were happy to comply with evacuation notices, but they were expecting to feel the pinch today, after losing an afternoon of business. 

Geoff Crouch, of Ron Crouch Transport, said his staff were concerned about catching up on their work but the safety of everyone was paramount. 

Work Cover is expected to attend the site to investigate the incident today.