Do You Know What to Do if There is a Chemical Spill?

Jun 13,2016

Sixteen people were injured in a chemical spill in Riverside County Thursday. The spill happened around 2:48 p.m. at a Starkist Foods canning warehouse in Mira Loma. Cal Fire and Riverside County firefighters responded to the scene, where 40 gallons of concentrated cleaning acid had spilled in the warehouse.

According to the fire department, the acid was being off-loaded from a trailer when one of the forklift arms pierced the container, causing the spill.

A firefighter was among the 16 people who suffered injuries from the chemical spill. All were hospitalized for treatment. The 15 workers suffered inhalation injuries and the firefighter suffered unspecified minor injuries.

County health department and hazard materials teams were dispatched to contain the spill and begin cleanup. The facility was evacuated, and Philadelphia Avenue was closed down between South Milliken and Vintage Avenues. The spill was cleaned up by 5:25 p.m.

If a chemical spill happens at your workplace, follow these basic guidelines:

Don’t touch the spill, walk in it or breathe it in.
Call the appropriate emergency numbers.
Report the spill immediately.
If you know what the chemical is, be sure to report that.
Unless you are part of the spill response team, safely evacuate the area.
Warn others to stay out of the affected area until it is safe to return.

“Hazardous chemicals are commonly found at many facilities. It’s important to know what to do in the event of a spill to keep yourself and others safe,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.