Responding to a Spillage

Spillages can happen in most production business (it is also a big issue for supermarkets where shoppers can be at risk), but some spillages are worse than others and can lead to bigger consequences. Depending on the situation, spillages may require different actions: stopping and cleaning it up; letting it evaporate (if the dangers are too high for other measures); or contacting the emergency services. Spillage can harm workers and others in various ways, and it is often essential to handle a spillage quickly and properly.

Harm caused by spillages

Spillages can cause harm (and loss) in various ways, such as:

• Spillages can cause workers and others to be injured in a spilling accident following a spill (oil, water, other liquids on floor)
• Contact with a hazardous substance can cause harm (corrosive or toxic materials, for example)
• Spillages of flammable liquids can result in fires (such as petrol, solvents, etc.)
• Spillages can cause production delays (taking time and resource to deal with)
• Spillages can result in environmental damage (chemicals into watercourses, etc.)

Plan ahead

It is important to be ready for a spillage and know how to handle it. When assessing the risks of an operation, we should think about how to deal with accidental releases, such as spills and leaks. The problem will be easier to solve if we have the right materials and people know how to use them. Make sure that the risks to the spillage response team have been assessed, and that they are not exposed to danger.

Preventing or minimising spillages may sound obvious, but it can be achieved by planning ahead. How substances are stored or transferred can make a big difference in preventing loss of containment. Secondary containment (such as bunding can reduce the effects of a spillage, and the role of tertiary containment (such as interceptor systems can be important for lowering the environmental impact of bigger spillages.

How to respond to a chemical spill

When there is a risk of a spillage, it is important to train people to act fast and appropriately. This is like dealing with an injury (with a First Aider) or a Fire (with Fire Wardens). The larger and more harmful the possible spillage, the stronger the response should be.

Some simple things to consider:

• A simple spillage response procedure (that people have been trained in)
• Speedy access to relevant safety information (such as the safety data sheet)
• Spillage response kit
  • Suitable for the size of potential spillages (25 litre drum, 205 litre drum, 1000 litre IBC, etc.)
• Provision of suitable PPE (to protect those addressing the spillage)
• Simple procedure (SOP, Work Instruction, etc)
• Designated Spillage Response Coordinators
  • Responders trained to ensure that all aspects are considered (such as Teams to deal with the spillage, People to cordon off an area, First Aid Provision, Fire Fighting provision, liaison with the emergency services, etc.)
• Disposal of the waste from the clearance
• Learning from the spillage (treat the same way as a (serious) accident – do an investigation and learn the lessons

Simple Steps in Spillage Response or how to respond to a chemical spill

There are several approaches, and some may be more suitable to your business, but the main points to consider are:

• Assess the risk
• Select personal protective equipment
• Confine the spill
• Stop the source
• Evaluate the incident and implement clean-up
• Decontaminate the site
• Complete required report
• Learn the Lessons

Your problem-solving skills can reveal a lot about you and your business. How you handle a spillage and help to prevent environmental problems, stop a negative situation from escalating, or reduce the harm.