Chlorine Leak Evacuates Garage In Parsippany

A chlorine leak from a parking garage pump room led to the evacuation of approximately 70 employees in the attached building on Sylvan Way, according to the Parsippany Police. Parsippany Police got a call at approximately 9 AM this morning about the leak in the garage at 7 Sylvan Way.

Parsippany Police were told by building management that 13 to 15 3-inch tablets of chlorine had been inserted into a walter filter basket for an exterior fountain. When the pump inside of the parking garage was activated though, improper sealing by an O-ring allowed chlorine gas, which is both caustic and dangerous, to escape from the plumbing system. Exposure to gaseous chlorine can lead to blurred vision, burning pain, redness, and even blisters. According to the CDC, skin injuries similar to frostbite can occur if a person is exposed to liquid chlorine.

The Rockaway Neck Fire Department Haz-Mat, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, the Whippany Fire Department, the Morris Township Fire Department, Morris County Haz-Mat, the Morris County Fire Coordinator, the Par-Troy EMS, Morris County and Parsippany OEM, Saint Clares Hospital BLS and MICU, Morris County EMS Task Force, and OSHA all responded to the scene. Authorities evacuated approximately 70 employees from the building, and treated three individuals for complaints of breathing discomfort and a burning feeling in their eyes. All three employees declined further medical assistance.

The Rockaway Neck Fire Department Haz-Mat personnel were able to enter the pump room and remove the chlorine tablets that were inside the pump unit. After the building was ventilated, the air quality was confirmed safe, and employees were allowed to return to the building.

Image via cheriedurbin, Morguefile, used under Creative Commons.