Hazmat team called in to deal with chemical spill
Drager CPS 5900
A chemical spill at a Cornwall industrial estate saw specialists in hazmat suits assist firefighters in decontaminating a number of people.
Specialists in hazmat suits were called in to help firefighters deal with a chemical spill in Cornwall recently.
Experts were called to Kensey Foods in Pennygillam Industrial Estate last week (August 29th) after a spillage of paraesthetic vinegar-based organic acid, the Western Morning News reported.
The main component of vinegar is acetic acid which in its concentrated form, can be corrosive and attacks the skin.
A total of 12 people required treatment, with injuries varying from chemical burns to breathing difficulties.
Hazmat experts wearing special gas-tight suits decontaminated three people before they were treated.
There are a range of chemical protective suits available on the Frontline Safety website including the Drager CPS 5900 which can protect against chemicals such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride and also toluene.
It is believed that the incident occurred when an unknown chemical came into contact with the acid, causing it to boil over and spill.
Incident commander Richard Gibbons told the news provider that the hazmat team's attendance was an appropriate response.
"Four employees have been affected by this incident. The crews went about decontaminating them before they received medical attention," he revealed.
"We then entered the clear-up phase of the operation. In order to do that, we received advice from the chemical manufacturer, who told us to wash it down and stop the run-off."
A waste disposal firm was then called in to complete the clean-up operation.
In other news, the Belfast Telegraph has reported that defence minister Alan Shatter has claimed that Irish peacekeeping forces being sent to the Golan Heights are unlikely to be targeted by chemical weapons that would require hazmat equipment.
Posted by Shona Innes
