HAZMAT Team Responds to Refrigerant Leak

Syracuse, NY- On July 8, 2023, at 2:58 p.m., the Syracuse Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team (HAZMAT) was alerted by the Onondaga County 911 center to a possible incident at 142 Glenwood Ave. The initial report was that an occupant adjusting a window air conditioning unit had accidentally caused refrigerant to leak from the unit. SFD Haz-Mat 2 was initially dispatched to the scene to investigate. Syracuse Fire Department HAZMAT is equipped with specialized meters and detection equipment to detect and measure leaks of refrigerants that are present in equipment like window air conditioning units. When Haz-Mat 2 arrived, all the occupants of the home had safely evacuated.  Firefighters metered the air and found extremely high levels of refrigerant, and immediately requested a full HAZMAT team response.

 

Refrigerants are colorless, odorless gases commonly used in household air conditioners, as well as refrigerators and freezers. They can be extremely dangerous if used or handled improperly, or if accidentally released. Since they are heavier than air they can accumulate in low and enclosed areas. In addition to being toxic and flammable, asphyxiation can occur when oxygen is displaced in an enclosed space and can lead to loss of consciousness and in serious cases, death.

HAZMAT-1 arrived on the scene a short time later and firefighters began the process of mitigating the emergency. This involved putting on special protective suits, and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). A team then entered the home and removed the damaged air conditioner, placing it in a specialized container to be picked up by an environmental clean-up company. They then utilized large fans to clear any remaining refrigerant from the home. Firefighters remained on the scene and monitored the air quality inside until levels returned to zero. Once the house had been totally cleared of the dangerous gas, the occupants were able to return. There were no injuries reported to civilians or fire personnel as a result of this incident.

A total of 12 fire personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance and Syracuse Police also responded to the scene. We thank our partners at the 911 Center and SPD.