LAFD Handles Northridge Chemical Spill that Sends Three to the Hospital

NORTHRIDGE - Los Angeles Firefighter/Paramedics (LAFD) evaluated 21 patients Monday after a small chemical spill at a large two-story medical technology building, doing business as Metronic.

On July 22, 2013 the Los Angeles Fire Department was called to 18000 Devonshire Street at 12:49 p.m., where they found under a gallon of butyl acetate a polyimide rinse spilled on the first floor. The entire building was evacuated.

Two workers came in contact with the product and took themselves to the hospital prior to the LAFD arriving on scene. A total of 21 workers were carefully evaluated by firefighter/paramedics for non-life threatening complaints, and three were transported to the hospital in minor distress due to respiratory irritation.

A total of 57 firefighters including a LAFD Hazardous Material Team, all under the command of Assistant Chief Andrew Fox, quickly and meticulously handled the incident. Firefighters remained on scene for nearly three hours and patiently escorted workers back inside the building to gain personal items.

The LA County Health Haz-Mat performed the cleanup and Cal/OSHA was notified.

Dispatched Units: E70 E87 SQ87 T87 E287 RA87 RA18 JT3 JT5 E103 E107 RA107 RA75 EM15 EM10 BC15 HU88 RA878 E98 DC3 RA828 RA70 RA73 EM17

(Video)

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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