Chemical spill forces the evacuation of business

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Chemical spill forces the evacuation of business

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First Posted: 08 Mar 2006 04:52 pm

Chemical spill forces the evacuation of a St. Charles business

Beacon News - March 8, 2006

ST. CHARLES — No one was injured after a chemical spill created in a vapor cloud at a St. Charles manufacturing facility Monday afternoon.

According to the St. Charles Fire Department, firefighters were called at 1:48 p.m. to the Dukane Corporation, an advanced technology product manufacturer in the 2900 block of Dukane Drive.

According to a press release, a worker who was moving two chemicals — ammonium bi-flouride and sodium hydroxide — overturned the handcart he was using. When employees tried to clean up the spill, a chemical reaction caused a vapor cloud in the room, which was then evacuated and sealed off, fire officials said.

A hazardous materials team was able to package the materials and remove them from the building, according to assistant chief Joseph Schelstreet.

About 3:08 p.m., employees who had been moved to one section of the building were released to go home for the day.

"We're taking the cautious route," Lt.

John Kessler of the St. Charles Fire Department said.

The Dukane Corporation is handling final clean-up with the assistance of a qualified remediation team, fire officials said.

According to its Web site, the Dukane Corporation manufactures advanced technology products. The St. Charles location off Kirk Road is the main production and distribution facility.

St. Charles was assisted by personnel from the Geneva, Batavia and West Chicago fire departments, as well as the Aurora Fire Department Hazardous Materials team. All fire officials were cleared from the scene by 6:02 p.m. Monday, fire officials said.

SORCE:
http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beac ... MAT_S1.htm
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