Wrentham Fire Department Responds to Tier 1 HazMat Incident at Water Treatment Plant

WRENTHAM — Chief Antonio Marino reports that the Wrentham Fire Department responded to a Tier 1 HazMat incident Tuesday morning at the town’s water treatment plant.

At approximately 9:20 a.m., the Wrentham Fire Department responded to Water Treatment Pump Site Number 3, 655 Franklin St. for a report of workers that were injured from accidental chemical exposure.

Two workers, ages 40 and 23, suffered non-life threatening injuries and were transported by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. The 40-year-old employee was seriously injured after being sprayed in the face and eyes with a chemical. Both were wearing protective eye equipment at the time.

The initial investigation indicates that the two employees were conducting routine maintenance when a pressurized hose began to leak and sprayed potassium hydroxide on the employees. The cause of the leak remains under investigation.

As is protocol when incidents involve chemical exposure, the Wrentham Fire Department called for a state hazardous materials team to respond to the scene and notified the Department of Environmental Protection.

The HazMat crew assisted in cleaning up the small amount of liquid that spilled and ensured that the scene was safe.

The scene was cleared at approximately 11:20 a.m.

Chief Marino would like to thank the members of the Wrentham Police Department and the Norfolk and Foxborough fire departments that responded to the scene to assist.

###