a. If a spill should occur, immediately take the following actions.
NOTE: A spill is defined as any quantity of a petroleum product over five gallons or any quantity of any other
HW.
(1) Ensure safety.
(a) Evacuate the area if necessary for type of spill.
(b) Take personal precautions as detailed on the MSDS for the material spilled.
(c) Use the proper personal protective equipment.
(d) Extinguish smoking materials and all other sources of ignition.
(e) Turn power off if fire is a possibility.
(f) Ventilate the area.
(2) Stop the flow. If possible, shut off valves, and turn drums upright. Do NOT take unnecessary
risks, but stop the flow without getting hurt or contaminated. If you do become contaminated, shower and change
clothes a soon a possible.
(3) Contain the spill. Contain the spill by throwing absorbent, floor sweep, or dirt on it. Make dams
to keep the spill from spreading further, and do not let it enter storm drains or other waterways. If containment is
not possible, divert the flow to prevent the spill from entering any water source, including drains.
(4) Control traffic. Do not let others drive or walk though spills. Use common sense and call for
help as soon as possible.
(5) Report the spill. Report the spill to your superior. Sound the alarm or give verbal warning. Have
someone else call the fire department if the spill is something you cannot handle safely.
(a) Immediately report spills of any hazardous material other than petroleum product, regardless
of quantity to the ECO.
(b) In the event of a reportable spill, the senior person in charge will make a copy of the MSDS
involved for emergency response personnel.
(6) Clean up. If the spill occurred on concrete or asphalt and you have absorbed all of it with
absorbent or dirt, scoop up the contaminated material, put it into a container marked "Hazardous Waste -
Contaminated Absorbent (or Dirt)." Check with ECO for proper disposal.
QM5200
9-2
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