One employee was hurt after a 100-gallon Sodium Hypochlorite contained exploded at around 7:45 am Thursday at the Water Treatment Plant in the City of Martinez.
Martinez Police Officers, Contra Costa County Fire, and Contra Costa County Hazmat all responded to 3003 Pacheco Boulevard.
According to the City, one employee was transported to the hospital for assessment due to cuts and abrasions.
The city stated in a press release that the preliminary investigation revealed that employees were moving plastic containers of Sodium Hypochlorite when one employee noticed the container hot to the touch. The container suddenly exploded releasing the chemical onto the ground.
There is no indication that the explosion was in any way related to operations at the plant or actions by employees.
Employees acted immediately to contain the chemical and upon the arrival of ConFire and County Hazmat, containment procedures were initiated.
The container itself stored 100 gallons of Sodium Hypochlorite and the quantity released does not pose a threat to the community. Additionally, the water supply at the plant was in no way impacted.
The investigation into this incident is continuing and the operations at the Martinez Water Treatment Plant have not been impacted in any way.
The City of Martinez reported that there is no danger or impact to the surrounding neighborhood due to this incident.
4 comments
Must have been Anhydrous Sodium Hypochlorite. Sodium Hypochlorite is known as bleach which is stable.
It was sodium hypo not anhydrous. Lack of training was the answer.
Not Anhydrous but sodium hypo. Must have received a new batch and was over ordered. Lack of training would have suggested it needed venting until cooled.
Sounds like the wrong chemicals were combined somehow in the container, chemical reactions often generate excessive heat.
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