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P.O. Box 1147 | Atkinson, NH 03811 | [P] 603 642-9200
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| WATER STREET - AMESBURY MA | |
| Emergency Response: Isocyanate Clean Up – Amesbury Mass. ECSI was sub-contracted to cleanup Roofing Debris at 31 Water Street which was an abandoned mill building located along the Pow Wow River (a tributary to the Merrimack River) in the town of Amesbury Massachusetts (May 7,2001 to May 23,2001). While ECSI was working on the roof a general contractor was working on cleaning up the basement of the same building. The basement floor was dirt and the top layer was being removed as part of the overall site clean up. During the dirt removal process a general contractor worker accidentally punctured a buried barrel. The barrel immediately began to leak a whitish gas that stayed low to the ground and did not mix quickly with the surrounding air. Upon closer inspection of the barrel, the chemical inside was identified as Isocyanate.* The fire department was immediately notified about the chemical leak. Isocyanate is extremely flammable and toxic. The fire department evacuated a half mile area surrounding the spill site. All machinery and vehicles were turned off to try to stop the possibility of a stray spark igniting the chemical. The area was then sealed off and a contament area erected. While the fire department was setting up the locked down area, ECSI was quickly organizing an emergency clean up of the area. As ECSI coordinated the clean up, efforts extordinary care was taken to prevent the Isocyanate from reaching the near by river. *Isocyanates Isocyanates are compounds containing one or more –N=C=O groups. These react with compounds containing alcohol (hydroxyl) groups to produce polyurethane polymers, which are components of polyurethane foams, thermoplastic elastomers, spandex fibers, and polyurethane paints. Health effects of isocyanate exposure include irritation of skin and mucous membranes, chest tightness, and difficult breathing. Isocyanates are classified as potential human carcinogens and are known to produce cancer in animals. Occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis are also reported. Potential Hazards [Fire or Explosion] • Highly Flammable: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks, or flames. • Vapors form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors, & sewers • Vapors may travel to source of ignition & flash back. • Most vapors are heavier than air. They spread along the ground. • Substance will react with water. • Containers may explode when heated or if contaminated with water. Health • TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or contact with vapors, dust or substance • Reaction with water or moist air will release toxic, corrosive or flammable gases. • Reaction with water may generate much heat which will increase the concentration of fumes in the air. Public Safety [Evacuation] • Initial evacuation 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions Emergency Response [Spill or Leak] • Eliminate all ignition sources • All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded • Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing • Stop leak if you can without risk • A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors • Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas ©2003 Environmental Compliance Specialists, Incorporated P.O. Box 1147 | Atkinson, NH 03811 | [P] 603 642-9200 | [F] 603 642-9223
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