Points to Consider in Chemical Spill Cleanup

Author: Keyword Performance

Spills occur on small and larger scales. The latter tends to encompass oil spills or substances that have found their way from a facility into a stream, lake, or similar water source. The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Rule, or SPCC, requires that such industries, companies, and facilities have guidelines and procedures to prevent and prepare for oil spills, but what about small-scale hazards? Even when a chemical spills inside a workplace, bystanders can still be contaminated, and the substance may find its way to a drain. As a result, workplaces of all types must be prepared with effective procedures and training for chemical spill cleanup.
Chemical spill cleanup tends to be far quicker than handling an oil spill or water contamination. Nevertheless, in order for cleanup to be effective, and not result in a fire, environmental hazard, or illness, workers must be ready and aware of the following facets:
Know Before You React
Not all chemicals are identical. As a result, spill cleanup supplies must vary to effectively cleanup the substance. Workers, before deploying any absorbents or neutralizers, need to first consult the MSDS.
Protect Yourself
Chemicals splash, contaminating or injuring bystanders or workers. In order for cleanup to go smoothly, workers handling the procedures must not only be trained but they also need personal protective equipment on hand, including goggles, gloves, or, in some cases, a full-body protective suit.
Decontaminate Anyone Exposed
Bystanders splashed or hit by the spilled chemical must be decontaminated. For this aspect, all except cleanup workers must leave the area. Those contaminated need to remove their exposed clothing, contain, and dispose of it, and must flush their skin or eyes with water or a similar substance.
Containing and Controlling The Spill

After the chemical has been identified, contain and control it: remove or block all sources of fire, ventilate the area, surround drains with socks, and possibly add a neutralizer before an absorbent is directly applied to the spill. A neutralizer, a loose material, is added over the liquid, from the perimeter inward to prevent splashing. The substance changing color indicates it is fully neutralized.
After, the absorbents are directly applied to the spill. Consulting the MSDS determines whether a universal, oil-only, or hazmat absorbent is used. Loose absorbents are additionally helpful, and like a neutralizer, are sprinkled directly on top of the substance. This time, however, the loose absorbent turns the spill into a gel, making it easier to scoop up and contain. Workers can brush or shovel up the gel, adding it to a five-gallon polyethylene bag or pail or a larger container, and then identify it. Once the substance is packaged for disposal, it can be placed inside a hood or other ventilated area.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/regulatory-compliance-articles/points-to-consider-in-chemical-spill-cleanup-6222710.html
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