A hazardous materials crew investigated a possible gaseous chemical leak from a 40-foot shipping container on a trailer in a Wilmington shipping yard Friday, later identified as sodium hydroxide.
Crews responded about 9:10 a.m. to a trailer at 920 W. Harry Bridges Blvd., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The rig was isolated and a perimeter was set up at the shipping facility where the container is situated, according to LAFD spokeswoman Jennifer Middleton.
The substance was later identified as sodium hydroxide.
“This product poses no health hazard other than a topical irritation when touched,” according to Middleton. “There is no airborne threat associated with this product.”
Los Angeles Police Department hazardous materials handlers were dispatched to assist in opening the container, assessing additional possible risks or hazards and beginning off-loading the container, Middleton said, adding that the LAFD was in unified command with Los Angeles Port Police.
All shipping operations continued during the operation.