Spokane, Washington - Two People Injured in Hazmat Accident
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Spokane, Washington – Two People Injured in Hazmat Accident

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Posted on January 30, 2020

Spokane, Washington  (January 28, 2020) – A hazmat incident in a residence on the 2600 block of North Atlantic Street sent two people to the hospital. According to the article from KREM-TV, one resident and a first responder were taken to the hospital for treatment following the incident. However the first responder was reported to have been released and there appears to be no lasting injuries in the incident.

Crews from the Spokane Fire Department were called to the residence around 8:45 p.m. when a resident called 911 to report symptoms related to drain-cleaning products being used to clean a clogged sink. Crews advised the patient to wait outside and found the patient on the porch. Another resident that was inside the home was also evacuated. The scene was upgraded to Hazardous Materials Incident when crews realized that a second household chemical was likely used with the drain cleaner. Members of the Hazardous Materials Response Team removed the chemical from the sink and associated piping before turning the house back to the homeowner. The incident is considered accidental in nature.

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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