1 Emergency and Disaster Response to Chemical Releases Spill Response Module 10

2 Overview Spill containment and remediation activities shall be directed in such a way that the protection of human life, health, and safety is paramount. Some of the general guidelines in handling a disaster or emergency response includes:  Use of the incident command system.  Using proper PPE, incorporation of the buddy system, designation of a safety officer.  Following the ten steps to a safe response, and use of appropriate decontamination procedures.

3 Terminal Learning Objective Participants will be able to implement procedures used in disaster response for releases and spills of hazardous materials.

4 Introduction Spill containment and remediation activities shall be determined and directed by the Incident Commander at the scene of an incident. These activities will be directed according to the following priorities:  Protection of human life, health, and safety.  Mitigation of environmental harm.  Protection of property.

5 Levels of Response Limited to defensive action whenever possible. Limited to training, resources, and personnel.

6 Response Guidance Use the ICS. Identify all hazards. Get help from specialist employees. Use proper PPE. Do not come into direct contact with the hazardous substance.

7 Response Guidance Use the “buddy system”. Use SCBA. Have backup. Designate a Safety Officer. Maintain contact and communications. Use appropriate DECON.

8 Factors Affecting the Behavior of Released Hazardous Material Quantity of the hazardous material. Inherent properties of the material and of the container. Natural laws of physics and chemistry. The environment, including physical surroundings and conditions (ventilation, sources of ignition, etc.).

9 Prepare a Plan of Action Each step in the response needs to be planned carefully. Accidents are most likely to occur when drums and containers are being handled for the first time in an emergency.

10 Handling Drums and Containers When responding to an emergency, move drums or containers for only these reasons:  Gain access to other drums or containers that are leaking or failing.  Prevent injury to responders and support personnel because drums or containers are stored improperly or located in remote areas.  Prevent reaction with spilled or leaking materials.

11 Handling Drums and Containers When handling drums and containers be prepared for additional spills.  Absorbents  Diking material  Salvage or overpack drums

12 Transfer contents to a new or reconditioned drum. Bond and ground drums when transferring flammable or combustible liquids. Start transfer with full drum first. Handling of Drums or Containers OPEN AND DETERIORATED DRUMS OR CONTAINERS CONTAINING LIQUID

13 Handling Open and Deteriorated Drums If the drum cannot be moved without danger of it breaking open, immediately transfer contents to a new or reconditioned drum using a transfer pump. Use pumps designed for the class of liquid to be moved.

14 Using Overpack or Salvage Drums Record all label information from damaged drum. Record other useful information such as location and contents. Certify overpack drum is compatible with contents of damaged drum. Prepare label for the overpack drum.

15 Drum and Tank Repair Before proceeding with drum repair, make sure proper PPE and equipment are used and leaking from the drum has stopped. If leaking has not stopped, position the drum so the leak is above the liquid line. Lock the drum in position with wood blocks. Use a temporary plug or patch to contain leaking material.

16 Drum and Tank Repair Plugs, patches, and combinations of the two, make effective repairs.  Plugs can be wooden wedges, screws with washers, tubeless tire plugs, toggle bolts with washers, and expandable plugs. Patches include metal tapes, epoxy sealers, and mastic materials.  Patching can be accomplished by wrapping the drum in banding material such as rubber or neoprene and holding it in place with a metal plate.

17 Absorption Methods Floor Dry Sand Diatomaceous Earth Polypropylene Hazorb Vermiculite Activated Carbon Spill Pillows

18 Gel Forming Agents

19 Vapor Suppression Vapor from hazardous spills is suppressed by applying a foam blanket over the spill in a contained area. It is less effective if liquid is not contained and not effective if liquid is flowing.

20 Summary Response activities will be directed according to the following priorities:  Protection of human life, health and safety.  Mitigation of environmental harm.  Protection of property. Teams should observe general guidelines when handling a response to chemical releases.