Sweeney Hall was evacuated this afternoon due to an accidental chemical spill.

During class in Sweeney in room 3132, a third floor laboratory, a student was pouring hydrochloric acid from a glass bottle when it slipped from the student’s hand and shattered on the floor, said Annette Hacker, program director of university relations.

Hydrochloric acid is a solution of hydrogen chloride gas in water, and is highly corrosive, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. It is also one of the prime components of stomach acid.

An estimated two to three liters of the acid were spilled, Hacker said. There were no reported injuries at this time.

“We’re just glad no one was hurt,” Hacker said.

Ames fire department, Department of Public Safety, and Iowa State’s division of environmental health and saftey were on the scene.

The fire department assisted by a hazmat team were ready to go into the building at approximately 2 p.m. and neutralize the acid, said Robert Bowers, Captain of ISU Police. He said ISU environmental health and safety would clean up the spill after the fire department neutralized it.

Plastic suits were being put on before the fire department went in.

“It’s precautionary for them to suit up,” Bowers said.

He said the suits were being worn to make sure the entry was safe.

Sweeney Hall will remain closed until the spill is cleaned up. It is expected to reopen today, Bowers said.