Chemical Spill at Alaska Airlines Cargo Hangar

Shortly after 3:00 a.m. this morning eleven Anchorage Fire Department units responded to the Alaska Airlines Cargo Hangar located at 4100 Old International Airport Rd. for a reported chemical spill.  Reports from employees on location to Airport Public Safety Dispatchers reported a forklift had run over a formaldehyde container.

Airport Police and Fire units also responded and began to cordon off the area and assist with evacuation of employees.  A joint operation ensued between Airport and AFD responders to determine the exact type and quantity of the product released.  Once the Material Safety Data Sheets were examined AFD Hazmat technicians wearing special protective gear entered the building to contain and clean up the spill.  The spill covered an area approximately 4’ x 8’ amounting to about 1 quart of fluid.  Hazmat technicians used absorbent pads to clean up the spill and removed it from the hangar for disposal. Alaska Airlines will be responsible for final disposal of the substance. Employees were permitted back into the building a little over an hour after the incident occurred.  AFD and Airport responders were on scene for approximately 1 ½ hours.

AFD and Airport officials interviewed the employees working in the area and believe the spill resulted while the product was being moved by the forklift.  The operator did not realize the container had been punctured and began moving the pallet.  Two employees were exposed to the chemical and experienced some minor irritations.  They were examined by AFD medics on scene and refused further care.  Formaldehyde in large quantities and exposure can be extremely harmful if it comes in contact with the skin or inhaled.

Although an unusual response for both agencies AFD officials commented on a well coordinated operation.  The building was evacuated quickly and the area cordoned off.  AFD responders were provided with necessary information quickly and were able to communicate with Airport responders on a unified channel.  This incident is a great reminder for area businesses having chemicals on their locations to have MSDS and product information readily available and to take appropriate measures immediately when a spill or release occurs.  Areas should be cordoned off and anyone exposed to chemicals should be isolated away from those who were not exposed.