The Ottawa Fire Department’s hazardous materials team was called to the hotel on Brisebois Crescent near Centrum Avenue at 8:48 a.m. on Saturday after fumes from chemicals being mixed in a mechanical room reached the pool area, affecting several people. A dispatcher told the 9-1-1 caller to pull the fire alarm to get everyone out. An OC Transpo bus was offered as a shelter. The OFS said two chemicals, about four liters of chlorine and half a barrel of muriatic acid, were accidentally mixed together. The hazmat team found dangerous levels of chlorine gas in the pool area. Chlorine is commonly used as a pool disinfectant. Muriatic acid is a powerful cleaner and is also used to reduce pH levels and alkalinity in swimming pools. Toxic chlorine gas can be released if not mixed properly. Paramedics say six people were evaluated at the scene and three were treated. It is unclear whether the affected individuals were visitors, employees or a combination of both. High powered fans were used to clear the air. Hazmat technicians dumped the barrel of chemicals into the pool to dilute it — a common tactic, OFS said — and brought the barrel outside for decontamination. Hazardous gas levels returned to zero at 10:46 am The Ottawa fire has cleared the scene and normal business has resumed at the hotel.
The 2 chemicals, chlorine and muriatic acid, were accidentally mixed. OFS HazMat technicians carefully dropped the barrel of mixed chemicals into the pool to dilute it. This is a common practice with these types of calls. The barrel was taken out and disinfected. #OttNews pic.twitter.com/J0FqpGzh0u — Ottawa Fire Services (@OttFire) August 27, 2022
