A nursing home in Colorado was temporarily evacuated on April 22 after a chemical incident led to the formation of a vapor cloud inside the facility. Emergency services were dispatched shortly before 9 a.m. following reports of a strong odor.
Upon arrival, hazardous materials teams found that bleach and Drano had been mixed together by cleaning staff in an attempt to clear a clogged drain. The reaction between the substances produced chlorine gas, resulting in a visible vapor cloud and immediate symptoms among staff in the vicinity.
Twenty-three out of the facility’s 43 residents were evacuated for safety and remained outside the facility for about an hour. The building’s ventilation system contributed to the spread of the gas, prompting further safety concerns about potential exposure throughout the facility.
Three individuals experienced respiratory symptoms as a result of the incident. Two were transported to the hospital with minor injuries; none of those affected were residents.
Compliance Perspective
Issue
While individual cleaning products are generally safe when used correctly, combining them can cause dangerous chemical reactions. Staff must be knowledgeable about the chemicals used in the workplace and have easy access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each product, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Each available chemical must also be properly labeled. Employees must be taught to never mix chemicals, and a designated person within your facility should be available to employees if they have further questions.
Discussion Points
- Review and update your facility’s hazardous materials policies and procedures to ensure they clearly prohibit the mixing of chemicals, and that SDS are readily accessible. Confirm that procedures align with OSHA regulations and reflect current best practices for chemical safety in long-term care settings.
- Train staff on the facility’s hazardous materials policies and procedures. Training should highlight the risks associated with mixing cleaning agents and provide clear guidance on how to locate and access SDS within the facility.
- Conduct periodic audits to assess employee awareness of chemical safety protocols, including the location and use of SDS.
*This news alert has been prepared by Med-Net Concepts, Inc. for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.*