Thursday, May 28, 2015

HAZMAT SITUATION AT WESTBROOK, MAINE LAUNDRY FACILITY WHEN BLEACH REACTS WITH AMMONIA AND CREATES MASSIVE VAPOR CLOUD





MAY 27, 2015

WESTBROOK, MAINE

Crews from several fire departments responded to a hazmat situation at a laundry facility in Westbrook Wednesday afternoon
The facility is located on Scott Drive, which is off County Road.

The facility is used to wash laundry from Maine Medical Center campuses.

Workers evacuated the premises and called 911 after a vapor cloud appeared in the building.
Officials said they believe that the vapor cloud was caused by bleach reacting with another chemical, most likely ammonia.
Firefighters from Westbrook, Gorham, Scarborough, Windham and Standish responded to the scene, along with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and chemical cleanup crews.

Employees were sent home.

Officials from Maine Medical Center said it is too early to know when the building will reopen.