Firefighters were called yesterday to a major chemical leak in Cambridge’s Department of Chemistry.

Around 1kg of phosphorus pentachloride was spilt in the leak, which then reacted with the air to give off hydrogen chloride gas.

Fire crews evacuated the fourth floor of the department, and established a decontamination area in the affected laboratory before clearing the spill and making the area safe.

No one was injured in the incident.

Paul Clarke, station and incident commander, described the leak as a “particularly challenging incident” as it occurred on the fourth floor of a laboratory, and because the spillage was of “a particularly hazardous substance.”

“[S]afety was of prime importance. The tactical plan was agreed with the on-site specialists whose help was invaluable,” he added.

A spokesperson for the University praised its “stringent safety protocols and the swift action of our staff and the fire service,” saying: “we were able to contain the incident very quickly.”

“Staff acted so that nobody was put at risk or injured during the incident.”