At 10:36 am on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 the Germantown Fire Department was dispatched to chemical explosion/spill at N116 W15970 Main Street in Germantown (Gehls Facility).
Upon arrival the FD was advised that Sulfuric Acid was accidentally mixed with Sodium Chlorite 25% by a contractor, the result was development of Chlorine and Sulfur Dioxide. The gasses build up in the container causing a pressure breach and released product and gas inside the facility.
All employees were evacuated and accounted for accounted for, 5 employees who were in the area of the breach were complaining of respiratory distress. All 5 were transported as a precaution to Community Memorial Hospital with minor respiratory issues. All were in stable condition.
A Haz Mat Box Alarm was requested which included the Washington County Haz Mat Team. A second alarm was additionally requested for manpower and a total of 6 ambulances were requested.
After an investigation of the extent of the release was accomplished, and after reviewing the Safety Data Sheets it was determined that flushing the product could diluted it to a safe point. The pH was constantly monitored to assure safety of all responders.
Air monitoring was completed inside the facility and the surrounding area by the Washington County Haz Mat Team and North Shore Environmental (a private Environmental Company contracted by Gehls for final cleanup).
Once the contaminated area was flushed and the pH was showing neutral, air monitoring was completed with negative results the facility was released to Gehls and North Shore environmental.
A total of 45 firefighter responded to this incident under the Wisconsin MABAS System. Additionally the Germantown Police Department assisted at the command post and with road closured and traffic control.