Is the spilled substance classified with an Required Quantity (RQ) value?
Not only is the appropriate equipment important when handling a spill, but it is also important to have properly
trained personnel. The supervisor's duty is to verify that personnel conducting an operation are trained in the
proper use of spill cleanup and containment equipment. Those handling the spill must also employ the proper
procedures IAW the ISCP and SPCC.
Once the spill has occurred and been taken care of, it must be reported. The petroleum or other hazardous
spill must be reported immediately via the chain-of-command and cleaned up immediately after personal safety
precautions have been taken and notification to people in the area has been made IAW the ISCP, the SPCC,
and unit SOP.
Resources and Procedures for Proper Disposal and Handling of Hazardous Materials.
ISO 9000-2. Every petroleum laboratory should maintain a copy of the latest version of ISO 9000-2.
This document contains procedures for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials listed by
type of substance or material.
Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS). Sheets for hazardous substances can be maintained
for each applicable substance used in your laboratory. Procedures for the safe handling and disposal of
these hazardous substances are listed on each sheet under the heading "Precautions For Safe Handling
And Use."
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are required at a minimum to be maintained for each hazardous
substance used in your laboratory. Procedures for the safe handling and disposal of these hazardous
substances are listed under the heading of "Handling and Storage Precautions" for handling and " Spill or
Leak Procedures" for disposal.
PART C PETROLEUM LABORATORY FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
SOP
Laboratory Safety and Emergency First Aid. As an NCOIC of a petroleum laboratory you will have
to prepare and review petroleum laboratory fire prevention and safety SOPs. You will have to cover such things
as: safety, standards of behavior, fire prevention procedures, assignment and positioning of fire fighting
equipment, procedures for handling chemicals and petroleum products, first aid procedures, equipment
inspections, training, and ensuring that the fire fighting equipment on hand is appropriate for the types of fires
anticipated. It should be noted that all the procedures mentioned above are the same for each laboratory SOP
and should be adapted to your specific laboratory.
Common emergencies which we are exposed to every day are instances where we can receive minor wounds,
minor burns, foreign bodies in the eyes, and electrical shocks or electrical burns.
Minor Wounds. Most small wounds such as cuts do not usually bleed very much. Infection from contamination
is the principle danger. If you receive a minor wound, take the following first aid measures:
Do not allow anything to touch the wound, except as described in the minor burn and foreign body in the
eye sections below.
Wash the surrounding skin thoroughly with soap and water. Gently clean the wound. If a disinfectant
solution is available, apply it to the wound. In no instance should solutions stronger than 1:750 be used.
Place a sterile compress over the wound without allowing it to touch anything else and secure it with a
bandage.
Minor Burns. Minor burns may be caused by exposure to dry heat, hot liquids, chemicals, electricity, or rays of
the sun. If you receive a minor burn, you should immerse it or flush it with the coldest water available until the
pain subsides (usually about 5 minutes). Minor burns are of two types:
Small burns which include blistering or charring. Since the skin is most likely to break when it is blistered
or charred, cover it with a sterile compress to protect it from contamination and possible infection. Do
not attempt to break the blisters. Secure the compress in place with a bandage.
Burns with no blistering or charring. If the burn does not cause the skin to blister, char, or break, it is a
minor burn even though it may cover a large area of the body as in a mild sunburn. It is not necessary to
cover such a burn with a sterile compress.
Foreign Body in the Eye. Foreign material that may enter the eyes during laboratory operations include
particles such as dust, glass, or metal and caustic or irritating material, such as acid and chemicals.
Foreign Particle. If a foreign particle gets into the eye, do not rub the eye. If the particle is beneath the
upper eyelid, grasp the eyelashes of the upper lid and pull the lid up and away from contact with the
2-8
QM 5183
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