Chemical leak at Pace plant- UPDATE
A chemical leak at Taminco Pace #4 plant located at 4575 U.S. Hwy. 90 was reported to Santa Rosa County Emergency Communications by the company at7:18 a.m. Thursday morning. A shelter in place order was issued as a precautionary measure for the east side of the plant and the public alarm system or sirens were activated.
Two employees and one truck driver were triaged on site and transported in stable condition toWestFloridaHospital for evaluation. One employee was taken to Santa Rosa Occupational Health. TwoEMS workers were also being evaluated atWest Florida.
The spill occurred during a rail transfer on company property and released DMA60, a methylamine-water mixture. The material released is used in pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals and water treatment chemicals. Taminco reports the situation was contained in approximately five minutes. The shelter in place notice was lifted at approximately7:45 a.m. when an all clear message of the public alarm system was issued. No offsite impact was reported.
About Sheltering in Place Orders
Chemical leaks can happen anywhere in today’s world. Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it’s simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside. The process of staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside is known as “sheltering in place.” Residents no matter where they live should learn what steps to take to protect themselves and their familybefore a shelter in place noticed is issued:
The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering in place that requires preplanning. If you are told to shelter in place, take your children and pets indoors immediately and:
- Close and lock all windows and exterior doors.
- If you are told there is danger of explosion, close the window shades, blinds, or curtains.
- Turn off all fans, heating and air conditioning systems.
- Close the fireplace damper.
- Get your family disaster supply kit and make sure the radio is working.
- Go to an interior room without windows that’s above ground level. In the case of a chemical threat, an above-ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed.
- Bring your pets with you; and be sure to bring additional food and water supplies for them.
- It is ideal to have a hard-wired telephone in the room you select. Call your emergency contact and have the phone available if you need to report a life-threatening condition. Cellular telephone equipment may be overwhelmed or damaged during an emergency.
- Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room.
- Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe or you are told to evacuate. Local officials may call for evacuation in specific areas at greatest risk in your community.
For more information, visitwww.santarosa.fl.gov/emergency.
