A DAVID Lloyd gym was evacuated as firefighters were called to reports of a chemical spill.

Staff and gym members were forced to leave the health club following a "chemical reaction" in the plant room.

Firefighters with breathing apparatus attended the incident on Romany Road in Worthing.

Pictures show people in gym kit and swim wear standing outside, with some draped in emergency blankets to stay warm.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue service confirmed there was a "small chemical reaction" in the plant room.

The Argus: Gym members had to be evacuated.Gym members had to be evacuated.

A spokeswoman said: “We were called to reports of a chemical spill at David Lloyd, Worthing at 12:33pm.

“Fire engines from Worthing and Shoreham attended, along with a breathing apparatus support unit.

“Staff at the gym had already evacuated the building, and on arrival firefighters used breathing apparatus and gas monitors to investigate the premise.

“Upon investigation crews found that there had been a small chemical reaction in the plant room.

"They were able to make the scene safe and the incident was then handed over to the site manager.

“Crews left the scene at 1.49pm.”

On Saturday a spokeswoman for David Lloyd said: "The health and safety of our members and team is our number one priority.  

"At lunchtime yesterday (Friday 15 October) our Club in Worthing was closed for an hour as a precautionary measure after a team member had a concern with the appearance of one of the tanks in the plant room.

"The fire brigade performed checks on the tank and confirmed there was no chemical leak or spill of any type and that the Club was safe to reopen.

"We’d like to apologise to our members for the inconvenience caused and thank them for their patience."

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