Hazardous Materials Response in Atwater Village
A mixing vessel overheated, triggering the safety valve to release and a cloud was visible in the Atwater Village area.
At 8:38AM the Los Angeles City Fire Department initially responded to an Automatic Fire Alarm (pull station activation) at 4541 W Electronics Place (DBA Huntsman). The first arriving fire company gathered information from the reporting party on scene and immediately upgraded the response to a Hazardous Materials incident.
With a vapor cloud visible, the Hazardous Materials Squad arrived on scene and immediately prepared for the technical operation of entering the facility. They use specialized gas meters to determine what, if any, hazard existed. Fortunately, the meter readings did not indicate any current threat nor the presence of any gases causing immediate concern.
LAFD officials worked with the business operators to determine what occurred and to identify the chemical product involved. The product “Reninfusion 8610” (a one-component epoxy system) requires a heating process and the mixing vessel overheated which triggered the pressure relief valve to safely operate as designed.
Approximately 200 personnel from multiple buildings within the complex self-evacuated prior to LAFD arrival and had no medical complaints. Some residents of neighboring areas reported a foul odor and were advised to shelter in place (closing all doors and windows) or to voluntarily evacuate south of the incident. The product’s corrosive hazards are with direct contact when it is in a liquid state
Anyone who experienced any medical distress is recommended to seek medical advice through their health care provider.
LA County Health Hazardous Materials is handling the investigation with South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD).
