Safety

Drain cleaner mishap evacuates medical office

OSHA Healthcare Connection, December 12, 2005

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Don't underestimate the threat of everyday chemicals, especially during unmonitored use. A drain cleaner was the reason for a large evacuation of a medical office in Raleigh, NC, on November 23.

Employees and patients at Wake Internal Medicine Consultants complained of nausea, headaches, and a rotten egg smell, according to The News & Observer of Raleigh.

No one suffered any injuries, though authorities evacuated about 200 people from the building as a precaution. Someone poured the chemical into a clogged drain the night before, but the clog didn't loosen, which sent fumes into the rest of the building. A plumber later cleared the clog, The News & Observer reported.



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