Operations report: Successful control of chemicals with turbine

On August 13, 2024, there was a major fire department emergency at the local swimming pool in Neumarkt, near Bolzano (South Tyrol). Due to a mistake during the filling of a tank with chemicals, the swimming pool had to be evacuated immediately, the surrounding area cordoned off and appropriate rescue measures initiated.

The incident was noticed by the operator, who had noticed a smell of gas. During water treatment in the technical rooms of the swimming pool, chemicals had probably been mixed, resulting in the formation of chlorine vapors. The vapors caused severe irritation to bathers and staff.

When the Bolzano professional fire department's chemical response team was alerted, one of our water mist turbines on a vehicle was also deployed to combat the formation of chlorine vapors and thus contain the escape of chlorine. Hazardous goods operations in chemical industries and refineries can pose a considerable risk to employees, residents and rescue services. EmiControls turbines are particularly suitable for this application due to their high proven efficiency in suppressing pollutants. Chemicals in the air are effectively bound by water mist and prevented from spreading in the air.

After the operation, the affected rooms were ventilated and the mixed substance was pumped into special containers by the fire department and a specialist company. The Neumarkt volunteer fire department, the decontamination team from the Auer volunteer fire department, the White Cross, the Pelikan 1 emergency helicopter, the authorities and representatives of the Office for Air and Environmental Protection were also involved in the operation.

All of the 12 people who suffered mild to severe poisoning as a result of the chemical spill are in good health and have since been discharged from hospital in Bolzano. No one suffered life-threatening injuries. Thanks to the quick reaction and intervention of the people on site and the emergency services, it was fortunately possible to prevent worse.

Pictures, further sources of information and incident reports:

• stol.it, including video of the operation
• Provincial association of volunteer fire departments in South Tyrol
• Neumarkt Volunteer Fire Brigade
• Auer Volunteer Fire Brigade