Ohio hospital evacuated after chemical mix-up

A gallon of muratic acid was poured into a barrel of chlorine by an employee working in a pool area

By Healthcare Facilities Today


A mistake made by maintenance personnel led to the evacuation recently of HealthLink clients and patients at Memorial Hospital Herbert-Perna Center in Fremont, Ohio.

A gallon of muratic acid was poured into a barrel of chlorine by an employee working in a pool area, according to an article on The News-Messenger website. The chemical reaction created a gas that filled the area.

When the fire department arrived, HealthLink clients and patients at Herbert-Perna Center already were evacuated. Firefighters moved the barrel outside and began ventilation with electric fans, the article said.

Herbert-Perna Center was closed for the rest of the day and reopened the next morning. Andrew Smith, Memorial Hospital’s marketing manager, said the hospital will work closely with the fire department to prevent future issues.

“We want to take a critical look at what we did well as a team, what the gaps are and what we can do better,” Karla Falls, the vice president of ancillary and professional services, said in the article.

Read the article.

 



March 11, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Designing for the Psychology of Waiting

A well-designed waiting room does more than fill time — it eases the patient experience and creates a more functional healthcare environment.


UT Health Sciences Breaks Ground on College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in 2029, with full occupancy by 2030.


Vandalia Health, Mary Free Bed Break Ground on New Rehabilitation Hospital

The new hospital will feature three stories and more than 93,000 square feet dedicated to comprehensive rehabilitation services.


Why New Era of Care Demands an Ambulatory Facilities Approach

The shift from hospital-centric to ambulatory care has outpaced most health systems’ operating models, creating urgency for a new facilities management playbook.


ClearSky Health Plans New Medical Rehabilitation Hospital in North Carolina

The hospital will provide specialized rehabilitative care to patients recovering from disabling injuries or illnesses.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.