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Previous by Date: Subject: [DCHAS-L] DCHAS-L Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) Date: Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 7:43:34 PM Author: Joe Sabol <jsabol**At_Symbol_Here**CHEM-CONSULT.COM> |
Next by Date: Subject: [DCHAS-L] Two new articles for ACS Chemical Health & Safety are available online. Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2022 06:52:37 -0500 Author: Ralph Stuart |
Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Monday, February 7, 2022 at 6:45:36 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)
HIGH LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE FORCES EVACUATION OF HIGH-RISE BUILDING IN OVERBROOK
Tags: Canada, public, release, response, carbon_monoxide
MARYSVILLE OHIO HAZMAT: POSSIBLE CAUSE OF CO BUILDUP
Tags: us_OH, public, follow-up, environmental, carbon_monoxide
NSW POLICE PUBLIC SITE
Tags: Australia, industrial, explosion, response, unknown_chemical
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIR AND WATER CONCERNS AFTER THE WINSTON-SALEM FERTILIZER PLANT FIRE
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ammonium_nitrate
NEARLY 60,000 DIAPERS IN A NEARBY WAREHOUSE LIKELY DAMAGED IN THE FIRE AT THE WINSTON WEAVER CO.'S FERTILIZER PLANT
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ammonium_nitrate
LUDWIG BENNER JR.: THE FATHER OF MODERN HAZMAT THINKING
Tags: us_VA, industrial, discovery, environmental
TEXAS CITY POWER OUTAGE LEAVES THOUSANDS IN THE DARK, LEADS TO PLANTS BURNING OFF CHEMICALS
Tags: us_TX, industrial, fire, response, unknown_chemical
RECENT BLAZE AT FERTILIZER PLANT WASN'T 1ST FIRE THERE
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, response, ag_chems
POSSIBLE CHEMICAL RUNOFF FROM WINSTON-SALEM FERTILIZER PLANT KILLS OFF FISH IN CREEK, PROMPTS WARNINGS
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ag_chems, ammonium_nitrate, runoff
EASTBOUND I-80 TO SOUTHBOUND I-580 REOPENS
Tags: us_NV, transportation, release, response, bleach
RAIL CAR LEAKING TRIETHYLAMINE IN BAYTOWN PROMPTS EVACUATIONS FOR SURROUNDING BUSINESS, AUTHORITIES SAY
Tags: us_TX, transportation, release, response, flammables
JACKSON MAN SEVERELY BURNED AFTER FALLING INTO CHEMICAL BATH, POLICE SAY
Tags: us_MI, industrial, release, injury, metals
WHY WAS THE FERTILIZER PLANT THAT CAUGHT FIRE IN WINSTON-SALEM ABLE TO STORE 600 TONS OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL?
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ag_chems, flammables
FERTILIZER EXPLOSION RISK 'GREATLY DIMINISHED,' CHIEF SAYS
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, response, ag_chems, ammonium_nitrate
ANKLESHWAR: FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CHEMICAL PLANT
Tags: India, industrial, fire, response, unknown_chemical
MONARCH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISMISSED EARLY AFTER CHEMICAL LEAK
Tags: us_CO, education, release, response, ethylene_glycol, hvac_chemicals
ESTIMATING AVERAGE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM STAFFING AND RESOURCING USING A SERIES OF ITERATIVELY DEVELOPED EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS
Tags: laboratory, discovery, environmental
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HIGH LEVELS OF CARBON MONOXIDE FORCES EVACUATION OF HIGH-RISE BUILDING IN OVERBROOK
https://ottawa.citynews.ca/local-news/high-levels-of-carbon-monoxide-forces-evacuation-of-high-rise-building-in-overbrook-5033566
Tags: Canada, public, release, response, carbon_monoxide
A high-rise building in Overbrook was evacuated due to high levels of carbon monoxide on Sunday, February 6, because the building's furnace heater on the roof was blocked with snow.
Ottawa fire crews were called to the 22-storey building on Donald Street, between Quill Street & Beaudry Street Sunday morning.
The high levels of carbon monoxide were detected on multiple floors, Ottawa Fire Services said in a series of tweets.
The entire building proceeded to be evacuated. Several residents needed assistance.
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MARYSVILLE OHIO HAZMAT: POSSIBLE CAUSE OF CO BUILDUP
https://fox8.com/news/blocked-intake-may-have-led-to-hotel-co-emergency-in-marysville-ohio/
Tags: us_OH, public, follow-up, environmental, carbon_monoxide
MARYSVILLE, Ohio (AP) ' Authorities say a blocked fresh-air intake at a hotel pool equipment room may have been to blame for a carbon monoxide buildup that sent more than a dozen people to hospitals more than a week ago.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that an Ohio state fire marshal's office report cited a plastic bag found over the intake at the Hampton Inn in Marysville during an inspection two days after the Jan. 29 emergency.
Inspector Bradley Merillat also noted that a carbon monoxide detector wasn't functioning.
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NSW POLICE PUBLIC SITE
https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGOTk5NzUuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D
Tags: Australia, industrial, explosion, response, unknown_chemical
Police are investigating the cause of an industrial fire in Sydney's west overnight.
About 12.45am today (Monday 7 February 2022), emergency services responded to reports of a chemical fire at an industrial complex in Rayben Street, Glendenning.
Stored at the facility are aerosol cans and gas bottles which exploded during the fire.
NSW Fire & Rescue extinguished the fire about 2.15am.
A moderate amount of damage was sustained to a building in the complex.
No evacuations were implemented and there are no reports of injuries.
There is no ongoing risk to the community.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIR AND WATER CONCERNS AFTER THE WINSTON-SALEM FERTILIZER PLANT FIRE
https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/winston-salem/what-you-need-to-know-about-air-and-water-concerns-after-the-winston-salem-fertilizer-plant-fire/
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ammonium_nitrate
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) ' The Winston Weaver Company has set up a toxicology hotline to help anyone who may face chemical exposure or health impacts connected to the fertilizer plant fire.
On Sunday, the City of Winston-Salem announced the new hotline courtesy of CTEH, an environmental consulting firm retained by the Winston Weaver Company.
According to the city, the hotline'(866) 412-7768'is staffed by toxicologists who know about the potential hazards connected to the fire. Callers can reach out from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. any day of the week.
The fire started on Jan. 31, prompting an evacuation of a 1-mile radius around the plant over concerns that the facility, which contained about 600 tons of ammonium nitrate, could explode.
On Thursday, officials reduced the evacuation zone around the plant to 660 feet, allowing many families to return home, and, by Saturday, the Forsyth County Environmental Assistance and Protection Board said the air quality in Winston-Salem was in good, breathable condition.
Since the fire, Winston-Salem city leaders raised concerns about possible chemical contamination in three local creeks after finding fish dead. The plant is also facing a lawsuit over property losses and negative health effects.
---------------------------------------------
NEARLY 60,000 DIAPERS IN A NEARBY WAREHOUSE LIKELY DAMAGED IN THE FIRE AT THE WINSTON WEAVER CO.'S FERTILIZER PLANT
https://journalnow.com/nearly-60-000-diapers-in-a-nearby-warehouse-likely-damaged-in-the-fire-at-the/article_53f3d3ce-8606-11ec-a7e3-071edd92953f.html
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ammonium_nitrate
Nearly 60,000 diapers in a nearby warehouse were likely damaged in the fire that destroyed the Winston Weaver Co.'s fertilizer plant in Winston-Salem, an official with the Diaper Bank of North Carolina says.
'The fumes and chemicals in the air more than likely make our diapers unsafe to distribute,' said Michelle Old, of Durham, the founder and executive director of the Diaper Bank of North Carolina. 'We are still analyzing it.'
The fire last Monday night quickly spread at the fertilizer plant on 4440 N. Cherry St. As the fire burned, it poured smoke and pollutants into the air, raising concerns about the air quality over much of Winston-Salem and western Forsyth County.
The Winston-Salem Fire Department initially withdrew its firefighters because of the danger that about 500 tons of ammonium nitrate could cause a massive explosion. The fire department allowed the fire to burn throughout last week in order to eliminate the fuel from the ammonium nitrate.
Those chemicals are used in fertilizer.
A hazardous materials team from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency informed Diaper Bank officials that the fumes and chemicals generated by the fire could have harmed its supply of diapers and related projects inside its warehouse at 4500 Indiana Ave., Old said.
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LUDWIG BENNER JR.: THE FATHER OF MODERN HAZMAT THINKING
https://www.firehouse.com/rescue/hazardous-materials/article/21255802/ludwig-benner-jr-the-father-of-modern-hazmat-thinking
Tags: us_VA, industrial, discovery, environmental
Ludwig 'Ludi' Benner Jr. was a pioneer in hazardous materials response research and development in the 1970s. He also is the Father of Modern Hazmat Thinking. Benner passed away Nov. 15, 2021, in Virginia. He was 94 years old.
A chemical engineer, he was a member of the International Society of Air Safety Investigators and an International System Safety Society Fellow. His experience included hazmat transportation equipment engineering, operations and regulatory liaison; corporate physical distribution management; transportation consulting; more than 35 accident investigations with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB); teaching accident investigation at the University of Southern California and Montgomery County Community College; development of the D.E.C.I.D.E. hazmat incident management system and the General Hazardous Materials Behavior Model (GEBMO); and the design of investigation support software. Benner was a practitioner, observer and analyst of accident investigation practices and keen follower and analyst of national and international developments in this field for 45 years, with more than 100 publications.
When Benner worked at the NTSB, the organization did a hazmat accident-risk study that concluded that emergency responders had a 10,000 times greater chance of death or injury than anyone else. This is one of the things that prompted Benner to develop decision models to help responders to make better decisions when responding to hazmat incidents.
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TEXAS CITY POWER OUTAGE LEAVES THOUSANDS IN THE DARK, LEADS TO PLANTS BURNING OFF CHEMICALS
https://abc13.com/galveston-county-power-outage-la-marque-tx-texas-city-plant-flares/11538792/
Tags: us_TX, industrial, fire, response, unknown_chemical
GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Crews are still working to restore power that has left thousands of people in Galveston County without power Friday night. This comes as we go into the second night of freezing temperatures.
It all unfolded around 6 p.m. Friday. According to the Texas City Officer of Emergency Management, there is a power outage in the area. As a result, some residents reported seeing flames at several plants in the area. That's because plants are having to burn off chemicals since there is no power, officials said.
"At this time a large portion of the city is without power. The plants are flaring. As of now, there are no threats to the community. Emergency Management is monitoring the situation," Texas City emergency management shared on its Facebook.
---------------------------------------------
RECENT BLAZE AT FERTILIZER PLANT WASN'T 1ST FIRE THERE
https://www.stltoday.com/news/national/recent-blaze-at-fertilizer-plant-wasnt-1st-fire-there/article_6c1f1bb2-3416-5eda-8073-d45dfc4f502a.html
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, response, ag_chems
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) ' Officials in a North Carolina city confirmed on Saturday that firefighters responded to a call in late December about a smoldering pile of 'fertilizer material' at a plant where, weeks later, an explosion and uncontrolled flames would force thousands to flee their homes.
Winston-Salem firefighters were called to the Winston Weaver Co. plant on Dec. 26, according to an incident report released by the fire department and obtained by the Winston-Salem Journal in response to a public records request.
Nearby residents called 911 and reported seeing haze and smelling smoke in the area around the plant. Firefighters dispatched to the plant noted 'a haze coming from the top of the building.'
---------------------------------------------
POSSIBLE CHEMICAL RUNOFF FROM WINSTON-SALEM FERTILIZER PLANT KILLS OFF FISH IN CREEK, PROMPTS WARNINGS
https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/winston-salem/possible-chemical-runoff-from-winston-salem-fertilizer-plant-kills-off-fish-in-creek-prompts-warnings/
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ag_chems, ammonium_nitrate, runoff
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) ' Winston-Salem city leaders are warning the public to stay out of certain creeks due to chemical runoff from the Winston Weaver Company fertilizer plant.
On Saturday, officials said in a statement, 'City officials are warning the public to stay out of Muddy, Mill and Monarcas creeks downstream from the Winston Weaver Co. fertilizer plant and to keep pets and other animals out of the creeks due to elevated levels of chemicals in the water resulting from the fire at the plant.'
Water runoff from the site went to a stormwater pipe that empties into Monarcas Creek south of the 8000 block of North Point Boulevard. Dead fish were found along the creek from the drain down to where Monarcas Creek meets Mill Creek. Officials also raised concerns about Muddy Creek because Mill Creek flows into it. The city is working on putting up water quality notices along the affected creeks.
Winston-Salem attorney files lawsuit against Winston Weaver Company after fertilizer plant fire
Breathe easy! Winston-Salem air safe as wind clears away smoke from fertilizer plant fire, experts say
Winston-Salem fertilizer plant fire: Can ammonium nitrate explode? See what happened in Beirut
Samples of water from the pipe showed elevated levels of nitrites, nitrates, ammonia nitrogen and 'other potentially harmful chemicals,' according to the city. The city warns that ingesting the water could be 'harmful to health.'
---------------------------------------------
EASTBOUND I-80 TO SOUTHBOUND I-580 REOPENS
https://www.kolotv.com/2022/02/05/eastbound-i-80-southbound-i-580-closed-hazmat/
Tags: us_NV, transportation, release, response, bleach
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) -UPDATE: The Nevada State Police report the off-ramp has reopened.
The NSP said a 5-gallon container of sodium hypochlorite or a similar chemical spilled from an unknown vehicle. The Reno Fire Department responded. There was no danger to the public.
ORIGINAL STORY: The offramp from eastbound Interstate 80 to southbound Interstate 580 is closed for a hazardous materials incident, the Nevada State Police reported.
---------------------------------------------
RAIL CAR LEAKING TRIETHYLAMINE IN BAYTOWN PROMPTS EVACUATIONS FOR SURROUNDING BUSINESS, AUTHORITIES SAY
https://abc13.com/baytown-chemical-leak-rail-car-triethylamine/11538195/
Tags: us_TX, transportation, release, response, flammables
BAYTOWN, Texas (KTRK) -- A leak that evacuated a building in the Baytown area has stopped, according to authorities.
This leak happened Friday afternoon in the business-area park on Delta Parkway near Highway 99 and FM 1405. It was said a rail car had leaked a flammable liquid, prompting an evacuation. But in a 3:50 p.m. update, authorities said one business was evacuated.
At the time of the leak, the rail car was at a docking facility. It has since been stopped.
---------------------------------------------
JACKSON MAN SEVERELY BURNED AFTER FALLING INTO CHEMICAL BATH, POLICE SAY
https://www.mlive.com/news/jackson/2022/02/jackson-man-severely-burned-after-falling-into-chemical-bath-police-say.html
Tags: us_MI, industrial, release, injury, metals
JACKSON, MI -- A man was hospitalized with severe chemical burns after an industrial accident Thursday afternoon, police said.
At about 4:24 p.m. Feb. 3, an officer from the Jackson Police Department was dispatched to Jackson Tumble Finish, a metal finishing company located in the 1800 block of Mitchell Street, to assist the Jackson Fire Department with a reported industrial accident.
An employee of the company had fallen into a vat of chemical liquid, which caused severe burns to his skin, said Jackson Police and Fire Services Director Elmer Hitt.
The employee, a 31-year-old man, was taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Health with burns to his lower body, Hitt said.
The victim has since been transferred to the University of Michigan Hospital, where he remains hospitalized, Hitt said.
---------------------------------------------
WHY WAS THE FERTILIZER PLANT THAT CAUGHT FIRE IN WINSTON-SALEM ABLE TO STORE 600 TONS OF FLAMMABLE MATERIAL?
https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/winston-salem/why-was-the-fertilizer-plant-that-caught-fire-in-winston-salem-able-to-store-600-tons-of-flammable-material/
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, environmental, ag_chems, flammables
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) ' People living in Winston-Salem want to know how an 80-year-old building can be packed with 600 tons of flammable material.
Stay on top of breaking news and weather with the FOX8 mobile app.
The building codes in place for the Winston Weaver Fertilizer Plant date back to the late 1930s.
'Building codes today have more detailed requirements as far as chemical process and chemical storage,' said Rick McIntyre, assistant fire marshal.
The only time the owners of the plant are required to bring things up to today's codes is when they add buildings or make changes to existing ones.
A representative from the planning department tells FOX8 the facility has no current or past permit requests for building additions or changes.
'There are five buildings on this site. The original building and several others that were added to after the fact were built in the '40s, '50s and '70s,' McIntyre said. 'It had to meet the building code that was in effect at that time the building was constructed.'
Sprinkler systems and other fire prevention methods weren't required until after most of the facility was built.
'Now, it's much more detailed, and that would be what they would be required to meet today,' McIntyre said.
When inspectors walk through the buildings, they typically look at how chemicals are stored and if there are fire and life safety devices available.
Most buildings are inspected every two or three years. A business like this is required more often.
Inspection reports from the City of Winston-Salem over the last three years show passing scores. In 2020, the only notes state parts of the building are in poor condition and electrical upgrades were being made.
Fire investigators are now reviewing inspections the state and other agencies conducted.
As for how and if people are supposed to know hazardous materials are stored near where they live, local elected leaders say their hands are tied.
The city can't force a business to disclose what materials are on hand, and businesses aren't required to disclose that information.
Mayor Pro Tempore D.D. Adams tells FOX 8 that everything from building to safety codes are governed by general statutes. If people want to see changes, they should contact their state representative.
---------------------------------------------
FERTILIZER EXPLOSION RISK 'GREATLY DIMINISHED,' CHIEF SAYS
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2022-02-03/rain-helps-supress-plant-fire-but-explosion-risk-remains
Tags: us_NC, industrial, follow-up, response, ag_chems, ammonium_nitrate
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) ' The explosion threat from a fire at a North Carolina fertilizer plant has 'greatly diminished' now that much of a combustible chemical has burned off and firefighters have returned to the site to spray down what's left, the city's fire chief said Thursday.
The Winston-Salem Fire Department tweeted that the voluntary evacuation for a 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) radius around the plant would be reduced to 660 feet (200 meters) Thursday evening.
Earlier on Thursday, Winston-Salem Fire Chief Trey Mayo said that with the help of experts on the fertilizer ingredient ammonium nitrate, officials determined it was safe for firefighters to get close enough to set up more unmanned sprayers at the site.
Firefighters had worked the blaze after it broke out Monday night but had to pull back because of the threat of the explosion. Since then, it had largely been allowed to burn, with officials monitoring from the air and fire teams on standby. Rain early Thursday also helped with cooling effects.
'The threat of an explosion was greatly diminished overnight through the cooling operations,' Mayo said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.
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ANKLESHWAR: FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CHEMICAL PLANT
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/fire-breaks-out-at-chemical-plant/articleshow/89335123.cms
Tags: India, industrial, fire, response, unknown_chemical
SURAT: A fire broke out in an industrial unit of Ankleshwar GIDC on Thursday afternoon. Preliminary police investigation revealed that the fire at the chemical unit started during installation of a plastic tank in the plant. No casualties were reported from the incident.
According to police, at around 12:15 heavy smoke was seen coming out from Amal Limited, a chemical unit located in GIDC, Ankleshwar.
Staff from the fire brigade and police rushed to the spot after being informed. The blaze was doused in around an hour. Three fire vehicles were pressed into action for the fire-fighting operation.
Primary investigation revealed that a Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tank and a chimney were being installed at the plant when the fire broke out.
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MONARCH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISMISSED EARLY AFTER CHEMICAL LEAK
https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/monarch-high-school-glycol-leak/73-302de597-ba08-452f-9e9d-37d987c8b7cc
Tags: us_CO, education, release, response, ethylene_glycol, hvac_chemicals
LOUISVILLE, Colo. ' Students at Monarch High School in Louisville were released from school early following a chemical leak Thursday, according to school district spokesman, Randy Barber.
Around 9:30 a.m., the school detected a glycol leak in the school's C-Wing which prompted the relocation of the students, according to the school's website.
The school was eventually cleared for reentry by the Louisville Fire Department (LFD) but as a precaution the rest of Thursday's classes have been canceled, according to Barber.
The leak originated in the coils of the school's HVAC system, Barber said.
The smell of glycol was also reported in the Monarch K-8 school which is nearby, but since a leak of the chemical did not happen in the learning area of the K-8 school, classes will continue as normal, according to Barber.
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ESTIMATING AVERAGE UNIVERSITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM STAFFING AND RESOURCING USING A SERIES OF ITERATIVELY DEVELOPED EVIDENCE-BASED MODELS
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chas.1c00087
Tags: laboratory, discovery, environmental
Inherent to the work carried out at institutions of higher education is a set of diverse health and safety risks, which include the use of a variety of potentially hazardous materials. To manage these hazards, colleges and universities typically maintain Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, but objective models for determining the typical amount of organizational resources dedicated to EHS programs are lacking. Summarized here are a series of iterative modeling efforts based on benchmarking data provided by the members of the Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA), combined with publicly available institutional data, to produce a series of predictive models for EHS program resourcing. Linear and multiple regression analysis techniques were utilized to develop the models to estimate industry-average college and university EHS program staffing and expenses. Interestingly, the subset of recurrent key predictors identified through the!
se efforts, such as the total net assignable area (TNASF) and the research laboratory area, includes measures that many EHS professionals do not typically have readily available. Although these models do not address the ultimate outcomes achieved by any EHS program, they can assist decision makers with determining a representative level of staffing and resources needed to support university EHS programs.
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