The Incident
On May 28, 2025, more than 200 employees were evacuated from a southeast Calgary industrial building after an acid spill. Emergency crews, including hazmat teams in full protective suits, responded to contain the chemical release and assess the risk to workers and the surrounding community.
The spill occurred during normal business operations, forcing the rapid evacuation of the entire facility. While no fatalities were reported, the incident disrupted operations and exposed workers to potential chemical harm.
What Went Wrong
Details of the specific acid involved were not immediately released, but the scale of the evacuation — more than 200 workers — indicates a significant release of a corrosive substance. Acid spills in industrial settings can produce toxic fumes, cause severe chemical burns on contact, and contaminate the surrounding environment.
How WHMIS Training Could Have Helped
Acid spills are a textbook scenario for WHMIS training:
Corrosion Pictogram: The corrosion pictogram — showing materials eating through metal and skin — is one of the most important WHMIS symbols. Workers trained to recognize this pictogram understand the immediate danger of acid contact.
SDS Section 6 — Accidental Release Measures: Every SDS includes specific instructions for spill cleanup, including containment methods, appropriate absorbent materials, and when to evacuate. WHMIS-trained workers know to consult this section immediately.
SDS Section 4 — First Aid Measures: In the event of acid contact with skin or eyes, seconds matter. WHMIS training ensures workers know to flush with water for at least 15-20 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Emergency Procedures: WHMIS training covers workplace emergency response plans, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and communication protocols. The orderly evacuation of 200+ workers suggests some level of preparedness, but training must be ongoing.
Spill Kits and PPE: Workers in facilities that handle corrosive materials must know the location and proper use of spill kits, emergency showers, and eyewash stations — all topics covered in WHMIS training.
When 200 workers need to evacuate because of a chemical spill, the question isn't whether WHMIS training is worth the investment — it's whether you can afford not to have it.
Source: CityNews Calgary, May 28, 2025