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From: DCHAS Membership Chair <membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines (17 articles)
Date: Fri, 16 Aug 2019 07:30:55 -0400
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Message-ID: C99B3A37-AE38-4DC7-8AFA-FFF4F00E6D72**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Friday, August 16, 2019 at 7:30:39 AM
A service of the ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety
Connecting Chemistry and Safety at http://www.dchas.org
All article summaries and tags are archived at http://pinboard.in/u:dchas
Table of Contents (17 articles)
7-ELEVEN SETTLES FOR $1.5M OVER HAZMAT HANDLING IN CALIFORNIA STORES
Tags: us_CA, public, discovery, environmental, carbon_dioxide
HAZMAT TEAM RESPONDS TO ACID LEAK INSIDE WOOLWICH TRASH TRUCK
Tags: us_ME, transportation, fire, response, hydrochloric_acid, waste
POSSIBLY DANGEROUS CANISTER BRINGS HAZMAT TEAM TO RESEARCH PARK AT U OF U
Tags: us_UT, laboratory, discovery, response, diethyl_ether
DOZENS OF WORKERS EVACUATED FOLLOWING RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS FUMES
Tags: us_CA, industrial, release, injury, other_chemical
LIMEBIKE WAREHOUSE IN BALLARD CATCHES FIRE ?? MY BALLARD
Tags: us_WA, industrial, fire, response, batteries
FIRE? CALL US, NOT POLICE, SAYS MIDC??FIRE BRIGADE IN NAVI MUMBAI
Tags: India, industrial, follow-up, environmental
CITY, AIRPORT GO AFTER CHEMICAL COMPANIES
Tags: us_SD, public, follow-up, environmental, other_chemical
TWO INJURED IN EXPLOSION, FIRE AT TITANIUM CASTING PLANT NEAR ALBANY
Tags: us_OR, industrial, explosion, injury, titanium
EAST CHICAGO EXPLOSION INJURES 3 AT CHEMICAL TANK CLEANING BUSINESS
Tags: us_IN, industrial, explosion, injury, unknown_chemical
POOL-CHEMICAL MIX PROMPTS HAZMAT RESPONSE AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE MIDLANDS
Tags: us_NE, public, release, response, pool_chemicals
FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CHEMICAL PLANT IN PUNE, NO CASUALTIES REPORTED
Tags: India, industrial, fire, response, solvent
NORTHERN KENTUCKY TOXIC CHEMICALS: WHERE ARE THE WORST? SORRY, THAT'S SECRET.
Tags: us_KY, public, discovery, environmental
DOL SEEKS DOCUMENTS RELATED TO DEADLY CHEMICAL PLANT EXPLOSION
Tags: us_IL, industrial, follow-up, death
CARCINOGENS EXCEED SAFE LEVELS AT ILLEGAL PRAIRIEVILLE DUMP; DEQ CLEANUP PLANNED
Tags: us_LA, public, discovery, response, solvent
IOWA AMMONIA LINK CONTIANED
Tags: us_ia, industrial, release, response, ammonia
MULCH FIRE CREATES BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPOSTING AND GREEN WASTE MANAGEMENT
Tags: australia, industrial, fire, response, compost
OTIS CAFE FIRE CAUSED BY ??SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION,?? INVESTIGATOR SAYS
Tags: us_or, fire, public, response, combustibles
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7-ELEVEN SETTLES FOR $1.5M OVER HAZMAT HANDLING IN CALIFORNIA STORES
https://www.thepress.net/news/eleven-settles-for-m-over-hazmat-handling-in-california-stores/article_00796150-bf7a-11e9-b8dc-8fd061917fa4.html
Tags: us_CA, public, discovery, environmental, carbon_dioxide
Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced a $1.525 million civil settlement with Texas-based 7-Eleven, Inc., to resolve allegations the company violated state laws requiring training of store personnel in hazardous-materials handling.
Becton joined the district attorneys of Alameda, Monterey, San Mateo, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Solano, Ventura and Yolo counties in prosecuting this case.
7-Eleven is an operator or franchisor of over 1,700 convenience stores in California. The stores use carbon dioxide for their carbonated fountain beverage systems. Carbon dioxide, typically stored in tanks onsite, is widely used by fast food and convenience stores and is safe if handled properly. If not, carbon dioxide can leak unnoticed, displacing oxygen from the air, resulting in serious health effects or even death. California businesses that use carbon dioxide are required by law to train employees on safe handling practices and how to detect leaks from tanks and supply lines, and must file certified, complete, and accurate reports with local authorities at least annually confirming such training.
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HAZMAT TEAM RESPONDS TO ACID LEAK INSIDE WOOLWICH TRASH TRUCK
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/hazmat-team-responds-to-acid-leak-inside-woolwich-trash-truck/97-341b518b-0a3a-4fc6-8046-d530e514c117
Tags: us_ME, transportation, fire, response, hydrochloric_acid, waste
WOOLWICH, Maine ?? Brunswick HazMat units and local firemen responded to a Woolwich trash truck that mistakenly compressed a gallon of muriatic acid on Wednesday morning.
The jug of acid was placed inside a trash bag at the end of a Woolwich driveway, which led the garbage collector to believe it was just that, trash.
After the muriatic acid was tossed in the truck and compressed, the container broke open, releasing the harmful chemicals to mix into surrounding waste. Smoke began to release from the truck, causing the trash man to feel sick and pull over.
Woolwich Fire and Rescue was called to the scene on Hockomock Road once the container was found inside. Dispatch also notified the Brunswick HazMat team while the fire unit made its way over. The muriatic acid was neutralized by the team, placed in a sealed barrel, and removed from the scene.
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POSSIBLY DANGEROUS CANISTER BRINGS HAZMAT TEAM TO RESEARCH PARK AT U OF U
https://kjzz.com/news/local/possibly-dangerous-canister-brings-hazmat-team-to-research-park-at-u-of-u
Tags: us_UT, laboratory, discovery, response, diethyl_ether
A potentially dangerous situation with a canister at Research Park at the University of Utah has prompted the call for a hazmat crew.
Salt Lake City Fire Department said it involves a canister of ether, commonly used at the research park. Chief Mellor said if the canister has expired and has crystallized outside of the canister it can be volatile.
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DOZENS OF WORKERS EVACUATED FOLLOWING RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS FUMES
https://sunnewsreport.com/dozens-of-workers-evacuated-following-release-of-hazardous-fumes/
Tags: us_CA, industrial, release, injury, other_chemical
Oxnard, CA ?? Emergency services were called to a finishing and manufacturing company after two unknown chemicals apparently mixed together and released fumes.
About 2 dozen workers at Alliance Finishing and Manufacturing were evacuated from the premises for possible chemical exposure, at 1721 Ives avenue, Oxnard, an industrial area west of Rose avenue.
The Ventura County Star reports that all those exposed refused transport to the hospital.
15 hazmat units were at the scene, and according to Battalion Chief, Sergio Martinez, the fumes were apparently created during an attempted transfer of ammonium chloride from a 55-gallon drum to another container. The second container was apparently not clean.
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LIMEBIKE WAREHOUSE IN BALLARD CATCHES FIRE ?? MY BALLARD
https://www.myballard.com/2019/08/15/limebike-warehouse-in-ballard-catches-fire/
Tags: us_WA, industrial, fire, response, batteries
Update 11am: David Cuerpo from Seattle Fire says the fire started when one of the LimeBike battery packs ignited and caused other packs to catch fire. The sprinkler system activated and contained the fire within the room.
The Vault Response Team was activated when the crews found high voltage signage; water from sprinklers mixed with battery acid can conduct electricity and pose a risk to firefighters.
Cuerpo says they requested Seattle City Light to de-energize the building while crews shut off the sprinkler system, allowing the vault team to use dry chemical extinguishers onto the fire.
When the fire was put out, the batteries were removed to a safe outdoor area in case they reignited.
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FIRE? CALL US, NOT POLICE, SAYS MIDC??FIRE BRIGADE IN NAVI MUMBAI
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/fire-call-us-not-police-says-midc-fire-brigade-in-navi-mumbai/story-5zmzRcZt5PSQDlTIGJvHiL.html
Tags: India, industrial, follow-up, environmental
The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation at Taloja has witnessed many fire incidents in the past few years, but information has not always reached the fire brigade on time.
In order to create awareness about fire safety, officials from the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) fire unit recently held a training programme for the staff members at Taloja chemical hub.
Officials said they hoped the session, in which more than 300 people took part, would reduce the response time and help them reach the site on time.
During the session, companies in the MIDC area were also asked to display the contact number of the fire brigade and various other bodies prominently at their offices.
The manufacturing units have also been asked to display the type of chemical used in the industry, so that it is easy for fire officials to decide how to douse the fire.
A fire official said most of the calls about fires are re-routed through the police station. ??Had those calls reached directly to us, we would have reached much earlier and damage could have been less,?? the official said.
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CITY, AIRPORT GO AFTER CHEMICAL COMPANIES
https://kelo.com/news/articles/2019/aug/15/city-airport-go-after-chemical-companies/928022/
Tags: us_SD, public, follow-up, environmental, other_chemical
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- The City of Sioux Falls and the Regional Airport Authority have both filed lawsuits against DuPont, 3M, and other chemical companies.
Airport Authority Attorney Steve Johnson says fire fighting foam once used and stored at the airport was toxic and contaminated some water wells. Remediation will cost millions.
"To have these wells cleaned up, the contamination removed, and restore the soil and the wells."
Johnson says the suit contends that the chemical makers knew components of the foam were potential health risks.
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TWO INJURED IN EXPLOSION, FIRE AT TITANIUM CASTING PLANT NEAR ALBANY
https://kcby.com/news/local/two-injured-in-explosion-fire-at-titanium-casting-plant-near-albany
Tags: us_OR, industrial, explosion, injury, titanium
ALBANY, Ore. - Two employees of a titanium casting manufacturer were injured in an explosion and fire at the plant Thursday morning.
One of the injured is listed in critical condition at a Portland hospital.
Tangent Rural Fire District and Albany Fire Department responded just before 8 a.m. to Selmet Inc at 33992 Seven Mile Lane.
"The 911 caller reported an explosion in the Foundry Building and subsequent fire," fire officials said in a statement. "Over 30 fire crew members responded and were able to extinguish the fire and determine there was no chemical hazard to the employees or the public."
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EAST CHICAGO EXPLOSION INJURES 3 AT CHEMICAL TANK CLEANING BUSINESS
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2019/08/14/east-chicago-explosion-injures-3-chemical-tank-cleaning-business/2008139001/
Tags: us_IN, industrial, explosion, injury, unknown_chemical
EAST CHICAGO, Ind. ?? An official says an explosion at a chemical-tank-cleaning business in northwestern Indiana injured three workers.
The blast occurred about 7:20 a.m. Wednesday at T.A.C. East Inc. in an industrial area of East Chicago. City Fire Chief Anthony Serna tells The (Northwest Indiana) Times that three employees suffered first-, second- and third-degree burns to their arms and legs and were hospitalized in stable condition.
Serna says the explosion occurred in the garage portion of the business, with fire spreading to its office area.
Television helicopter video shows the roof collapsed on part of the two-story building and some large overhead doors blown out from the blast.
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POOL-CHEMICAL MIX PROMPTS HAZMAT RESPONSE AT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE MIDLANDS
https://www.wowt.com/content/news/Hazmat-responds-to-Boys-and-Girls-Club-of-the-Midlands-542282481.html
Tags: us_NE, public, release, response, pool_chemicals
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -- A mixture of two pool chemicals caused a "serious reaction" affecting the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands, Omaha Fire said Wednesday.
Omaha Fire's hazmat team was at the Boys and Girls Club of Omaha on Wednesday morning, Aug. 14, 2019. (Roger Hamer / WOWT)
No injuries were reported, according to Assistant Omaha Fire Chief Kathy Bossman.
Omaha Fire's hazmat team put up caution tape around an intersection near the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands-South Omaha at 22nd and P streets, sealing off the area Wednesday morning.
The effects of the reaction have been contained in the Boys & Girls Club building, which has been shut down while the hazmat team monitors air quality, Bossman said. She said the club would remain closed today and could be closed tomorrow as well.
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FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CHEMICAL PLANT IN PUNE, NO CASUALTIES REPORTED
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/fire-chemical-plant-pune-no-casualties-reported-1580989-2019-08-15
Tags: India, industrial, fire, response, solvent
fire broke out at a chemical plant in Kurkumbh MIDC area of Pune district's Daund tehsil on Wednesday night, a police official said.
The fire broke out at the plant Alkyl Amines around 10.15 pm.
"Fire tenders rushed to the spot and doused the blaze around 12 midnight. No casualty has been reported yet," a senior police official said.
"The fire broke out at an area of the plant where the solvents were stored. As a precautionary measure, the other material stored at the company has been separated," the police officer said.
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NORTHERN KENTUCKY TOXIC CHEMICALS: WHERE ARE THE WORST? SORRY, THAT'S SECRET.
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/northern-ky/2019/08/14/chemicals-emergency-response-plan-leak-northern-kentucky/1954838001/
Tags: us_KY, public, discovery, environmental
There are hundreds of companies in Northern Kentucky that hold toxic chemicals.
But there are 23 that emergency workers think pose a "greater vulnerability," than the rest if the toxic chemicals leaked.
Where are they? Good question.
State law won't let The Enquirer know, or tell you, which companies pose the most risk. Or where they are, or what schools, housing developments and highways they might be near.
Kentucky open records laws prevents that information from disclosure when there??s a chance it could threaten public safety and hinder ??protecting against, mitigating, or responding to a terrorist act.?? That exemption was added in 2005.
The list of companies, however, are all on a special list watched by emergency workers.
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DOL SEEKS DOCUMENTS RELATED TO DEADLY CHEMICAL PLANT EXPLOSION
https://news.bloombergenvironment.com/safety/dol-seeks-documents-related-to-deadly-chemical-plant-explosion
Tags: us_IL, industrial, follow-up, death
The Labor Department wants a federal court to force a silicone manufacturer to produce documents and other evidence related to a May explosion that killed four workers.
The explosion at AB Specialty Silicones LLC, an Illinois specialty chemicals plant, killed four workers and prompted investigations by various federal agencies, including the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
??To date, AB has failed to produce any further responsive documents, a certificate of compliance, or a privilege log in response to the May 30, 2019 subpoena,?? the DOL??s Aug. 13 petition filed in U.S....
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CARCINOGENS EXCEED SAFE LEVELS AT ILLEGAL PRAIRIEVILLE DUMP; DEQ CLEANUP PLANNED
https://www.theadvocate.com/article_34c5c5c6-bea2-11e9-a657-db633e0c92dd.html
Tags: us_LA, public, discovery, response, solvent
A variety of cancer-causing chemicals and other noxious material buried at an old, illegal hazardous dump site in Prairieville exceeds safety standards for long-term human exposure ?? in some cases at concentrations hundreds of times higher ?? despite a federal cleanup about 30 years ago, new state environmental testing has found.
But Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality officials said their findings show the chemicals, including several volatile organic compounds and chlorinated solvents, aren't at the surface and don't pose a risk for human contact or consumption.
With the results in hand, DEQ officials said they will clean the subsurface to safe levels and seek any lingering barrels of the hazardous chemicals underground.
"There will be a remediation plan developed for it," said Greg Langley, a DEQ spokesman.
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IOWA AMMONIA LINK CONTIANED
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2019/08/13/anhydrous-ammonia-leak-reported-collins/2000391001/
Tags: us_ia, industrial, release, response, ammonia
COLLINS, Ia. ?? Authorities in central Iowa say an anhydrous ammonia leak in Collins has been contained after crews were called to the scene Tuesday morning.
A hazardous materials team was called to Landus Cooperative, located at 324 Railway St., just before 11 a.m. on reports of a 30,000-gallon anhydrous ammonia tank leaking.
The Story County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that first responders evacuated the area in the southeast corner of Collins.
The leak was stopped and the residual was contained at approximately 1:28 p.m., according to an updated release from the sheriff's office.
The evacuation order has since been lifted.
Responding agencies included the sheriff's office, nearby fire departments, Story County Emergency Management, and Des Moines Fire HazMat.
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MULCH FIRE CREATES BURNING QUESTIONS ABOUT COMPOSTING AND GREEN WASTE MANAGEMENT
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-14/mulch-fire-makes-green-waste-management-a-hot-topic/11410754
Tags: australia, industrial, fire, response, compost
We are all doing the right thing by putting food scraps and garden waste in our green bins, right?
Key points:
A mulch fire at Lismore's council-run tip has been smouldering for days
It appears the mulch self-combusted due to the heat generated by the composting process, combined with low humidity and strong winds
The fire prompted public health warnings to be issued due to the smoke
Up to 20,000 tonnes of mulch at the Lismore Recovery and Recycling Centre continue to smoulder, days after they self-combusted due to a combination of heat generated by the composting process, low humidity and strong winds.
The fire spread to a huge recyclables storage shed, sending plumes of acrid smoke across parts of Lismore and forcing the local Public Health Unit to issue an air pollution health alert.
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OTIS CAFE FIRE CAUSED BY ??SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION,?? INVESTIGATOR SAYS
https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2019/08/otis-cafe-fire-caused-by-spontaneous-combustion-investigator-says.html
Tags: us_or, fire, public, response, combustibles
Investigators said the Otis Cafe, a popular roadside restaurant just outside Lincoln City, burned down July 4th when improperly stored kitchen waste in a plastic bucket spontaneously combusted.
The Oregon State Fire Marshal released more information Tuesday on the blaze at the pit-stop on Oregon 18 a few miles northeast of Lincoln City.
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