SASKATOON – A building in downtown Saskatoon was evacuated after a hazardous gas leak Wednesday. The Saskatoon Fire Department and Hazmat were called at 10:30 a.m. CT to 728 Spadina Crescent East.
Upon arrival, crews discovered that a small cylinder of premixed gas had accidentally been released as a result of clinic staff attempting to change the cylinder. The cylinder was filled with a gas used for laser eye surgery.
“There was a cylinder inside that’s used for a process for eye surgery. A gas used in a laser application,” said assistant fire chief Dave Bykowy.
“That’s a mix of Fluorine and helium. It’s kind of an exotic gas. We looked it up and that family of gas is indicated that it’s an irritant and inhalation hazard.”
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Along with the seven people in the building, 37 others from nearby businesses were forced to wait outside. In the interest of public safety, fire officials say a 100-meter isolation zone was established and secured by police around the perimeter of the building.
Hazardous materials technicians were able to repair the leak in just over an hour. Following that, the street was reopened and tests proved people were clear to return to the building.
No injuries were reported.
Leena Latafat contributed to this story
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