The Chemistry Building was reopened at 2:15 p.m. after workers in the building smelled a strange odor that made them feel nauseated and called 911.
There were no dangerous or harmful chemicals found, and the cause of the odor detected by the workers is still unknown.
The Lee County Hazardous Materials Team searched the building using specialized equipment and protection, but were unable to find any dangerous chemicals, even after inspecting the building a second time with no protection, said Chance Corbett, associate director of emergency management for Auburn University public safety.
Original Story: At approximately 9:41 this morning, a 911 call was made after an unknown odor was detected in the Chemistry Building.
An AU Alert was sent to all students and faculty informing them of the situation and advising them to stay clear of the building.
Workers removed a ceiling tile to find a mysterious odor that made them feel dizzy and nauseated, according to Chance Corbett, associate director of emergency management for Auburn University public safety.
The building was evacuated as a precaution and Auburn and Opelika fire departments, Auburn University Risk Management, Auburn University Public Safety and Auburn University HAZMAT are on the scene.
The substance is still unknown and a perimeter has been set up around the building by the Auburn Police Department.
“They (responders) are going to go in firefighting gear, respiratory gear, they’re going to go in with the meters, check it out, see what’s going on, see if they can determine what it is and if it needs a more detailed response,” Corbett said. “From that point on, if it’s something they can handle themselves, they’ll handle it.”
The fire department is not initially employing its level A HazMat suits, which are the most chemical resistant, but if the substance warrants, the level A suits will be used, Corbett said.
“We arrived on scene, we isolated the building, we’ve got it shutdown for right now, until we can determine what’s going on,” said Lee Lamar, Auburn fire chief.
After the substance is identified, the threat will be determined and the fire department will take the necessary steps to resolve the situation.
A decontamination tent has been set up outside the building, and a medical team will give the responders a medical check before they enter and when they exit the building.
Check back with The Plainsman for more details.
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