Check out Safety Emporium for your N95, N99, and face shield needs.
From: Ralph Stuart <membership**At_Symbol_Here**DCHAS.ORG>
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines (13 articles)
Date: Mon, 18 Apr 2022 06:41:18 -0400
Reply-To: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
Message-ID: B9255D70-6B31-4FCA-AF91-24C5DB59B704**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Chemical Safety Headlines From Google
Monday, April 18, 2022 at 6:41:05 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 (13 articles)
HARYANA: FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CHEMICAL FACTORY IN SONEPAT
Tags: India, industrial, fire, response, methanol
LOCAL NEWS: HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LEAK REPORTED IN VERONA (4/16/22)
Tags: us_MO, transportation, release, response, ethylene_oxide
1 DEAD, 7 INJURED IN EXPLOSION ABOARD TANKER OFF HONG KONG
Tags: Hong_Kong, transportation, explosion, death, unknown_chemical
LORD NELSON HOTEL IN HALIFAX EVACUATED DUE TO 'STRONG ODOUR'
Tags: Canada, public, release, response, unknown_chemical
BIRMINGHAM FIRE AND RESCUE RESPOND TO HAZMAT INCIDENT ON RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD N
Tags: us_AL, industrial, release, response, paints
UPDATED: TWO TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER CHEMICAL LEAK AT YORK HOTEL
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, release, injury, chlorine
PHOTOS: CHEMICAL ACCIDENT AT BEDFORD WASTEWATER PLANT PROMPTS EMERGENCY HAZMAT RESPONSE
Tags: industrial, release, response, chlorine
MAN GETS 2ND-DEGREE BURNS IN SCOTT CHEMICAL FIRE
Tags: us_LA, industrial, fire, injury, unknown_chemical
WEST BURLINGTON FIRE CHIEF CLOSES BORGHI PLANT AFTER CHEMICAL SPILL
Tags: us_IA, industrial, release, response, hydrochloric_acid
PEEL POLICE, FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO REPORTS OF CHEMICAL SPRAY BEING RELEASED AT BRAMPTON SCHOOL
Tags: Canada, education, release, response, pepper_spray
RENOVATION WITH SAFETY, SECURITY, AND FUNCTION IN MIND: A TALE OF TWO ACADEMIC PROJECTS
Tags: us_NC, laboratory, discovery, environmental
SIX DEAD IN FIRE AND EXPLOSION AT INDIAN CHEMICAL PLANT
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, death, solvent
FORMALDEHYDE CAUSES LEUKEMIA AND OTHER CANCERS, DRAFT EPA REVIEW CONCLUDES
Tags: public, discovery, environmental, formaldehyde
---------------------------------------------
HARYANA: FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CHEMICAL FACTORY IN SONEPAT
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/haryana-sonepat-chemical-factory-fire-7873628/
Tags: India, industrial, fire, response, methanol
A major fire broke out in a chemical factory in Kundli, Sonepat on Sunday evening.
About 50 fire tenders, many of them from neighbouring Delhi, were pressed into the service to douse the flames, reported news agency PTI, quoting a police official.
Methanol and some other chemicals were kept in the factory, the police official from Sonipat told PTI over the phone.
He, however, said no one is stated to be trapped inside the factory complex. 'About 50 fire tenders, many among them summoned from Sonipat and neighbouring Haryana districts as well as from Delhi are trying to bring the flames under control,' he said.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Details of casualties, if any, are awaited.
---------------------------------------------
LOCAL NEWS: HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LEAK REPORTED IN VERONA (4/16/22)
https://www.monett-times.com/story/2944722.html
Tags: us_MO, transportation, release, response, ethylene_oxide
BCP Ingredients, located at 299 Extension St. in Verona, reported a leak of 1,290 pounds of carcinogenic gas at its Verona location on Friday, April 8.
According to an Environmental Emergency Response report filed by BCP, the leak was discovered at 1:35 p.m. Friday, and reported 2:30 p.m.
The cause of the leak was determined to be an equipment malfunction when a valve on an off-loading device from a railroad tanker malfunctioned, releasing the ethylene oxide gas into the air.
The report states there is no 'concern' regarding the spill.
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Grant Selvey said he was notified of the leak by both BCP and the Department of Natural Resources.
'The chemical spill evaporated into the air and there was no exposure to anybody,' Selvey said. 'Direct exposure to ethylene oxide is a concern, but nobody was exposed. It was gas vapors going into the air. At this point, everything is evaporated and everything is alright.'
---------------------------------------------
1 DEAD, 7 INJURED IN EXPLOSION ABOARD TANKER OFF HONG KONG
https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/explosion-aboard-tanker-off-hong-kong-1938365-2022-04-16
Tags: Hong_Kong, transportation, explosion, death, unknown_chemical
One person was killed and seven others injured Saturday in an explosion aboard an oil tanker in waters off Hong Kong, authorities reported.
The Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre said the tanker was 300 km (186 miles) east of Hong Kong when it caught fire as a result of an explosion. The fire was extinguished, according to state-run Radio Television Hong Kong.
The Government Flying Service sent a fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters with doctors aboard to the Panama-registered Chuang Yi vessel to transport the injured to a hospital in the city. One crew member was reported to have died and four others were in serious condition, RTHK reported.
The cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
The casualties reportedly included crew members from Indonesia and Myanmar.
---------------------------------------------
LORD NELSON HOTEL IN HALIFAX EVACUATED DUE TO 'STRONG ODOUR'
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/lord-nelson-hotel-in-halifax-evacuated-due-to-strong-odour-1.6421308
Tags: Canada, public, release, response, unknown_chemical
The Lord Nelson Hotel in downtown Halifax was evacuated early Friday because of what police said was a "strong odour."
Halifax Regional Police said they were called to the hotel on South Park Street around 3 a.m. AT and guests were told to leave the building.
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency were also called and a hazmat team responded. District fire chief Sherry Dean said the team did some gas meter readings and ventilated the area.
The readings showed a low level of risk, so guests were allowed back into the building.
Dean said Halifax fire left the scene after 4 a.m. and police stayed to investigate the incident.
In a news release, Halifax police said they made two arrests, however there were "no details relating to criminal charges at this time."
---------------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM FIRE AND RESCUE RESPOND TO HAZMAT INCIDENT ON RICHARD ARRINGTON JR. BLVD N
https://abc3340.com/news/local/birmingham-fire-and-rescue-respond-to-hazmat-incident-on-richard-arrington-jr-blvd-n-induron-protective-coatings-chemical-reaction
Tags: us_AL, industrial, release, response, paints
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) ' An industrial coating and painting company building in Birmingham was evacuated Friday morning due to a hazmat chemical situation, according to Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
The fire department said a chemical reaction caused the evacuation at Induron Protective Coatings on Richard Arrington Jr Blvd North.
---------------------------------------------
UPDATED: TWO TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER CHEMICAL LEAK AT YORK HOTEL
https://yorkmix.com/major-incident-in-york-city-centre-street-sealed-off/
Tags: United_Kingdom, public, release, injury, chlorine
A chemical leak at a York hotel has seen two people taken to hospital.
The alarm was raised by staff at the Novotel hotel on Fewster Way, off Fishergate, shortly 3.30pm.
It sparked a huge emergency response. At least eight fire engines, several ambulances and police cars went to the scene.
The hotel was evacuated and Fewster Way sealed off.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
Sixteed members of staff were affected by the leak. Yorkshire Ambulance attended and two people have been taken to hospital with breathing difficulties, the other 14 are currently being monitored.
The leak was identified as chlorine and has been contained.
The hotel was evacuated and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service are currently making checks to ensure the building is safe for guests and staff to return.
---------------------------------------------
PHOTOS: CHEMICAL ACCIDENT AT BEDFORD WASTEWATER PLANT PROMPTS EMERGENCY HAZMAT RESPONSE
https://newsadvance.com/news/local/photos-chemical-accident-at-bedford-wastewater-plant-prompts-emergency-hazmat-response/collection_fc16a036-bcde-11ec-b2a7-9322ad5bb50c.html
Tags: industrial, release, response, chlorine
BEDFORD ' Emergency crews responded to the Bedford Wastewater Treatment plant Friday morning for a hazardous-materials response after a chemical accident, but no severe injuries were reported.
During a regularly scheduled chemical delivery, two chemicals were inadvertently mixed together, causing chlorine gas to form. The chemicals, sodium bisulfate and sodium hydrochloride, are typically used in the wastewater treatment process and are safe individually but cause a hazardous situation when mixed together, said Megan Pittman, director of administration for the Bedford Regional Water Authority.
Employees of the plant, on Orange Street in the town of Bedford, called 911, and numerous fire, medical and hazardous-materials agencies responded.
"Due to this incident, four people were transported to Bedford Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released. Twelve people were evaluated and treated on the scene. All people have been released from care," according to a Friday afternoon news release from Bedford-area officials.
Bedford police went door to door alerting 46 homes and seven businesses to inform them about the situation and suggest they evacuate. Blue Ridge Community Church opened a shelter for anyone needing a place to go, but as of Friday afternoon, no one had used the shelter, the release said.
---------------------------------------------
MAN GETS 2ND-DEGREE BURNS IN SCOTT CHEMICAL FIRE
https://www.klfy.com/local/lafayette-parish/one-injured-with-second-degree-burns-in-scott-chemical-fire/
Tags: us_LA, industrial, fire, injury, unknown_chemical
SCOTT, La. (KLFY) ' One man received second-degree burns to his hands and wrist after a flash fire at a chemical warehouse on Renauld Dr. in Scott this morning, according to Fire Chief Chad Sonnier.
Sonnier said the man was mixing chemicals inside the warehouse when a fire erupted due to static electricity. Firefighters found him in the parking lot and saw smoke pouring from the warehouse. The warehouse sustained minor damage, though the fire did not spread far.
---------------------------------------------
WEST BURLINGTON FIRE CHIEF CLOSES BORGHI PLANT AFTER CHEMICAL SPILL
https://www.thehawkeye.com/story/news/2022/04/14/west-burlington-fire-chief-closes-borghi-plant-after-chemical-spill-workplace-safety/7319067001/
Tags: us_IA, industrial, release, response, hydrochloric_acid
WEST BURLINGTON ' Employees at the Borghi USA Inc. manufacturing plant in West Burlington were sent home Thursday after emergency crews responded to a report of a hydrochloric acid spill that was making some workers ill.
Just before 9 a.m., the West Burlington Fire Department was sent to the building after receiving an anonymous tip, according to Fire Chief Shaun Ryan.
A pipe at the factory broke late Tuesday, resulting in a large spill of hydrochloric acid, according to Ryan.
Shortly after West Burlington fire crews arrived on the scene, and due to the potential for hydrochloric acid to be explosive, Ryan said he ordered the plant to shut down and send employees home at about 9:15 a.m.
"I basically told the whole plant they had to evacuate," Ryan said. "(Hydrochloric acid) does have the potential to be explosive if the right conditions exist."
---------------------------------------------
PEEL POLICE, FIRE CREWS RESPOND TO REPORTS OF CHEMICAL SPRAY BEING RELEASED AT BRAMPTON SCHOOL
https://www.thestar.com/local-brampton/news/2022/04/14/peel-police-fire-crews-respond-to-reports-of-chemical-spray-being-released-at-brampton-school.html?rf
Tags: Canada, education, release, response, pepper_spray
Peel Regional Police and Brampton Fire have been dispatched to a school following reports of a chemical spray being released inside the building on Thursday, April 14.
Police said a call alleging some type of chemical spray had been released at a school near Sandalwood Parkway East and Freshspring Drive was received around 11:30 a.m.
It is unknown what was released but police said it could possibly be pepper spray. The fire alarm was also pulled, said police.
Students have been evacuated and no injuries have been reported at this time.
---------------------------------------------
RENOVATION WITH SAFETY, SECURITY, AND FUNCTION IN MIND: A TALE OF TWO ACADEMIC PROJECTS
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chas.2c00008
Tags: us_NC, laboratory, discovery, environmental
At some point, most science laboratories or buildings will require renovations or construction of new space. Renovations may be needed due to a change in the scientific activity, due to an event such as a minor flood or fire, or simply to modernize the space. Because chemistry laboratories are such specialized facilities, it is important that all stakeholders are involved in the project from planning through commissioning. All renovation projects should start with a mission and vision that can guide and anchor the work. A safety professional trained in chemistry and familiar with the needs of the department'ideally embedded in the department'can be an asset to the project team. This paper discusses some of the aspects encountered by an embedded chemical hygiene officer during the renovation of a chemistry stockroom and construction of a multiuse teaching laboratory. Lessons learned are provided to help others be successful with their projects.
---------------------------------------------
SIX DEAD IN FIRE AND EXPLOSION AT INDIAN CHEMICAL PLANT
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/six-dead-in-fire-and-explosion-at-indian-chemical-plant/4015518.article
Tags: India, industrial, explosion, death, solvent
Incident at Om Organic in Gujarat reportedly occurred during solvent distillation
An explosion and fire at a chemical factory in the Indian state of Gujarat killed six workers in the early hours of 11 April. Two other employees onsite at the time were unharmed.
Local media reports suggest that a reactor at Om Organic in Bharuch exploded during a solvent distillation process. The fire that followed spread rapidly. Local authorities are working to establish the cause of the blast.
The blast is the latest in a string of similar incidents in recent months, which some industry observers attribute to erosions of health and safety regulations across the country, but particularly in the heavily industrial state of Gujarat.
---------------------------------------------
FORMALDEHYDE CAUSES LEUKEMIA AND OTHER CANCERS, DRAFT EPA REVIEW CONCLUDES
https://cen.acs.org/policy/chemical-regulation/Formaldehyde-causes-leukemia-cancers-draft/100/web/2022/04
Tags: public, discovery, environmental, formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is carcinogenic to humans, a draft risk assessment released April 14 by the US Environmental Protection Agency concludes. The review, conducted by the agency's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) program, cites evidence that inhalation of formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer, sinonasal cancer, and myeloid leukemia in humans.
Formaldehyde is used in making plywood, composite wood items, adhesives, and many other products. Consumers can be exposed to the chemical in tobacco smoke, construction materials, furniture, carpets, and other household products, the assessment says.
The EPA was poised to release the draft formaldehyde review in early 2018, but it abruptly put the assessment on hold under the Donald J. Trump administration. The agency is now planning to use the IRIS assessment to inform its upcoming formaldehyde risk evaluation under the Toxic Substances Control Act.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers, has been pressuring the EPA to halt the IRIS program'and its formaldehyde review'for many years. In an April 5 statement, the group claims that the process used by the program does not meet the agency's standards for 'transparency, scientific integrity, and a robust, independent peer review process.'
---------------------------------------------
---
For more information about the DCHAS-L e-mail list, contact the Divisional membership chair at membership**At_Symbol_Here**dchas.org
Follow us on Twitter **At_Symbol_Here**acsdchas
Previous post | Top of Page | Next post