Hazardous Chemical Spill Response and Containment Program

Organizations have two options for responding to a chemical spill: OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) Organizations have two options for responding to a chemical spill: Evacuate all employees and call in professional emergency response personnel OR Respond internally

Companies that opt to respond internally to chemical spills must have an emergency response plan that includes comprehensive training for employees. OSHA forbids the involvement of untrained employees in responding to a spill.

In the event of a chemical spill: Alert and evacuate all non-essential personnel Shut off electrical equipment and stop all hot work Administer first aid to victims Remove them to fresh air Remove contaminated clothing and flush contaminated skin and eyes with water for 15 minutes. If anyone has been injured or exposed to toxic chemicals or chemical vapors, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.

Confine the spill Close any doors if possible Prevent people from entering the area by blocking off areas leading to the spill Post staff by entrances to warn people and direct them away from the spill

Emergency response personnel who perform spill control work are expected to: Wear the proper protective clothing and equipment Follow the established standard operating procedures for spill control Be trained in the use and care of spill control equipment Be trained in the associated hazards of spill containment work Read and understand MSDS forms Conduct practice drills

Standard equipment for spill control work A portable spill cart

Portable Spill Cart Should contain at least the following items: Mops and brooms Absorption materials such as pads, blankets, pillows Acid Neutralizers Barricade devices (mesh or tape) PPE (gloves, face shields, aprons, coveralls)

The chemical’s MSDS is the best reference for this information. A spill should be contained and cleaned based on the chemical’s physical and hazardous properties. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Non-Mandatory Form) Form Approved OMB No. 1218-0072   The chemical’s MSDS is the best reference for this information.

Mercury Accidental Release Measures Remove all sources of ignition Ventilate area of leak or spill Wear appropriate PPE: A full-face piece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator Impervious protective clothing including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or overalls to prevent skin contact Use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield where splashing is possible. Clean up spills in a manner that does not disperse dust into the air Reduce airborne dust and prevent scattering by moistening with water

Phosphoric Acid Accidental Release Measures Ventilate the area Wear appropriate PPE: Full-face piece positive-pressure, air-supplied respirator Impervious protective clothing including boots, gloves, lab coat, apron or coverall Chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield Neutralize spill with alkaline material Absorb with an inert material

I.D. Red (Liquid) Accidental Release Measures Eliminate all ignition sources Put on appropriate PPE Splash goggles Chemical resistant gloves and synthetic apron Respirator if ventilation is inadequate Absorb with an inert material Use detergent to clean the floor and all other contaminated objects Finish cleaning with water

Accident Investigation The safety coordinator and the emergency response team should investigate the incident What caused the spill? How can this type of accident be prevented in the future? Critiques should also be done after an incident Evaluate what worked and what did not How could the incident be better handled the next time?

Medical Surveillance Program The program should: Assess and monitor the individual’s health and fitness Provide emergency and other treatment as needed Keep accurate records for future reference

Handle ALL Chemicals with Caution Only trained personnel are allowed to respond to a chemical spill Refer to the MSDS for proper use, storage, cleanup and disposal of a chemical Use proper PPE when working with chemicals Be aware of the chemical’s physical and hazardous properties to prevent a chemical reaction THESE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES WILL ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL PERSONNEL WHEN WORKING WITH CHEMICALS.