ATHENS, Ohio (Sept. 9, 2004) -- A redundant safety system at the Ohio University Corrosion Center detected small levels of hydrogen sulfide gas during a routine maintenance procedure early Wednesday morning. An overnight cleaning operation failed to include the step of closing an internal valve, triggering the warning light that alerted university personnel to the presence of minimal residues within the fully-contained system. In response to notification by the university, Athens City units responded, as well.
Personnel at the center closed the valve and the residues were quickly eliminated. The presence of the gas never posed a health risk, and there was no human exposure to it due to its being confined within the safety containment system as designed.
The Corrosion Center conducts research on methods to prevent the corrosion of energy pipelines and works closely with Ohio University Environmental Health and Safety, and the Athens Fire Department to comply with all environmental and safety regulations.
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