Spill Prevention & Response Safety

Spill Prevention & Response

The following are general requirements for any hazardous substances stored or used at this facility.

General Requirements

  • Ensure all hazardous substances are properly labeled.
  • Store, dispense, and/or use hazardous substances in a way that prevents releases.
  • Provide secondary containment when storing hazardous substances in bulk quantities (~55 g).
  • Maintain good housekeeping practices for all chemical materials at the facility.
  • Routine/Daily checks in the hazardous substance storage area

Here are some basic procedures you can learn for dealing with a spill. Be sure to get the specific steps you should take for the chemicals you work with.

  • Alert people in the area of the spill.
  • Call the appropriate emergency numbers, which should be posted at each telephone.
  • Attend to any injured persons, removing them from exposure and getting to a safety shower if necessary.
  • Depending on the nature of the chemical, you might need to open windows and doors to provide ventilation, close up the affected area to contain spills or turn off heat and other ignition sources.
  • If you are trained and authorized, use the appropriate materials to absorb or contain the spill. For instance, you might have kits to neutralize spilled acids or bases. For other chemicals, you could be required to sprinkle an absorbent litter on a spill, or surround the spill with a dam.

Do not attempt clean-up under these circumstances:

  • You don’t know what the spilled material is.
  • You don’t have the necessary protection or the right equipment to do the job.
  • The spill is too large.
  • The spill is highly toxic.
  • You feel symptoms of exposure.

Learn your part in the spill response plan for your department. If there is no such plan, ask your supervisor to work with the management and safety department in establishing one.