NEWS RELEASE 07/30/12: Portland Fire & Rescue is Responding to Unknown Chemical Exposure
July 30, 2012
2:01 PM
UPDATE: Upon arrival, crews from Portland State Station 4 determined that one individual had contact with the substance. During a routine procedure, the patient was mixing approximately 30 pesticide chemicals when a small leak in the mixing vessel allowed small amounts to spill out. An unknown quantity was inhaled and spilled onto the patients hand.
Areas near the affected room were evacuated as a precaution, but monitoring the air revealed negligible levels.
The HazMat Team from Mill Park Station 7 decontaminated the patient, who was then transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. A HazMat crew, wearing protective clothing and SCBA's entered the room to assist with cleanup and isolation of the spill. With the use of their "Entry-Link Camera" (see photo), a wireless camera with monitor system that lets Incident Commanders see what was going on from a safe distance, employees were able to direct HazMat to where the spill was and what items were contaminated.
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Portland Fire was dispatched to 2130 SW 5th Avenue to report of a spill of an unknown chemical(s). 1 person is reported to have been exposed. HazMat Crews are onscene.