INVENTORY LIST

WHEN A SPILL STRIKES

1.     ASSESS THE RISK: From the moment a spill occurs and throughout the response, determine risks that may affect human health, the environment and property. ALWAYS put SAFETY FIRST. If possible, identify the spilled material and determine how much was spilled.

2.     SELECT PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Choose the appropriate PPE to safely respond to the spill. Consult Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and literature from chemical and PPE manufacturers for the best recommendations. If you’re uncertain of the danger and the spilled material is unknown, assume the worst and use the highest level of protection.

3.     CONFINE THE SPILL: SPEED COUNTS! Limit the spill area by blocking, diverting or confining the spill. Use contained absorbents such as socks and booms as found in our spill kits. STOP the flow of the liquid before it has a chance to contaminate a water source. Spill Kits are designed to facilitate a quick, effective response.

4.     STOP THE SOURCE: After the spill is confined, stop the source of the spill. This may simply involve turning a container upright, or plugging a leak from a damaged drum or container. Products like the Repair Putty found in our spill kits as well as barrel patches and cone plugs are effective at stopping leaks. Transfer liquids for the damaged container to a new one.

5.     EVALUATE THE INCIDENT AND IMPLEMENT CLEAN-UP: Once the spill is confined and the leak has been stopped, it is time to reassess the incident and develop a plan of action for implementing the spill clean up. Spills are commonly absorbed. Pillows and Mat Pads are commonly used to absorb the remainder of the spill. Simply place the pillows and pads throughout the spill area. Unused absorbents are not hazardous. However, once the absorbents are saturated with oils, solvents etc. they may be considered hazardous waste and should be disposed of properly.

6.     DECONTAMINATE: Decontaminate the site, personnel and equipment by removing or neutralizing the hazardous materials that have accumulated during the spill. This may involve removing and disposing of contaminated media such as soil that was exposed during spill incident. An effective decontamination area ensures the health and safety of emergency responders.

7.     COMPLETE REQUIRED REPORTS: Complete all notifications and paperwork required by local and governmental guideline for reporting spill incidents. Failure to do can result in severe penalties.

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