Safety

Chemical spill evacuates VA hospital

Hospital Safety Connection, February 24, 2005

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A hazardous chemical spill at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Manchester, NH, last week forced the evacuation of the second floor, the Union Leader reported.

A piece of sterilization equipment broke in the laboratory and spilled a few ounces of ethylene-oxide. The fumes from the chemical spill registered twice the acceptable level.

"We averted a possible serious situation by evacuating the second floor and testing throughout the building," medical center spokesman Jim Thompson told the Leader.

While no one was hurt, six to eight employees went to the emergency department complaining of nausea, Thompson said.



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