A recent chemical incident in Torrington, Connecticut, has proven that like so many other lessons in life, the importance of properly storing hazardous materials is timeless.
The incident in question occurred at newly renovated photography studio that was once home to a prominent jewelry store that was lost long ago to the annals of time. Like so many other businesses of the time, the now-forgotten jeweler kept a safe on hand to likely store cash on hand and precious gems that were far too valuable for the display case.
Consider U.S. Hazmat Rentals to avoid similar spills
A digital safe like this could’ve prevented the spill we have detailed in this entry. At the owner’s defense, however, these were not readily available in the 1940s.
At the behest of the owner, workers began to remove the safe so it could be properly restored, possibly as an antique to accentuate the ambiance and mood of the photography studio. “We were clearing a space that use to be the old Sullivan’s Jewelry and it had a very old safe in it, an antique safe,” said property manager Brenda Davis.
While trying to remove the 2,000-pound relic, two vials of an unknown liquid, and provenance, fell out as part of “an old security measure.” We can’t be for certain which security measure the article was referring to, but it’s possible this measure is akin to the exploding packets of ink bank tellers will surreptitiously place in the money bags of brazen robbers during modern day heists.
You won’t regret a chemical storage building from U.S Hazmat Rentals
Regardless of the reasoning for the inclusion of the vials, what is for certain is that at least one worker has fallen ill as the result of exposure to the liquid. Despite the spill’s seemingly diminutive nature, it elicited a tremendous hazmat response in magnitude. In abundance of caution, the entire adjacent business and apartment complex was evacuated. Upon further investigation, authorities concluded that the chemical might be chloropicrin, which according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a lung damaging agent.
While we cannot fault the initial owners of the jewelry safe for this spill, as the U.S. Hazmat Rentals product line had yet to be developed, there are certain precautions the current owners should’ve considered before beginning this renovation project.
Work-site shelters
Prior to defunct jewelry store’s overhaul, contractors could’ve considered renting one of our work-site shelters. These shelters can provide employees a readily available safe room from dangerous chemical spills the very moment they happen. Made from solid plate quarter-of-an-inch steel with multi-lock point doors, these structures are perfectly created to withstand not only chemical spills, but also tornado and hurricane force winds in the event of severe weather. Contractors could’ve also used one of these lockers to quarantine the suspicious safe until hazmat investigators could arrive onsite to inspect it.
A work-site shelter can shield employees from dangerous spills, as well as dangerous storms.
Chemical storage locker accessories
When considering a chemical storage unit to alleviate the concerns associated with questionable material spills, remember U.S. Hazmat Rentals offer storage units that are equipped with fire suppression systems. These systems are engineered to help mitigate fire hazards associated with hazmat storage. A secondary spill containment system would’ve also come in handy in the jewelry safe spill as this system is designed to prevent the flow of liquids outside your hazmat storage building.
Call for a free consultation
Regardless of your worksite safety needs, a qualified U.S. Hazmat Rentals representative can point you in the right direction to address those worst-case scenarios. Contact us today for a free consultation so you can ensure your business remains federally compliant.
