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WorkSafe has opened an investigation and a non-disturbance notice issued after seven children and staff at an early childhood centre suffered chemical burns playing on a waterslide.
Five preschool-aged children and two staff at Kindercare Woolston were taken to hospital after suffering chemical burns from a hazardous substance thatwas poured on the slide.
The daycare centre expressed its “deep regret” over the incident.
A spokesperson for the centre said the initial indication is that children were potentially exposed to a chemical detergent normally used for the centre’s kitchen steriliser unit.
They said it appeared it was mistakenly believed to be dishwashing liquid and poured onto a slide with water for the children’s “slip ‘n’ slide” activity.
More than a dozen emergency vehicles responded to the episode. Photo / Rosie Leishman
WorkSafe said it is in the early stages of its investigation.
“A non-disturbance notice has been issued and applies to the equipment that was being used at the time of the incident, including any chemical products.
“We’re in contact with Kindercare and will be visiting the centre to gather evidence and understand the circumstances.”
Kindercare Woolston is understood to be open on Monday.
They declined to comment when approached by the Herald.
On Friday, a spokesperson for Kindercare told the Herald that they were “shocked that this incident occurred” and that “children entrusted to our care were harmed”.
“Our first priority now is to ensure the children receive the medical attention they need. We are supporting our families to keep them informed.
“We express our deep regret and acknowledge just how distressing this is to parents and families. Kindercare will also be ensuring our team members in hospital are receiving support and care.”
At a news conference on Friday afternoon, Fire and Emergency senior officer John Heriot said detergent had been misidentified and a “corrosive product” ended up being used on a slip-and-slide.
“This caused some irritation to the children’s skin and some light blistering, so we’ve just responded with our specialist Hazmat response along with our partner agency St John to resolve the issue.”
Hato Hone St John operations manager Chris Harrison said 40 patients were assessed. One of those injured was a teacher.
“These are chemical burns, and so they were able to be decontaminated here, and then we’ve been able to transport them through to Christchurch City Hospital.
“Two were injured but were only minor, so they’ve been left with advice to, if they need assistance later on, what they can do, and then the others have all gone home with their parents.”
