Battery explosion at the ANU

ACT Fire & Rescue on scene at the Cockcroft / John Carver Building at the Australian National University, Acton after a lead acid battery explosion.

No fire, however smoke and fumes from the battery explosion activated an Automatic Fire Alarm at 10.36am.

The battery was a uninterrupted power supply battery system, which was stored in the workplace, designed to provide backup power in the event of power supply failure.

Three people evacuated from the immediate area as a precaution.

One fire pumper, the Breathing Apparatus Van and the Hazardous Materials Unit are completing air monitoring and ventilation operations and will allow the three persons to return to area shortly.

No injuries reported.