Well, work was exciting today.
Things started smelling funny in the middle of a routine calibration test. Upon investigating, we found red transmission fluid pooling outside the pump room.
That can't be good.
We quickly brought the system down to atmospheric pressure and rushed to shut off the main hydraulic pump. Turns out the high side tube connection failed, spraying oil everywhere.
And I mean everywhere.
The boys started dumping cat litter while I ran upstairs to inform Health and Safety. The oil is nontoxic, but does emit a noxious petroleum odor. Of course we had the good luck of being directly across from the department break room. People were starting to conjugate and stare.
Health and safety followed me back downstairs with some high-tech absorbent (more kitty litter). She was relieved at the small puddle-- didn't look too bad.
Then we opened the door:
You can't even see the main pump in this picture. It's about 4 feet over to the right. The whole floor was totally covered.
Needless to say, she immediately called in Haz Mat.
The team was extremely efficient and laid back. They put on yellow suits (just like in the movies!) and calmly assured us that spills happen, despite all precautions. We helped scrub down random objects and spread out the magical absorbing peat moss. Everyone was relieved noone was hurt. I'm so glad I work with a great crew who's able to laugh at the absurd things in life-- like the perfectly dry containment tray under the pump. Not one damn drop of oil. Stupid thing.
Anyways, we all ended up going home early.
No comments:
Post a Comment