Are you prepared for a spill? Do your workers know what to do? Has your process, if it exists, been tested and practiced? Have you accounted for the possibility of a spill leaking into the environment? What about potentially combustible materials?
If you answered no to any of the above questions, it’s time to put a spill response plan in place. Spill
response is an important component of your health and safety program. Your workplace should have a
spill kit if your workplace has chemicals, such as floor cleaners or pesticides, water-based liquids like
ink or adhesives, oils such as grease or motor oil, or corrosive materials like ammonia or chlorine.
Now you might be thinking, what do you mean by spill? Does a spilled cup of coffee count as a spill?
Take a second and think about how you would address the spilled coffee. Now, think about a gallon of
kerosene. How would your spill response compare?
Some of your workplaces may not have bulk containers of combustible materials, but you still may have
a spill response program in place. Spills can cause many problems in your workplace, including injuries
from slips, trips, or falls, or damage to your property or the environment.
Once you’ve established your spill response policy and procedure, you’ll need to also have a spill kit ready for use. Include in your spill kit a bucket or container, PPE (think gloves, a mask, etc.), disposable bags, neutralizers, granular salts, pillow and/or pads, socks, and booms. Remember, if any items are used during a spill clean-up, always let someone know so the kit can be restocked. Check your SDS’s to see what may be required for spill clean-up.
Have questions about spill response policies, procedures, or spill kits? Reach out to our professional team via email at support@systems24-7.com or call us toll free at 1-866-754-8839.