This follow-up provides additional information for the acid spill that occurred Monday, June 23, 2014 in the hallway near Oelman Hall's Lab Stores.
A 2.5-liter bottle of glacial acetic acid was spilled during transport. Fortunately, no one was injured. The first responders who initially had minor symptoms from exposure were medically evaluated and released. Unfortunately, the resulting acetic acid vapors permeated Oelman Hall and the surrounding buildings via the tunnels. This release required many of the campus buildings to be evacuated as a precaution.
The spilled acetic acid was completely cleaned up. No additional concerns of contamination associated with this spill exist in any areas of the affected buildings.
As a result of the incident, campus chemical delivery, spill response, and evacuation procedures are currently being evaluated.
In the meantime, supervisors, faculty, principle investigators, and staff who work with chemicals should evaluate their own procedures. Also remember to always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and to use carts and sturdy containers when moving chemicals.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Environmental Health and Safety at 775-2215.
Thank you and have a safe day.
Director, Environmental Health and Safety
