Crews respond to sulfur dioxide leak
Cardinal CG, a coated glass plant, experienced a leaking cylinder around 8:30 a.m. Thursday
By Dana Rieck
Reporter-Herald Staff Writer
Posted: 06/16/2016 11:29:07 AM MDT
Loveland and Fort Collins, Colorado fire crews responded to a sulfur dioxide leak Thursday morning at Cardinal CG, 999 N. Van Buren Ave.
The coated glass plant reported a 200-pound cylinder was leaking the potentially toxic gas at 8:36 a.m., according to Loveland fire Battalion Chief Jason Starck.
Two employees were exposed to the sulfur dioxide. They were treated by Thompson Valley EMS crews and released at the scene.
"Mainly (sulfur dioxide) is an irritant," Starck said. "But it can be toxic in high-enough doses. It can cause burning of the skin."
Carie Dann, Loveland deputy fire marshal, said the gas can also cause respiratory issues.
Loveland Fire Rescue Authority evacuated the rest of the building as a safety percaution, as crews were on scene were entering the building in hazmat suits to isolate and fix the leak, Starck said.
The sulfur dioxide is used in the company's process in treating glass.
Poudre Fire Authority crews responded as well — they brought extra personnel and additional monitoring equipment.
"Hazmat takes a long time," Dann said. "It's very labor intensive, that's why PFA is here. ... It's to help make sure the entry team is dressed properly — so, it takes a lot of folks to do that. Once we know it's a hazmat scene, everything slows down and we become very deliberate."
According to reports on the scanner, the leak was contained at 12:56 p.m.
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North Van Buren Avenue was closed from West Eighth Street to West 10th Street while crews worked.