Acid spill injures eight workers at Fort Atkinson plant
FORT ATKINSON—Eight workers were treated for injuries from a phosphoric acid spill at a Fort Atkinson manufacturing plant early today, officials said.
According to Fort Atkinson Fire Department Capt. Mark Schoenleber, at 5:15 a.m. today Spacesaver Corp. reported a valve broke on a 330-gallon container of metal cleaning solution at the company’s manufacturing plant at 1700 Janesville Ave on the city's south side.
About 275 gallons of the solution, which contained phosphoric acid, poured out onto the floor of the plant, officials said.
Jefferson County Hazmat and emergency responders from Fort Atkinson, Johnson Creek and Lake Mills responded to the spill, evacuating about 50 third shift workers at the plant and shutting down a street near the plant for several hours, Schoenleber said.
Eight plant workers came in contact with the acid, and were treated and released for “minor skin irritation” at Fort Memorial Hospital, Fort Atkinson, said Mike Ghislain, Vice President of Human Resources at Spacesaver.
For a full story, read Wednesday’s Janesville Gazette, read online in the Gazette’s E-Edition or check back at GazetteXtra.com.
Sep 15, 2010 at 10:41 a.m.
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werpknarly, thank you for the info.
Sep 14, 2010 at 9:26 p.m.
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so many post on here, so few know or take the time to inquire before "knowing" everything.. From MSDS of one type of phos acid cleaner.. http://www.jmnspecialties.com/View-docum... GENERAL: This product contains acids that are corrosive and can cause severe and painful burns on contact with any part of the body or if taken internally. The mucous membranes of the eyes and the upper respiratory tract are especially susceptible to these irritating effects. INHALATION: Inhalation of excessive concentrations of mist or vapor can cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract, resulting in coughing, burning of the throat, and a choking sensation. If inhaled deeply, edema of the lungs may occur. EYES: Contact with this product, either in gas or in solution, can cause severe irritation and painful burns of the eyes and eyelids. The acid MUST be removed quickly with thorough irrigation with water or there may be prolonged or permanent visual impairment or total loss of sight. SKIN: Concentrated solutions are destructive to clothing and on contact with skin, can cause severe burns unless promptly washed off. INGESTION: This product, when swallowed, can cause severe burns of the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus and stomach.. YES THEY DO KNOW the ingredents. all places of business are required to have MSDS on hand. ALL label have ingredients and 800 numbers to call for information. NO THIS PHOSPHORIC acid is MUCH MUCH more concentrated than in your can of cola
Sep 14, 2010 at 6:31 p.m.
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Do you really think that the workers and the responders had time to look up the ingredients? They took the safe route which is always the best.
Sep 14, 2010 at 5:18 p.m.
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Sigma40 is correct - it's not a really heavy-duty acid.
Check your Coke and Pepsi labels.....
Sep 14, 2010 at 2:18 p.m.
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This acid is basically harmless.... it would be like a bathroom cleaner.
Sep 14, 2010 at 2:16 p.m.
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