A employee at a small aerospace business in Orange accidentally knocked over a five gallon barrel containing acid Tuesday, triggering a hazmat response from the Orange Fire Department, officials said.
Orange Fire received a hazardous materials call around 3:21 p.m. and was told the acid gassed and bubbled after the spill, Ryan O’Conner, a spokesman for the department, said. The barrel contained phosphoric acid, commonly used to manufacture fertilizer or as a base for glue on aircraft.
The business in the 1200 block of West Collins Avenue evacuated its employees and locked the room where the spill occurred to try and contain any fumes. The fire department evacuated businesses nearby as a precaution, O’Conner said.
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One patient, the employee who knocked over the barrel, reported some skin irritation and was taken to a nearby hospital for a further check-up, but no other injuries were reported.
Anaheim Fire & Rescue and the Huntington Beach Fire Department assisted Orange Fire in neutralizing the acid. The operator of the business will be responsible for further clean-up.
The hazmat team will likely remain on sight until evening.