Spills don’t wait, and neither should you! The first five minutes of a workspace spill are critical, especially when you are around hazardous chemicals. Why? Because it can quickly snowball into a serious situation if not addressed properly.
The faster you respond to the spill, the easier it is to contain the damage.
Need a quick plan for the first 5 minutes? Read on, we’ve got you covered.
Chemical Spill: The First 5-minute Action Plan
Following a recommended step-by-step process for a spill helps you avoid contamination and complications. Here’s a first 5-minute action plan to help you gain control in case of a chemical spill:
1. How bad is the damage?
Have a chemical spill in your workplace? The first step is always to breathe. Don’t panic. Gauge the situation.
Consider whether your team can handle it or you’ll have to bring in professionals to deal with it. Next, determine what you’re dealing with. Understand what kind of chemical it is, and whether it is toxic or hazardous. Carefully note what you’re dealing with.
Once you do that, grab the nearest spill kit and quickly check the instructions.
2. Do you need to evacuate?
After you know the extent of the chemical spill, if you feel the situation is dangerous, then you need to evacuate. Make sure that the staff are informed and everyone gets out quickly.
Toxic fumes? Unknown chemical? Flammable chemical? Vacate the area as soon as possible. In any of these cases, safety trumps containment, always. Once all the staff and the area are secure, you can move to the next steps.
3. How to control the situation?
Depending on the situation, use the right spill kit for the problem. Why? Not all of them are the same. Using the wrong one can lead to chemical reactions, failed cleanup, and exposure risks.
For example, a chemical spill kit is not going to be of any use if you’re dealing with an oil spill.
Here’s the difference you need to know:
- General Spill Kits
These are designed for non-hazardous substances like coolant, oil, or water. Common inclusions in the kit are: PPE-like gloves, absorbent pads, masks, and more. These are meant for general spills that occur in workshops, warehouses, and maintenance areas.
- Chemical Spill Kits
These are designed to contain dangers and hazardous spills that include toxic chemicals, acids, corrosives, and flammable liquids. These usually include neutralisers, chemical-resistant absorbents, and heavy-duty PPE.
4. How do you contain the spill?
After you know which spill kit to use, make sure you stop the spill from spreading. To limit the spill in your workspace you should secure or seal it. If you don’t, the situation can spiral out of control very quickly.
Especially if the spill reaches water ways, electrical systems or drains. The faster you act, the smaller the impact.
5. What’s next? Clean up!
Once you have contained the impact, cleaning the area is the next step. A thorough cleanup ensures that there are no residues that may cause problems in the future. Along with that, it is just as important to properly dispose of the waste.
Make sure all of the absorbent pads, materials, and contaminated items are clearly marked as hazardous waste and sealed. Once done, hand them over to a waste management company, they will take care of the disposal.
Spill Control: Don’t Forget the Paperwork
Paperwork and documentation of the spill is an important part of the control process. Think of it as the last step.
This is crucial for compliance, accountability, and future prevention. Clearly document the incident report from what happened to how you handled the situation.
Why does it matter? Here’s why:
- To prevent repeat incidents.
- Ensure proper training and procedure updates.
- Compliance with inspections and regulatory standards.
The Wrap Up: Spill Control Demands Quick Action
Acting fast is crucial to managing the damage of a hazardous spill. The first five minutes are very important. If you act fast, you can quickly limit the damage.
At Spill Station Australia, we don’t just sell the spill kits, we also train you and your employees! We help, we sell safety materials, and we train for safety.