PPE Guide

A workplace spill of dangerous or hazardous chemicals can be a intimidating situation for all concerned. The natural impulse for most employees when they recognize a discharge beginning is to do their best to intercede and attempt to rectify the problem themselves. Unfortunately, this is nearly always the improper choice of action – workers should in no way put themselves in harm’s way by attempting to physically obstruct or slow up a dangerous spill. This ought to be clearly outlined throughout spill containment training classes with any employees who are exposed to hazardous materials during the course of conducting their jobs.

Of course there is no replacement for the acceptable systems. Spill pallets and spill berms should be available and in service as a crucial defense against spill hazards.

The primary weapon that a risk manager can set up against the issues presented by spills is in the correct supervision of work and storage spaces where spills are most expected to occur. Shipping corridors must also receive the similar type of consideration. If a spilled substance can be securely channeled into secure temporary or emergency holding areas that are separated from sparks, open flames, electrical circuits or employees then there is no requirement for staff to do anything other than shut down their tool and evacuate the section in the event of a spill.

Exterior storage tanks, be they for oil, gasoline or other types of chemical safe-keeping are frequently targets for overfilling or deterioration, both of which can cause leaks. The utilization of diking encompassing these tanks in order to collect spills and thwart the distribution of potentially combustible, caustic or otherwise dangerous liquids is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and in some situations may actually be required by law, depending upon the dimension of the tank being used. The requirement for these kinds of dikes and barriers can also be linked to the quantity of vehicular traffic in the storage space itself. Make sure that OSHA policies do not explicitly forbid the fitting of dikes near the container, as they do for those controlling certain chemicals such as liquefied petroleum gas.

In addition to dikes and barriers, OSHA also recommends the use of diatomaceous earth when controlling leaks. Spreading this chalk-like material is a demonstrated technique of sopping up potentially dangerous liquids. If workers can safely introduce diatomaceous earth via controlled steps as an element of an disaster response plan that does not put them in any peril, then this may well be a satisfactory alternative for controlling a leak.

There are also agents available which can be sprayed in the direction of a spill through pressurized applicators that allow employees to keep their distance. These particular chemicals can not only obstruct the advancement of a dispersing substance, but also reduce the effects of any vapors or even totally solidify the material in question. At their most efficient, these materials not only congeal a material, but also chemically alter its flashpoint so that it may be securely removed once the threat is over. Rapid-acting materials can even be utilized to create unplanned barriers as they can cause the primary edge of a leakage to rapidly lose its fluidity.