At 4:00 p.m. on May 10, 2021, an employee working for a chemical supplier was transferring chlorine-containing product from a storage tank into a tanker truck. A valve intended to direct the displaced contaminated air to be scrubbed of chlorine was accidentally left CLOSED. The chlorine-containing air was then not scrubbed and was allowed to escape into the atmosphere.
Employee #1, 43, was overcome by exposure to chlorine vapors and had to evacuate. Employee #1 contacted Employee #2 via radio and informed Employee #2 of the need to evacuate the area.
A coworker happened to be in the area and heard Employee #1 inform others to evacuate, so the coworker pulled the emergency stop valve, which stopped the transfer of all materials in the building.
Employee #1 and Employee #2 were transported by ambulance to the hospital and were admitted for treatment due to lung damage from chlorine exposure.