MARTINEZ, CA (CBS SF) —
An employee was injured Thursday morning by an explosion at the Martinez water treatment plant, according to a city news release.
The explosion occurred around 7:45 a.m. and involved a 100-gallon sodium hypochlorite container that workers were moving.
After one employee noticed that the container was hot to the touch, it suddenly exploded, releasing the chemical. An employee was taken to the hospital for assessment of cuts and abrasions, the city said.
Firefighters and county hazardous materials workers responded to the plant at 3003 Pacheco Blvd. and, along with plant workers, contained the chemical. Sodium hypochlorite is used for water purification and disinfection.
“There is no indication that the explosion was in any way related to operations at the plant or actions by employees,” the city news release said.
The incident did not affect the water supply at the plant or plant operations. The explosion is under investigation.
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MARTINEZ, CA —
An employee was injured Thursday morning in a chemical explosion at the Martinez Water Treatment Plant, officials said.
The 32-year-old man was taken to a hospital for evaluation of cuts and abrasions.
In a news release, Martinez officials said the explosion happened about 7:45 a.m. Thursday at the water treatment plant at 3003 Pacheco Blvd.
Employee said a 100-gallon Sodium Hypochlorite container exploded after an employee noticed the container was hot to the touch as it was being moved.
The blast released the chemical onto the ground and injured the employee.
The release said other employees acted immediately to containe the chemical and were later assisted by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighter and county hazardous materials officials.
The release said the quantity released does not pose a threat to the community and that the water supply was “in no way impacted.” Plant operations were not impacted either, the release said.
Officials said there was no apparent structural damage at the facility.