Aberdeen, Washington – Three People Hospitalized After Hazmat Incident at Police Department

Aberdeen, Washington (October 16, 2019) – Three people were sent to the hospital following a hazmat incident that occurred at the Aberdeen Police Department this week. The patients, who were all corrections officers, experienced respiratory discomfort and were taken to Grays Harbor Community Hospital for treatment. They were reported to have been released from care as well. No other injuries were reported in the incident.

According to the news release from the department, the officers had been doing an inventory of clothing and other possessions of a person who had been recently booked. The officers reported experiencing discomfort due to the odor from the clothing, and the Aberdeen Fire Department was called. The source of the odor has not yet been determined, but investigation is ongoing.

About Hazardous Material Incidents

According to Safeopedia.com, hazardous material incidents involve the uncontrolled release of one or more hazardous materials in a location which puts human lives or the environment at risk of damage. Furthermore, the website also defines the term “HAZMAT Incident” as an umbrella term for any incident which involve the release or exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive hazards. Since there is a variety of hazardous materials that can be involved there is no set response to this particular incident. There are three types of hazmat incidents: simple spills, major spills, and emergencies. Simple spills do not spread rapidly and don’t pose an immediate threat to surrounding humans or the environment. Depending on the workplace, these incidents may not require reporting and may be cleaned up by a qualified worker. Major spills and emergencies, on the other hand, are reportable incidents that fulfill one of these conditions: incidents where the hazardous materials spread rapidly, endanger humans or the environment, has caused a person to require medical treatment for either injury or exposure, or involves an individual needing rescue. From this information, it is clear that hazmat incidents can result in lasting injuries and even fatalities. We urge all workplaces that use hazardous materials to run strict safety guidelines. Workplace safety should never be taken for granted in order to prevent damage, not only to human lives, but for the sake of the environment as well.

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