UPDATE: The precautionary evacuation notice has been lifted.
SASKATOON – Eight people were treated following a hydrochloric acid spill in Saskatoon Friday morning. Firefighters and the hazmat and decon units were called to the business in the 800-block of 50th Street in the North Industrial area at 9:15 a.m.
Crews arrived to find a large spill of the acid and three people complaining of breathing issues.
They were treated at the scene for symptoms of respiratory distress along with five other people from nearby businesses. No one was taken to hospital.
Crews evacuated those in danger and set-up hazard control zones.
It was determined the spill happened when the highly corrosive acid was being transferred from the semi tractor-trailer hauling the product to an on-site storage container.
Crews used dikes to contain the spill and covered it with dry sand to mitigate the risk.
Saskatoon emergency measures organization used the command bus to coordinate activities between first responders and decontamination crews.
Hydrochloric acid can have a corrosive effect on human tissue. It has the potential to damage respiratory organs, skin, eyes and intestines.
The highly corrosive acid is used in many industrial applications such as refining metal. It is clear, colourless and is highly pungent.
Calvin To contributed to this story
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