DOE News Release – Incident Alert
Date: June 12, 2007
Time: 3:55 p.m.
#3
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Small laboratory fire extinguished at the Idaho National Laboratory – one worker treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation
The INL Fire Department extinguished a laboratory fume hood fire at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory. The incident occurred at the INL Site’s Reactor Technology Complex (RTC).
· The laboratory technician sustained minor injuries while transferring red phosphorus. The technician was wearing protective clothing and working in a fume hood where the small fire occurred. The technician’s injuries have been treated at the Central Facilities Area (CFA) Medical Facility and no further treatment is necessary.
· 40 people in the vicinity of the facility were evaluated as a precaution. All potentially impacted workers in the area have been evaluated. A few workers have shown minor symptoms such as dry throat, coughing and slight eye irritation.
· The fire is out, and the fire department is monitoring the area. A team is developing a re-entry plan for the facility.
· The Advanced Test Reactor is not affected or involved in this event, which is at an unrelated laboratory facility located at RTC.
INL site Communications is continuing to gather more details about the incident. Further details will be provided to the media as soon as they can be confirmed. INL emergency organizations are responding to the incident. State, county and tribal officials have been notified.
INL’s emergency Joint Information Center at the Engineering Research Office Building, 2525 Fremont Ave., Idaho Falls, has been activated to answer questions. Media should call (208) 526-9206, not your regular INL contacts. Employees and the public can call (208) 526-5042.
-INL-
Media Information: (208) 526-9206
Public Information: (208) 526-5042
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