2008 Woodie Awards
Peck Hall evacuated after gas leak
Gas shut off, building secured, reopened shortly after evacuation
Kenneth Long
Issue date: 6/25/08 Section: News
An exhaust fan that fell off of the side of Peck Hall Wednesday night struck the gas regulator for the building, causing it to leak and leading to an evacuation of the building.
Facilities Management Director Bob Washburn said the exhaust fan, located above the gas regulator on the south side of the building, was rusted and fell due to deterioration, striking the gas regulator and causing the malfunction.
"We felt that it was prudent to evacuate the building," Washburn said. "There's always danger with gas leaks."
SIUE Police Sgt. Richard Delmore said the gas regulator began malfunctioning at approximately 9:15 p.m., emitting gas and a high-pitched noise.
"The gas began emitting outside of the building rather than inside," Delmore said.
The building was evacuated after the leak was discovered. Police also notified building engineers, the fire department and Ameren IP about the leak.
"The engineers shut off the valve, stopping the gas," Delmore said.
No injuries were reported because of the leak. Peck Hall was reopened later that same night, and police said there is no danger now.
Washburn said the exhaust fan has not been repaired yet.
"The exhaust fan serves the building's boiler system," Washburn said. "This time of year, we can run without it."
Washburn said Facilities Management has a gas "sniffer," a device that can measure small concentrations of gas.
"It's important that gas leaks be reported," Washburn said. "The more common gas leak happens in the gas line itself, which happens infrequently, but freak accidents can happen."
Washburn said in his fifteen years at SIUE, he has only seen one other "freak accident" with gas leaks, which occurred at the Supporting Service Building.
"While workers were removing a door frame, the door fell the wrong way, hitting a gas regulator," Washburn said.
To report a gas leak or other maintenance problems, contact Facilities Management at 650-3711.
Facilities Management Director Bob Washburn said the exhaust fan, located above the gas regulator on the south side of the building, was rusted and fell due to deterioration, striking the gas regulator and causing the malfunction.
"We felt that it was prudent to evacuate the building," Washburn said. "There's always danger with gas leaks."
SIUE Police Sgt. Richard Delmore said the gas regulator began malfunctioning at approximately 9:15 p.m., emitting gas and a high-pitched noise.
"The gas began emitting outside of the building rather than inside," Delmore said.
The building was evacuated after the leak was discovered. Police also notified building engineers, the fire department and Ameren IP about the leak.
"The engineers shut off the valve, stopping the gas," Delmore said.
No injuries were reported because of the leak. Peck Hall was reopened later that same night, and police said there is no danger now.
Washburn said the exhaust fan has not been repaired yet.
"The exhaust fan serves the building's boiler system," Washburn said. "This time of year, we can run without it."
Washburn said Facilities Management has a gas "sniffer," a device that can measure small concentrations of gas.
"It's important that gas leaks be reported," Washburn said. "The more common gas leak happens in the gas line itself, which happens infrequently, but freak accidents can happen."
Washburn said in his fifteen years at SIUE, he has only seen one other "freak accident" with gas leaks, which occurred at the Supporting Service Building.
"While workers were removing a door frame, the door fell the wrong way, hitting a gas regulator," Washburn said.
To report a gas leak or other maintenance problems, contact Facilities Management at 650-3711.
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