An Ounce of Spill Prevention is Worth a ton of Spill Intervention

By Tim Van Hoecke, QSSP

Spill Control Awareness

We have all heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, an ounce of the wrong substance at the wrong place, time or exposure level can result in a ton of problems. Every facility must have an effective spill control response and prevention plan in place to protect employees, equipment and the environment. While companies are continuing preparations to ensure compliance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling Chemicals (GHS), this preparation and review of chemical inventories presents an excellent opportunity to ensure that existing Hazcom plans and spill response capabilities are up to date and still applicable.

Spill Hazards

The hazards from a spill can range by type, size and level of severity. Unfortunately, falls from spills on flat surfaces are still the leading preventable injury in the workplace. Higher risk exists with spills that involve toxic chemicals or agents that can injure employees, damage facilities and harm the environment.

Are You Prepared for Unexpected Spills?

The processes you perform, the types of chemicals you store or handle and the volume of potential spill materials can determine the level of spill prevention and controls you need. The preferred method is always to remove the potential hazard through engineering or administrative controls, but when that is not feasible preparation and training is key. There are several key elements that make up a spill prevention and response program:

Communications – Are all hazardous and potential spill items correctly labeled, inventoried, tracked and are the MSDS and SDS on file? Do your employees have access to this information as well as your Hazcom plan and have they reviewed it?

Training – Have employees been properly trained to react to a hazardous spill in the workplace? There are many levels of response and proper training could be as simple as correct use of sorbents or spill kits all the way up to Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER). These latter employees would have specialized and certified training requirements. In no instance should a worker attempt to mitigate a hazardous spill beyond the capabilities that they have been properly trained and equipped for.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The selection of PPE for spills can be as simple as eye, face and hand protection, all the way up to a Level A Hazmat Suit depending on the substance, volume and exposure level. This is why it is essential that all potential hazards are identified and accounted for in the Hazcom and response training programs. Your Fisher Scientific Safety Specialist has the expertise to help you make these critical decisions.

Prevention

There are several options available to prevent a small spill from becoming a big problem. An example of these would be secondary containment equipment such as spill pallets, drum overpacks, berms, drip trays, pans and drain plugs. It is also critical to ensure that all of your flammable items are properly stored in approved cabinets and containers to prevent dangerous flammable spills.

Spill Clean-Up

The workplace must be properly equipped to handle the spill if or when it happens. This can include sorbent pads, pillows or SOCs. These items are available in pads, rolls or prepackaged kits that range in size to manage very small spills to very large spills. Sorbents are available to control oil, chemical and universal spills, but you must ensure that the correct item is applied to the hazard. Additional preparation must include ensuring that the spill does not reach the outside environment potentially causing even greater problems. If this is a possibility, you will need to include drain covers, drain plugs or berms. Fisher Scientific has a variety of options and resources to help you make the right preparation before a spill happens.

An Example of Spill Response Steps When a Spill Occurs

1. Risk Assessment

Evaluate the type of material spilled, identify the source and determine if your team has the proper training and equipment to manage the spill. Do you need local fire or professional Hazmat response?

2. Protective Clothing

Put on all PPE that is required to safely mitigate the hazard.

3. Containment

Contain the liquid by using SOCs or other approved items to get around the spill and create a barrier.

4. Stop the Source

Close valves, clamp hoses and plug leaks where it is possible and safe to do so.

5. Begin Clean Up

Use proper and approved sorbents and spill control products to absorb the spilled liquid.

6. Contact Authorities

Report the spill to your Safety/ Environmental Manager and if necessary local authorities.

7. Disposal of Used Material

Absorbents take on the characteristics of what they absorb. Be sure to put used sorbents in disposal bags. Dispose of used absorbents and spilled liquids in STRICT accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

8. Decontaminate (DECON)

Wash hands, clean tools and reusable materials properly. For extremely hazardous materials, DECON requirements will elevate.

9. Restock Materials (VERY IMPORTANT)

Replace absorbent materials and safety equipment used in any spill clean-up operation. These supplies should be checked frequently to ensure you have the required amount on hand.

10. Review Contingency Plans and Procedures!

What was the outcome of the response? Was it successful? Do you have enough sorbents and response equipment strategically located where it is needed?

Regularly Review and Practice Your Existing Response Plan

An ounce of prevention with the right training, equipment and practice will save you a ton of problems. Make sure to also follow any additional regulations required from your state and local agencies. It is a good idea to ensure that local first responders are aware of your program and any changes to hazardous materials at your location. Ideally, your safety equipment supplier should know your business and be capable of meeting all of your spill control and response needs. Fisher Scientific and our supplier partners are here to help. Finally, I want to leave you with a list of questions you can use to evaluate the state of your current program.

• Do you have a Spill Control and Countermeasure Plan for your facility?
• Have your employees been trained to use the spill control equipment that you have on site? 
• Do you have the required PPE to protect trained personnel that respond to specific spill hazards?
• Have you evaluated the need for secondary containment equipment to keep spills at a manageable level?
• Do you have a need for specialty equipment that would assist in keeping spills or drips from reaching the environment or waterways?