Uni Chemistry lab technician burnt
A TECHNICIAN WAS taken to hospital after a decontamination shower caused benzine and potassium on his clothing to ignite. The alarm was triggered at the Inorganic Chemistry building when the volatile reaction of potassium and water caused the benzine, an oil derivative often used as a fuel, to ignite. The quantities involved were said to be "very small" and the condition of the 25-year-old technician is said to be stable. The department Safety Officer, Dr Hugh Cartwright was not available for comment, but staff at the department said that "things like that are really rare, especially considering how big a department we are." They added: "They're really big on safety here."
8th Jun 2001