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County staff sent home after cleaning crew posted hazardous sign; later testing said chemicals were not toxic
Summary
County HR said Rainbow International disinfected an area above the sheriff’s office ceiling. Staff were sent home with administrative leave after a sign warned of toxic chemicals; Rainbow later verified the chemical was not toxic and likely an irritant.
Geary County human resources staff reported a December 17 incident in which cleaning contractor Rainbow International disinfected an area above the ceiling in the sheriff’s office and a sign posted by someone in that area warned of a toxic chemical.
“Under sheriff Gilbert came and talked with Trish and I, and we authorized them to be sent home with admin leave. But we found out after the fact that, it was not toxic. They verified that with, Rainbow International,” HR Director Crystal Malcom said. Malcom added the county does not know who posted the sign and that it may have been someone at the sheriff’s office. She described the substance as more likely an irritant than a toxic chemical.
Commissioners were briefed that staff were given administrative leave while the event was investigated. Malcom emphasized she wanted the commission to know the chemical was not toxic and to correct any public statements that might claim otherwise.
The commission did not take formal action in the meeting record; Malcom said the county would follow up on communications and staffing impacts as needed.
