Steps for cleaning up a chemical spill When we spill Steps for cleaning up a chemical spill
What would you do in this situation?
Selection and Purchase Pesticide Use Cycle Selection and Purchase of Insecticide Transportation Disposal -excess -containers -spill waste Accidents and Spills Storage Application Mixing and Diluting
Accidents and Spills Maintaining composure is the key to avoiding disaster. Have a plan! Practice your plan!
Accidents and Spills Protect yourself Stop the Source Put on appropriate PPE Stop the Source Close a valve, plug a hole Protect others and the environment Isolate the spill, rope off area if necessary Keep the spill from entering water, sewer, drain etc. Stay at the site Neutralize and cleanup
Clean Up Clean up the spill: Liquids: Sweep up the absorbent material (Soak Up). Place material in container. Tag/label Keep adding absorbent material until all liquid is soaked up. Solids: Sweep up. (reuse?) Place in bag or container. Tag/label
Decontaminate the Site Once you have collected as much of the spilled material as possible, decontaminate the spill site. Do not hose down with water! DILUTION IS NOT THE SOLUTION!
Decontaminate the Site What type of surface? Non-porous Sealed concrete, glazed ceramic tile, etc… Use water (chem. recommendation from label) and a detergent solution to remove the residue Do not allow any of the wash solution to run off Place fresh absorbent material Remove absorbent material and package. Tag/label.
Decontaminate the Site Porous surface soil, unsealed wood, carpet, etc… follow directions on label May need to remove and dispose of surface Depending of the size and toxicity Can the site be neutralized?
Neutralize the Site The pesticide label will give instructions Neutralizing commonly consists of: strong bleach and hydrated lime work into spill site with broom apply fresh absorbent material dispose of absorbent material (Tag) Note: REPEAT IF NECESSARY
Neutralizing Soil To neutralize soil - refer to label or MSDS first remove and dispose of top soil activated charcoal (small spills) binds pesticide pour 2-3” of lime cover with fresh top soil
Talstar - cleaned by HazMat. 35 - 40 gallons of diluted Talstar - cleaned by HazMat.
Decontaminate Equipment Clean vehicle Equipment Remember: porous equipment may have to be discarded Personal Protective Equipment wash thoroughly using manufactures instructions Strong mixture of chlorine bleach, detergent and water
Decontaminate Yourself As soon as you finish with the spill and equipment clean up concentrate on your personal hygiene Water and mild detergent Avoid recontamination
Reflect on how the pesticide spill could have been prevented
Follow Up Documentation Photographs Diagrams Detailed and legible report Ink (black or blue)
WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR SPILL KIT. Each Pest Control Vehicle Should Have A Properly Outfitted Spill Kit.
Spill Kit Telephone numbers Various gloves, footwear, apron Protective eye wear An appropriate respirator for the job Containment equipment “snakes” Absorbent material Shovel, broom, dustpan
Spill Kit Heavy-duty detergent A fire extinguisher rated for all types of fires Sturdy containers Plastic bags Coveralls Caution Tape
Small Spills 1 to 2 gallon spills use cat litter or other absorbent material to contain the spill (wear protective clothing) Sweep up material into dustpan and place in trash bag Carry trash bag back to office for proper disposal
Training Activities: Careful…slippery when wet ! Conduct a mock spill clean-up Inspect trucks for spill kit contents Develop a call list Review the reporting process
You should: Know your County and State regulations regarding accident and chemical spill reporting Have a rehearsed action plan for this type of event Have all technicians and mangers properly trained on spill containment Make sure each vehicle is properly maintained and equipped