When we spill Steps for cleaning up a chemical spill
Feb 25, 2016
When we spillSteps for cleaning up a chemical spill
Accidents and Accidents and SpillsSpills
Selection and Purchase
of InsecticideTransportation
Storage
Mixing and Diluting
Pesticide Use Cycle
Disposal -excess -containers -spill waste
Application
Maintaining composure is the key to avoiding disaster.
Have a plan!
Practice your plan!
Accidents and Spills
1. Protect yourselfPut on appropriate PPE
2. Stop the SourceClose a valve, plug a hole
3. Protect others and the environmentIsolate the spill, rope off area if necessaryKeep the spill from entering water, sewer, drain
etc.4. Stay at the site5. Neutralize and cleanup
Accidents and Spills
Clean Up• Clean up the spill:
– Liquids: • Sweep up the absorbent material (Soak
Up).• Place material in container. Tag/label• Keep adding absorbent material until all
liquid is soaked up.– Solids:
• Sweep up. (reuse?)• Place in bag or container. Tag/label
Decontaminate the Site
• Once you have collected as much of the spilled material as possible, decontaminate the spill site.– Do not hose down with water!
•DILUTION IS NOT THE SOLUTION!
• What type of surface?• Non-porous
– Sealed concrete, glazed ceramic tile, etc…• Use water (chem. recommendation from label)
and a detergent solution to remove the residue• Do not allow any of the wash solution to run off• Place fresh absorbent material• Remove absorbent material and package.• Tag/label.
Decontaminate the Site
• Porous surface– soil, unsealed wood, carpet, etc…– follow directions on label
• May need to remove and dispose of surface– Depending of the size and toxicity– Can the site be neutralized?
Decontaminate the Site
Neutralize the Site• The pesticide label will give
instructions • Neutralizing commonly
consists of:– strong bleach and hydrated lime– work into spill site with broom– apply fresh absorbent material– dispose of absorbent material
(Tag)– Note: REPEAT IF NECESSARY
Neutralizing Soil• To neutralize soil - refer to
label or MSDS – first remove and dispose of
top soil – activated charcoal (small
spills)• binds pesticide
– pour 2-3” of lime– cover with fresh top soil
Decontaminate Equipment
• Clean vehicle• Equipment• Remember: porous equipment may
have to be discarded• Personal Protective Equipment
– wash thoroughly using manufactures instructions
Strong mixture of chlorine bleach, detergent and water
Decontaminate Yourself
• As soon as you finish with the spill and equipment clean up concentrate on your personal hygiene
• Water and mild detergent • Avoid recontamination
Reflect on how the Reflect on how the pesticide spill could pesticide spill could have been preventedhave been prevented
Follow Up
• Documentation– Photographs– Diagrams– Detailed and legible report– Ink (black or blue)
WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR SPILL KIT.
Spill Kit• Telephone numbers• Various gloves, footwear, apron• Protective eye wear• An appropriate respirator for the job• Containment equipment “snakes”• Absorbent material• Shovel, broom, dustpan
• Heavy-duty detergent• A fire extinguisher rated for all
types of fires• Sturdy containers• Plastic bags• Coveralls• Caution Tape
Spill Kit
Small Spills• 1 to 2 gallon spills use cat
litter or other absorbent material to contain the spill (wear protective clothing)
• Sweep up material into dustpan and place in trash bag
• Carry trash bag back to office for proper disposal
Careful…slippery when wet !
Training Activities:•Conduct a mock spill clean-up
•Inspect trucks for spill kit contents
•Develop a call list
•Review the reporting process
You should:• Know your County and State
regulations regarding accident and chemical spill reporting
• Have a rehearsed action plan for this type of event
• Have all technicians and mangers properly trained on spill containment
• Make sure each vehicle is properly maintained and equipped