Crime & Safety

AIM Aerospace Sends 70 Employees Home After Boiler Leak

70 employees complained of headache and nausea after exposure to boiler leak.

AIM Aerospace, headquartered in Renton, sent home 70 employees and evacuated another 70 on Thursday morning following a leak from a piece of boiler equipment at 705 SW 7th Street.

The leak occurred around 6 a.m. and was noticed immediately and corrected, said Renton Fire & Emergency Services Deputy Chief Erik Wallgren; however, the company did not call for help until 10:42 a.m. after sending home 70 employees who complained of headaches and nausea.

Most cases clear up with exposure to fresh air, he said. As a precaution, the department called local hospitals to check if any similar cases had been reported. Nearby businesses and residents were not at risk, Wallgren said, although the department was still trying to confirm exactly which product leaked from the boiler.

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Another 70 employees were evacuated and assessed by Renton Fire. A total of 22 firefighters, three engines, two battalion chiefs, one aid unit and a hazardous material unit, responded.

The incident is now considered stable, and the department has recommended that the company consult an industrial hygienist to inspect the building and equipment.

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Renton Patch reached Production Manager Rich Mellick, who had no comment. AIM Aerospace has a corporate office and operations center in Renton. The company also has operation centers in Auburn, Sumner and Tacoma.


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