On Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 1:04 PM, 3 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 5 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Hazardous Materials Team, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, 1 CERT Coordinator, L.A. County Health, DOT and LAPD Haz Mat, under the direction of Battalion Chief Millage Peaks responded to a Chemical Investigation at 8506 South Osage Avenue in Westchester.

Firefighters responded to a reported chemical spill in a building, in the Westchester area. On arrival, the first Firefighters on scene found the occupants of the food manufacturing facility self evacuating. After gathering information, additional resources were requested. Firefighters taking proper safety precautions, with SCBA breathing apparatus and full protective equipment, entered the building to assess the situation. Air samples taken registered zero, but PH samples registered 4 around drains in the enclosed building.

8 workers from HACOR, Inc an airline catering company, complained of minor respiratory irritation and shortness of breath. 7 were treated and transported to area hospitals, with 1 refusing transport. The incident was caused by a plumber clearing a drain using a 93% solution of sulphuric acid creating noxious fumes. The building was thoroughly ventilated and the workers were rehoused at approximately 2:25 p.m.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department