On Thursday, the USC community was alerted through a “USC TrojansAlert” email at 9:46 a.m. stating that a Hazardous materials incident occurred at Grace Ford Salvatori Hall at the University Park Campus.
The email linked the contact information of the USC Department of Public Safety.
An update was sent out at 10:32 a.m. stating that although there was no immediate danger, students were advised to stay away from the area until further notice. No other immediate information was provided.
Eric Johnson, the executive director of operations and maintenance for USC Facilities Planning and Management, said the FPM technician was conducting routine water treatment to the GFA boilers as part of the daily maintenance of campus boilers, during which two other contractor personnel were working in the general area. They noticed a chemical smell in the mechanical space and felt ill, he said. Both went to USC Student Health for evaluation and were released shortly after. They declined to be taken to the hospital for further medical treatment, according to LAFD reports.
LAFD HAZMAT entered the basement and conducted gas meter readings. No hazard was identified.
“The USC Hazardous Materials Division, LAFD, and the LA County Hazardous Materials Division responded and evaluated the space prior to clearing it for occupancy,” said Johnson.
Over an hour after the first email, a USC TrojansAlert email was sent out at 10:53 a.m. saying, “The hazardous materials incident at Grace Ford Salvatori Hall at UPC has concluded. The area is now safe.”