June 25th, 2007 - Southside, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, PA -- Pittsburgh Hazardous Materials team responded to the 7th floor Pharmacy of UPMC Southside Hospital on Jane Street. 4 ounces of the highly corrosive and dangerous inhalant Phenol, also known as Carbolic Acid, was spilled on the pharmacy floor and started eating through the floor.

Patients were quickly moved from the area and area sealed off as responders quickly arrived and started remediation efforts before any major damage or injuries occurred.

The hot steamy day outside the hospital made for even more of a challenge as responders had to suit up in full scba and chem level suits. The hospital which had to temporarily close its emergency room was back to normal in about 2 hours. Crews made sure all fumes were evacuated and no structural damage occurred.

Story & Photos by Nick Markowitz Jr