July 12, 2006
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHEN:
At approximately 2:19 p.m.
WHAT:
An employee of Nailor
Industries punctured a 55 gallon drum containing hydrobromic acid solution when
unloading a supply truck. While
attempting to remove a pallet with four drums, the employee stuck the forklift
through the side of one of the drums. It
is believed an estimated 40 gallons of hydrobromic acid fell on the floor of
the warehouse.
PATIENT TRANSPORT:
Harris County Emergency Services
District 1 coordinated the transport of approximately 40 persons to area
hospitals. All persons transported
reported respiratory symptoms and were sent to area hospitals for treatment and
observation. In addition, 2 of those
transported potentially suffered burns from the exposure. Those persons who were transported to
hospitals underwent decontamination prior to transport.
Harris County Emergency
Services District 1 conducted triage on four separate occasions to assure that
everyone who indicated they had symptoms was transported to an area hospital. All persons at the scene were offered
transport to area hospitals whether or not they reported symptoms. Those who remained on site were sheltered in
air-conditioned Metro buses until Harris County Haz Mat cleared the scene.
HEALTH EFFECTS:
- Skin contact can potentially result in severe
burns.
- Inhalation can potentially result in respiratory
and circulatory distress and can potentially burn the digestive
tract.
CONTAINMENT:
Harris County Haz Mat has
controlled the release and contained the spill.
It is believed that this release has not resulted in offsite impact.
A cleanup contractor has
been hired by the company and is on scene.
(For more
information, contact Rita Obey (713)439-6293,