06/07/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley
Tulsa, OK—A 55-gallon drum ruptured, releasing a vapor cloud that exposed at least eight workers to a corrosive liquid chemical at Old Dominion Freight. Emergency crews were called to the scene at 2921 East Dawson Road, around 10:00 a.m., as reported by NewsOn6.com.
Authorities reported that a 55-gallon drum in the back of a freight truck ruptured when a piece of metal rubbed against the drum, releasing chloromethyl naphthalene, a corrosive liquid. Eight workers were treated for exposure after they came into contact with the vapor cloud.
Authorities said that the leak has been contained.
One worker “took a serious hit to the face” and was taken to a Tulsa hospital for treatment. Seven other workers underwent the decontamination process for superficial exposure, before they were transported to area hospitals for observation.
The decontamination process included a saline rinse to the eyes and a soap water rinse for the rest of the body. The process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
EMSA dispatched 20 personnel and six ambulances to the scene. Tulsa Fire, Tulsa Police were among those who responded to the scene.
Haz-mat crews are trying to determine the best way to clean up the spill. Chloromethyl naphthalene is used as a cleaning agent, which can cause respiratory issues and can leave a chemical burn on the lung tissue.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Oklahoma personal injury lawyers.
Media Information:
Address: 2921 East Dawson Road, Tulsa, OK
Phone: 866-598-1315
Url: http://NicoleHowley.visionsmartnews.com/tulsa-ok-chemical-leak-8-workers-exposed_681.html
