Chagrin/Southeast Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team

March 24, 1999

Bedford High School

Bedford, Ohio

On March 24, 1999, the Hazmat team was called to the Bedford High School to assist the Bedford Fire Department with a "spill" in the Chemistry Lab.

A storage shelf had broken and numerous bottles of acids and caustics, including hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid and sodium hydroxide had been spilled and mixed together. A vapor cloud had formed and was discovered by custodial personnel before school opened.

The initial entry for an "unknown chemical spill" was made in Level A with flash protection. The monitors showed no elevated LEL and no low oxygen. pH strips did indicate an acid vapor in the area of the classroom.

pH paper also indicated the material on the floor to be acidic. The first team reconned the area and inventoried the spilled materials.

The second entry team removed the undamaged containers, secured the shelving to prevent additional collapse, and removed flammables for a nearby potentially damaged cabinet.

The site was ventilated and a clean-up plan was agreed upon and implemented. School remained closed for four days during the cleanup operation by the cleanup contractor.

Incident Photos

© Chagrin/Southeast Council of Governments - 2014