27 Evacuated After Small Acid Spill at Hospital

A minor acid spill at Anaheim Memorial Medical Center forced the evacuation of 27 employees Monday, officials said.

Employees were told to leave the basement area of the building about 8:30 a.m. after a worker noticed that a 55-gallon drum of hydrochloric acid was leaking and giving off a vapor cloud, Anaheim Fire Division Chief Jerry Austin said. The hospital notified fire and hazardous-materials experts, who evacuated the area, which includes a loading dock and cafeteria.

The drum was inside a small hazardous-materials room that is equipped to handle dangerous chemicals.

The hospital reported no injuries, and patient areas were not affected. The 2- to 3-inch leak was cleaned up by a private company hired by the hospital. After showering and changing clothes, employees returned to work shortly after noon.

“We’re just pleased we worked well with Anaheim fire, police and hazmat,” said hospital spokeswoman Gina Esparza. “Everyone responded well and worked quickly.”

Hydrochloric acid is a common chemical frequently used to purify water in pools and spas. Fire officials believe that the cloud it produced was made of chlorine gas, which, if inhaled, can burn the lungs.

Austin said such acid spills are infrequent.

“It’s no more frequent than car fires; you just never know when they’re going to happen,” Austin said.