AN EXERCISE to help fire crews respond to chemical leaks has been carried out at a Tiptree school.

‘Exercise Blue Lagoon’ was held at Tiptree Heath School, in Maldon Road, to allow firefighters to test gas tight suits.

Firefighters from Tiptree, Braintree, Maldon, and Brightlingsea fire stations took part in the exercise.

The exercise involved setting up a decontamination zone at the site following a chlorine leak in the school’s swimming pool.

Danny Partridge, Assistant Divisional Officer at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The exercise tested our initial response to a complex incident and allowed crews to put into practice a special tactical plan to deal with a chemical leak at a school.

“The simulation was a success, allowing our crews to train with our Hazmat unit and gas tight suits.

“I would like to thank all our firefighters for showing so much enthusiasm and dedication during this exercise and Sub Officer Malcolm Over, who organised such a superb scenario.

“I would also like to thank the pupils and teachers of Tiptree Heath School who volunteered to be mock casualties throughout the exercise.”