Hazardous goods incident at Safeway attributed to faulty batteries

The Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District (SHFAD) was dispatched to a hazardous materials incident at Safeway on October 1st.

According to a press release, information provided to emergency responders mentioned a possible gas leak that left people feeling unwell. During the investigation, Sweet Home staff used a gas monitor in the rear of the building, where there was a strong, sulfur-like odor.

The monitor warned about carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide, gases that can be considered highly toxic in certain concentrations. Evidence was strongest in an area with various cleaning chemicals, a floor sink, and natural gas-powered water heaters. This left emergency services with the decision to evacuate the building. Northwest Natural Gas and the State Hazmat Team were notified and the area was cleared and monitored until those organizations could arrive.

After determining that the odor was not coming from the natural gas system and that gas levels were at safe levels, SHFAD continued its investigation. The source of the odor was determined to come from multiple batteries, which emergency responders were able to locate in a floor cleaning machine and a pallet truck. Both had batteries that possibly failed during the charging phase and produced the gases mentioned above.

SHFAD removed these from the building while also using fans to clear the building of remaining gas. The fire department determined at 1:20 p.m. that the building was “all clear”; Just three hours after the first call.

One employee was evaluated for nausea and breathing problems without transportation.