Safety

Xylene spill closes Oregon medical building

Ambulatory Safety Monitor, January 2, 2003

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Ambulatory Safety Monitor!

Workers were evacuated from a Bend, OR medical facility after the chemical xylene spilled into the building's drainage system and caused a wastewater pump to malfunction on December 24, according to the Associated Press.

Officials from Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality responded to the spill.

Xylene is a colorless, flammable liquid that was used in the building to prepare microscope slides. Exposure to the chemical can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion and irritations to the skin, eyes and throat.

Workers from a Portland, OR environmental cleanup company removed the xylene, and will monitor the facility to make sure it complies with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's xylene standards.



Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Ambulatory Safety Monitor!

    Hospital Safety Center
  • Hospital Safety Center

    Improve compliance with hospital safety standards from The Joint Commission, OSHA, and other regulators with this...

  • Healthcare Life Safety Compliance

    Learn Life Safety Code tips and interpretations for healthcare facilities with this in-depth monthly resource.

  • Hospital Safety Connection

    Stay on top of hospital safety requirements and best practices with our free, fast-paced weekly update.

  • Administering Your OSHA Program

    This course will help an employee new to the role of OSHA safety officer. It gives an overview of OSHA requirements and...

  • Medical OSHA Manual Combo

    Get into compliance with Quality America's OSHA Safety Program Manual and stay in compliance with OSHA Watch Newsletter...

Most Popular

Related Articles