Warning! Danger Ahead
I worked in a lab with very strict cleaning procedures. Shower in and shower out; respirator sometimes required. I was working in the lab alone when the loudest fire alarm I’ve ever heard went off. There were lights flashing and sirens, as well as a robotic voice telling me to evacuate the building.
I was in a panic because I knew that if I went through the fire exit, I would contaminate all of the production wings. I also feared for my own life as the alarm seemed to indicate it was imminent. My coworker rushed into the room and grabbed me. We then evacuated via another airlock designed for such situations.
The situation turned out to be incredibly serious. Someone had dropped a toxic chemical 50-gallon barrel in the wing, and the production floor had to be shut down for an entire day.
