It's only a test

Tim Preston/The Independent

Wurtland May 08, 2008 08:10 am

— If you see fire trucks and emergency response personnel heading toward the DuPont plant in Wurtland Saturday morning, don�t be alarmed. It�s only a test.
Workers at the plant and area firefighters will be testing their response plans for a simulated leak of hydrogen chloride from a tanker car. The drill will begin when a smoke device atop a tank car is used to alert DuPont employees of a problem. Operators at the site will attempt to control the simulated leak with a water fog until backup personnel arrive and utilize a �capping kit� to seal the valve.
Members of the DuPont regional response team and the Wurtland Volunteer Fire Department will be also be called to the scene.
The test scenario involves the simulated release of anhydrous hydrogen chloride, which the Wurtland plant uses as a raw material ingredient to manufacture chlorosulfonic acid, which is a common ingredient in personal hygiene products, including many popular brands of shampoo.
Hydrogen chloride is a colorless gas with a sharp and pungent odor. It is nonflammable, although the compound is corrosive to metals and tissues, and is irritating to the eyes and lungs. The chemical is also used extensively in the manufacture of rubber, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gasoline refining and metal processing.
The drill is designed to test the response and actions which would likely be used if an actual emergency situation were to occur at the Wurtland plant.
Participants will gather after the drill to review and critique their performance, and note any areas for improvement.
TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.

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