Large deployment in Harburg clinic: Fire brigade is looking for hazardous substances!

Large deployment in Harburg clinic: Fire brigade is looking for hazardous substances!

On July 23, 2025, the fire brigade was alerted at 2:55 p.m. to examine a dangerous incident in the Asklepios Clinic in Harburg in Heimfeld. In the basement of the Medical Care Center (MVZ) in House 7, a caustic and lovely liquid had left, which made it necessary to intervene a large -scale contingent of firefighters. Firefighters were also used in special suits and a decontamination tent to control the situation. However, the exact chemical that had left could not be determined because the amount was assessed as too small, as a fire brigade spokesman explained.

During the work, three clinic employees complained of respiratory and eye irritation. These are typical symptoms for the inhalation irritating substances that can affect both the upper and lower airways. Such irritation can be triggered by chemical-irritative or toxic substances, among other things, and are often the cause of obstructive respiratory diseases, which can result in a narrowing of the airways. In this case, all affected employees were released from the emergency room, and luckily it was given in the evening: After extensive air measurements, no further health risk could be found.

safety data and chemical risks

Such incidents make it clear how important the correct classification and labeling of chemicals is. In the EU, the CLP regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulates the classification and labeling of dangerous substances to ensure the availability of information about chemicals in the supply chain. Safety data sheets are required for dangerous substances and offer important information for the safe use of chemicals.

These safety data sheets contain information about hazard profiles and are designed to minimize the risks for employees. Companies are obliged to provide these data sheets for the dangerous substances. The creation and update of these documents must be carried out regularly, especially if new information about dangers or legal changes occur.

The developments in the Asklepios Clinic once again show that close cooperation between all those involved in the chemical supply chain is necessary. This is the only way to manage such dangerous situations quickly and effectively.

For the health of the employees and all other participants in the clinic, this efficiently coordinated reaction to exit the hazard substances means great relief. It is therefore hoped that such emergencies can continue to be handled adequately and safely in the future.