In a retail outlet carrying various types of industrial supplies and equipment, white phosphorus smoke emanated from a vacuum pump. The incident occurred shortly after noticing a ground spill of water contained in the pump body that had been confining the phosphorus. According to the manufacturer, after being alerted by fire-fighters, residual phosphorus on sidewalls coming into contact with air triggered weak combustion. The operator removed the device from the premises and, in a preventive move, confined 70 employees. First responders confirmed the absence of hazard from the smoke release and ventilated the premises before personnel were allowed to resume activity.