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File photo of a robotic device used by the Defence Forces bomb disposal teams. Brian O'Leary/Photocall Ireland
Bomb Squad
Bomb squad called to deal with unsafe chemical at Dublin school
A chemical found in the school lab – Dinitrophenylhydrazine, or ‘Brady’s re-agent’ – can become unstable over time.
AN ARMY bomb disposal unit was called to a school in north Dublin earlier today to deal with an unstable chemical.
The chemical – dinitrophenylhydrazine, or ‘Brady’s re-agent’ – was discovered during an audit of the school laboratory at Loreto College in Balbriggan.
The chemical is a relatively common agent in laboratories, but can become unstable over time.
It is also relatively sensitive to shock and friction, and can detonate if subjected to shock.
The substance is usually supplied in solid format, but supplied wet to reduce the risk of explosion.
A Defence Forces disposal unit was called to the school at 6:20pm and removed the chemical to a safe location where a controlled explosion was carried out.
The scene was declared safe at 6:40pm.
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