The potential exposure was caused by two acids being accidentally combined in the same storage container
The Vancouver Fire Department (VFD) responded to the scene of a chemical mixture incident Tuesday.
Three VFD engines, a ladder truck and members of the Hazardous Materials team responded to 1701 W. 16th St, the site of Northwest Packing, for the report of inhalation exposure to several employees.
The potential exposure was caused by two acids being accidentally combined in the same storage container. Twelve employees who were in the area of the vapor release evacuated outside where they were evaluated by American Medical Response paramedics. All employees refused transport.
The VFD HazMat team donned Level A chemical suits and entered the structure to check for excessive heat of the combined chemicals, ensure the integrity of the container, and to shut down several plant operations that could not safely continue unmanned. A total of 17 fire department personnel were on scene to mitigate the situation.
Information provided by Vancouver Fire Department.
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