Article Mill Supplies Metalworking Safety

Spill Response 101: What To Do When A Spill Occurs In Your Facility

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Industrial absorbents and spill containment products help you keep your employees and work environment safe from unexpected spills, leaks, drips or other accidents. Absorbent products are ideal for any indoor, outdoor and or hazmat application. Absorbent spill kits and stations can be placed around machinery, and throughout your facility to ensure a clean, safe, and compliant work environment. The risks associated with accidental spills and leaks, which range from chemical exposure to slip and fall accidents, can be mitigated by fast and efficient response times. Having absorbent products on hand and readily available, and having a pre-determined spill response plan, allows you to be prepared to quickly contain a spill and clean up both quickly and effectively. When a spill occurs, take the following steps.

Spill Response Steps

1. Risk Assessment

Evaluate the type of material spilled and identify the source. If you are NOT familiar with the liquid and its chemical properties, vacate the area and contact proper authorities.

2. Protective Clothing

Wear the appropriate protective gear for the situation. If the source or the material is not identifiable, assume the worst. We offer a wide range of DuPont Tyvek Suits that you should have on hand in your facility to ensure safe clean up should a spill occur. Watch our Dupont Tyvek video 1 and Dupont Tyvek video 2 to learn more about choosing the right Tyvek solution for the job.

3. Containment

Contain the liquid and seal drains.

4. Stop the Source

Close valves, rotate punctured drums and plug leaks where it is possible and safe to do so.

5. Begin Clean Up

Use absorbents including absorbent pads, absorbent socks and booms, and absorbent rolls to clean-up spilled liquids. Utilize industrial cleaners and wipers to complete the job.

6. Contact Authorities

Report the spill to proper legal authorities in your community. Be sure to fill out all necessary reports in accordance with local laws.

7. Disposal of Used Material

Absorbent materials take on the characteristics of whatever they absorb. Be sure to dispose of used absorbents and spilled liquids in accordance with local laws.

8. Decontaminate

Clean all tools and reusable materials properly with appropriate industrial cleaners and degreasers before reuse.

9. Restock Materials

Replace absorbent materials and safety equipment used in any clean-up operation.

10. Review EXISTING Contingency Plans and Procedures

Once a spill is contained and properly cleaned up, you should assess the efficiency of the process and ensure proper supplies (including spill kits) were readily available where needed. Review your existing spill plan and make any necessary modifications that may allow a more efficient response to spills in the future. The National Institute of Health recommends an industrial spill response plan that addresses each of the following:

Procedures based on hazards likely to be encountered.
Equipment and supplies required.
Number of drums or containers to be moved.
Methods for moving drums or containers.
Number of responders required.
Number and type of support personnel required.
Levels of protection required by responders and support personnel.
Rescue plan in event of failure.

BRady SPC SPILL KITS

Brady offers a complete selection of SPC spill kits in a variety of types and sizes to equip you with everything you need to clean-up accidents when they happen. Available in universal, oil only, chemical and mixed application options, these spill kits help you to respond fast and minimize both the mess and associated risks. Worker productivity can be improved dramatically by strategically placing spill kits or absorbent storage centers around the facility closer to areas of need. For both emergency spill clean-up and routine maintenance and safety, readily available spill kits allow for a quicker, more efficient response. To request a safety assessment of your facility, or to learn more about the many safety services we offer, please contact the A&M Industrial Safety Team.