Chemical Reaction Prompts HazMat Response at Shick

On August 20, 2009 at 1455 hrs. the Milford Fire Department Emergency Operations center received a call from The Shick Corporation, located at 10 Leighton Road in Milford, reporting some kind of chemical reaction at the plant.

During a normal process a product in a cardboard container had begun to react giving off by-products of combustion (Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide). Personnel at the facility reacted quickly and placed the container into an over-pack drum and the brought the container outside of the building.

On arrival Fire Department personnel met with plant officials and began to deploy hoselines in case the combustion process intensified. Members of the Hazardous Materials Response Team, who on scene worked with members of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the chemical manufacturer to gather information. After consulting with the manufacturer a tactical plan was developed and crews used large amounts of ice to make the cooling process as fast as possible.

At this time the container’s temperature has decreased and the container has been moved to an isolated area. Plant personnel will continue to monitor the situation and work with DEP officials for cleanup.