Staff at the Customs House were forced to evacuate their office on Front Street yesterday after a chemical spill was reported at the building.

The incident occurred at 11 a.m. and staff gathered across the street on the grounds of the Cabinet Office as the Bermuda Fire Service cleaned up the spill.

A spokesman for the Fire Service said the chemical was reported as hydrofluoric acid but in the end it was not found to be the substance. ?It turned out to not be that serious but as a precautionary measure we put on the chemical suits,? he said.

The Customs House was re-opened at 11.35 a.m. and the Customs Long Room was fully operational and processing entries and releasing consignments. A Customs spokesperson thanked members of the public for their ?patience and understanding? and apologised for any inconvenience.