University of Wisconsin-Madison officials from University Communications reported no injuries after a liquid nitrogen tank leak occurred at the Daniels ChemistryBuilding Monday evening.
The Madison Fire Department responded to the scene after liquid nitrogen began to leak from a tankon the loading dock on the Charter Street side of the building, according to University Communications writer Jenny Price.
The Madison Fire Department hazardous incident team controlled the leak until an industrial gas company technician arrived at the scene, according to a City of Madison news release.
Price said the building was evacuated and no injuries occurred as a result of the leak.
Channel 3000 reported that university officials said a recently serviced mechanical valve caused the leak.
Firefighters used gas monitors to test the air quality in the building before allowing people to return, according to the release.
UW-Madison tweeted the leak had been contained and the building reopened by 9 p.m.
Price said Mills and Charter streets, between Johnson Street and University Avenue, which were closed during the emergency response, reopened after crews contained the leak.
Liquid nitrogen is a colorless, clear liquid that remains a liquid even in low temperatures and can be used as a refrigerant or coolant.
Because it is so cold, liquid nitrogen can cause frostbite or eye damage upon contact, and it may cause substances to become brittle and shatter, according to UW-Madison safety training documentation.
When rapidly vaporized, liquid nitrogen can generate a large amount of force, which could cause a sealed container to explode or cause suffocation.
