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Spill Kits |
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Choosing a Spill Kit
SPILL KITS
Before you can choose the correct type and size of spill kits there are some basic questions you should ask yourself.
1.What types of liquid are there?
2.What quantities and sizes of containers are there?
3.Where are the “high risk” or “spill prone” areas?
4.Will the spill be indoor or outdoor?
5.Are there any surface water drains or risk of ground contamination?
6.Do the kits need to be mobile; is there easy access to spill areas?
Never over specify, the size of kit should be appropriate to the spill potential
Example: 1 x 205ltr drum, would you need a kit capable of absorbing 205ltr?
No, the reality is that between 10 and 20ltr may spill before the drum is rolled spill side up or the hole is plugged. So you could recommend a 95ltr capacity kit.
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Spill Response
8 Steps to Spill Response
1: ASSESS
As soon as you encounter a spill, and until it has been successfully dealt with, you must constantly assess the risk it poses, to personnel, the environment and property.
SAFTEY ALWAYS COMES FIRST. Try and determine what the liquid is, the quantity involved and if there are any casualties. NEVER try to deal with the spill on your own, inform colleagues and wait until at least one other person is in attendance.
2: PROTECT
Always wear the appropriate P.P.E. (personal protection equipment) to allow you to safely respond to the spill. Check M.S.D.S (material safety data sheets) for the hazards associated with the liquid spilled and then dress accordingly. IF IN DOUBT, ASSUME THE WORST AND WEAR THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF P.P.E.
3: CONTAIN
By containing the spill you buy time. You should also reduce the area of contamination and lessen the impact the spill will have. Use absorbent seals and booms or poly booms to provide a fast, effective containment barrier.
4: STOP THE SPILL
Once the spill is contained; STOP the source of the spill. Roll a drum damaged side up, turn a tap off, plug a hole etc. If appropriate decant any remaining liquid into a vessel. Remember NEVER step in the spill.
5: RE-ASSESS
After the spill has been contained and the source controlled, re-assess the entire situation before starting clean-up. Ensure that the spill is fully under control.
6: CLEAN-UP
This can be as simple as wiping up with an absorbent pad or using a cushion on deeper spills.
Treat all contaminated material as the liquid spilled and dispose of accordingly.
7: DECONTAMINATION
Ensure all the personnel involved with the spill are fully decontaminated. The site of the spill, all P.P.E. & equipment must also be fully decontaminated and checked. If items have been damaged or cannot be fully decontaminated, dispose of as special waste and replace with new.
8: REPORT/REPLENISH
Compile a complete report of the incident and fill out all associated paperwork. De-brief all personnel involved and learn from the experience. If needs be, change your procedures and/or the location of some or all of your spill kits, you will be better prepared should there be a next time. Remember to replenish all your spill kits and back-up stocks along with disposed of P.P.E., drain blockers etc.
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