Thursday, March 5, 2015

CLEVELAND HOLIDAY INN HOTEL WORKERS TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER MIXING OF THE WRONG POOL CHEMICALS








MARCH 4, 2015

CLEVELAND, OHIO

Two Holiday Inn hotel workers were transported to a local hospital after mixing the wrong pool chemicals this morning.

According to Cleveland Fire Lt. Larry Gray, the workers mixed two acids and a chemical cloud formed in the pool area.

Another employee noticed the two workers and drove them to Fairview Hospital. The condition of the workers is believed to be non-life threatening.

The Cleveland Fire Department arrived on scene to the Holiday Inn near Cleveland Hopkins Airport and cleared the scene.

The chemical cloud was contained to the pool area.

There were no other employees or hotel guests affected.


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POOL CHEMICALS AND YOUR HEALTH

A pool manager was mixing chemicals in the pool house to treat a pool and there was a reaction causing an explosion. The maintenance assistant was cleaning the pool when the explosion occurred. 

He went into the pool house and was exposed to fumes. Both workers became ill and were taken to the emergency department. The manager had symptoms of eye irritation, coughing and skin burns and the assistant had symptoms of coughing and difficulty breathing.  Pool chemicals were mixed in pails with residues of other chemicals still present inside

Swimming pool maintenance requires the addition of pool chemicals such as chlorine tablets, shock, algaecides, clarifiers, and pH balancers. These chemicals can be dangerous if not mixed and stored correctly. Under certain conditions they can release toxic vapors or cause explosions. For example, accidents can occur when a chemical gets wet or mixed with the wrong chemical. Use these chemicals with care! Here are some things to keep in mind.

TIPS
Mixing Pool Chemicals:
·         Follow label and safety information.
·         Use a clean and dry mixing location.
·         Use a well-ventilated space, away from gusts of wind.
·         Use separate mixing tools and containers for each chemical.
·         Handle one chemical at a time, even when cleaning up.
·         Wear protection according to the label.
·         Keep all chemicals away from water unless directed by label

Storage of Pool Chemicals:

·         Seal containers completely.
·         Store away from children, use safety locks.
·         Store in a waterproof location.
·         Store away from flammable materials and cleaning supplies