Chemical Spill Causes Two Hour Evacuation of Two Campus Buildings
Two shelves in this chemical storage cabinet collapsed, breaking several glass containers on the floor
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Two shelves of a cabinet in a chemical storage room of the Agriculture Building collapsed shortly after 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, dumping several glass bottles filled with chemicals on the floor, where they broke, spilling the chemicals.
One researcher was in room 120 at the time of the spill, but was uninjured.
University of Arkansas police evacuated faculty and staff from the Agriculture Building and the Plant Sciences Building next to it. There were no classes being held in either building.
The Fayetteville Fire Department Hazardous Materials unit was called to investigate and worked with U of A Emergency Management and Environmental Health and Safety staff to find out what chemicals had spilled. It was determined that the spill was contained and posed no health risk, but that the chemicals needed cleaned up quickly to prevent possible reactions.
Environmental Health and Safety staff worked with Professor Bill Durham of the chemistry and biochemistry department to carefully and quickly move the chemicals. The chemicals were placed in containers and moved to a hazmat storage area.
Fans were placed in the Agriculture Building to air it out, and faculty and staff were allowed to return to the two buildings at about noon.
The cleanup was completed at 1 p.m.
RazALERT emergency messages were sent to the campus announcing the spill and evacuation, followed by an “all clear” message after faculty and staff were able to return to the buildings.
Contacts
Steve Voorhies, manager of media relations
University Relations
479-575-3583,
voorhies@uark.edu
Headlines
Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences
A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.
Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery
Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.
College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer
Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.
Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected
Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.
Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research
Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.