The ability to identify potentially hazardous chemicals has been revolutionised by a new piece of equipment owned by the Isle of Man Fire Service.

The Ahura First Defender, a hand-held device which can recognise substances in minutes, was put to the test yesterday afternoon when a barrel was washed up in Port St Mary harbour.

The container appeared to be leaking a green liquid, and the area was cordoned off in the interests of safety.

In the past identification would have required a sample being sent to a lab, taking considerable time and causing a lot of disruption.

However, yesterday the Ahura detected the substance in question was anti-freeze, and the whole matter was resolved in under two hours.

Assistant divisional officer John Murtagh says the device has proved its worth beyond any doubt (audio file attached):

(Picture: Stock picture of an Ahura First Defender in use).