Statement regarding siren at Shell Geelong Refinery

The leak was isolated within minutes by refinery employees.

Two contractor employees were exposed to some of the liquid. Both attended the site’s health centre for assessment and observation by the refinery health team and Ambulance Victoria. They were not taken to hospital.

Shell’s emergency team responded initially to the incident. Emergency services were also notified as per Shell’s procedures. Eight CFA fire-fighting appliances responded from Belmont, Geelong City, Corio, Geelong West and Lara. The police and ambulance services also attended.

External patrols were conducted for gas monitoring. No off-site odours were detected.

The all clear siren sounded at 9.03am.

Shell’s number one priority is the safety of its employees, contractors and the community. Although the leak was minor, the refinery’s major siren was sounded as a precautionary measure to evacuate employees out of the immediate area.

The cause of the leak is still under investigation.

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For further information, please contact Paul Zennaro on 0417 007 344