Police Notes: June 29

Chemical spill forces evacuation of Bradley Corp.

Menomonee Falls - Menomonee Falls Fire Department officials responded to a 911 call reporting a chemical spill at the Bradley Corporation at 2:42 p.m. June 26. The company is located at N9101 Fountain Boulevard and manufactures plumbing parts.

Employees were stabilizing a cleaning agent when the container over pressurized and failed, releasing hydrogen peroxide and methyl ethyl ketone (a solvent) into an enclosed area. When five employees who were sent into the room to clean up the spill exhibited signs of chemical exposure (watery eyes, difficulty breathing), company officials evacuated the building and called 911.

In all, 380 people were evacuated from the building.

MFFD responded to the scene and evaluated seven people for chemical inhalation. Five people were transported to the hospital for observation. All five people were treated and released.

The spill was contained in the enclosed room and did not affect workers in other areas.

Waukesha Hazardous Material team responded to clear the room of chemicals. The scene was officially cleared at 6:47 p.m.

Menomonee Falls Fire Department received assistance from emergency units from Germantown, Lannon, Butler, Mequon, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Richfield and the city of Waukesha Hazmat team, along with Waukesha County Emergency Management.

"The emergency evacuation process Bradley had in place worked perfectly," Menomonee Falls Fire Chief Jeffrey Hevey said. "No one was damaged by the container failure."