March 31, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2008-23)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-2857/Fax: (251) 208-2861
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
MOBILE HAZ-MAT TEAM RESPONDS TO STATE DOCKS
Mobile Fire-Rescue Department’s Haz-Mat Response Team was called to the Alabama State Docks at approximately 2:31 a.m. Monday morning, March 31. The call was for a 23 metric ton ISO container, containing approximately 4 thousand gallons of Chloroacetic Acid that had fallen off the back of a truck causing a small amount of the product to spill.
One female docks security officer was transported to Mobile Infirmary as a precaution because she had stopped her security vehicle in close proximity to the container.
The container, which had a steel frame built around it appeared to have received only minor damage and small spill came from the dome at the top of the container. The area immediately around the container was secured and there was no threat outside the docks area.
The container was being off loaded from the ship Star Grip onto an awaiting truck. The truck once loaded proceeded to it’s destination on the docks property when it went around a curb the container fell off the back and came to a stop on its side.
At approximately 6:45 a.m. the container was up righted using a large fork lift designed to move the large shipping containers around. The scene was secured and turned over the State Docks for clean up.
Chloroacetic Acid is a corrosive and poison and is dangerous if inhaled, ingested or skin contact is made.
Engines 3, 15, truck 10, haz mat 15, rescue 3, 14 and District Chief Frank Byrd, Deputy Chiefs Richard Brannon and Randy Smith.
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