Neighbour demands action at Christchurch worksite where poison nearly claimed staffer's life

The neighbour of a worksite where a man was critically injured after being exposed to highly toxic chemicals is concerned the building is still dangerous.

Pest Control Research has already pleaded guilty to charges relating to one of their workers being poisoned at its Christchurch site.

But the neighbour is worried the workplace is a ticking time bomb.

"We've now heard that ingredients for 1080 were in the building," Cavel Cropp tells Newshub.

Court documents show the site contained 400 litres of Ethyl Fluoroacetate, an ingredient in 1080.

"Ethyl Fluoroacetate is incredibly toxic - and about 1.3g is what it could take to kill people," toxicology expert and Canterbury University Professor Ian Shaw says.

That's about half a teaspoon. 

Professor Ian Shaw says if even a slight amount is spilt on the floor or people are exposed to it, they will die.

"I mean clearly to me, when there was a problem that material should be moved from the place and put into somewhere safe," he says.

But neighbour Cavel Cropp is struggling to get information on what's been done with the building and its contents since the toxic exposure. 

The site is near a public swimming pool.

"Everyone is totally oblivious to the danger of the building," she says.

Newshub approached Pest Control Research, and a short statement was released saying the company is "attending to the clean-up" - but it won't give any details about that process, for what it says are security reasons. 

It says "there will be no risk to public safety" during the clean-up procedure.

WorkSafe says the clean-up is the company's responsibility, not theirs, but it's happy with Pest Control Research's decontamination and health and safety plans.

However it also says it doesn't know which chemicals remain onsite.

Fire and Emergency have prohibited firefighters from entering the building, but Cavel Cropp still wants answers.

"Stop passing the buck and do something about the building."

And tell the neighbouring residents what's going on.