THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2015
PLATTEVILLE, WIS.
Seven people were sent to the hospital for observation and
precautionary measures following a chemical spill today in a University of
Wisconsin-Platteville building.
University officials said no injuries were reported.
The chemical “spill” occurred at about 11:45 a.m. in
Ottensman Hall, causing a reaction that released a chemical cloud throughout
the second floor of the building, according to a press release. The university’s
chemistry program is housed on that floor.
According to Jesse Decker, UW-P risk management specialist,
a small amount of lithium metal accidentally was dropped into a sink drain. The
reaction of lithium with water in the drain trap caused hydrogen gas and
lithium hydroxide to form.
Fire department crews responded to verify that the chemical
reaction was complete and to ventilate the floor. One student and six staff
members, whose names were not released, were exposed to the chemical cloud.
They were sent to Southwest Health Center for observation and precautionary
measures. They were released later Thursday.
By 2 p.m. the building was ventilated, the scene of the
spill secured and the ground, first and third floors of the building reopened.
Parts of the second floor will remain closed until further
notice, along with the main elevator for the building, according to university
spokesman Dan Wackershauser. He did not know how many people were in the
building at the time of the spill.
According to Decker, specifically for lithium metal, safety
protocols are followed as directed by the university’s safety data sheet.
“The quick work of our (heating, ventilation and air
conditioning) team under John Niehaus and extra ventilating fans provided by
the Platteville Fire Department allowed for quick venting and minimization of
the chemical,” wrote Decker in an email. “We will be reviewing this incident in
its entirety with the principal investigator, the chemical hygiene officer and
the chair of chemistry (department).”
Source: http://www.thonline.com