A section of the St. Boniface Hospital was evacuated after staff noticed leaks in a container of formaldehyde, said the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

The WRHA said patients "are not at risk."

Emergency crews were called and the receiving area evacuated around 2:45 p.m. Wednesday. The area is located at the rear west side of the property. 

Surrounding air vents to the hospital and nearby buildings were also blocked off, said the WRHA. 

Officials said Wednesday afternoon patients and families can still walk up to the MRI, McEwen and Asper buildings, or can use internal tunnels.

All non-essential foot and vehicle traffic, however, is blocked, said the WRHA.

For vehicles, only ambulances are being allowed through.

Around 5 p.m. Wednesday, the WRHA said the hazardous materials team remained on site and was expected to take another two hours to finish up their work at the scene.