A Correctional Officer has been injured and flown to Adelaide for additional treatment following a workplace incident at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre yesterday.

The officer was on duty at the time and was wearing a vest that held equipment including a CS gas canister.

Initial reports indicate that the canister apparently self-ignited without warning and the officer suffered burns to his chest and hand as well as respiratory issues.

Colleagues and the Correctional Centre’s medical team immediately came to his aid and he was transferred to Alice Springs Hospital.

The incident was reported to NT WorkSafe and an investigation is underway.

In the meantime Correctional Services Commissioner Scott McNairn has ordered all similar gas canisters to be withdrawn from use at the Darwin and Alice Springs facilities pending the outcome of the investigation.

ENDS

Media contact: Christine Bond M: 0447 767 101