Copyright © 2010 Rathi Niyogi
While following all appropriate precautions significantly reduces the chance of a chemical spill, it is mandatory that any facility that uses chemicals or chemical agents in the course of production has a Chemical Spill Response Plan in place. This plan enables all employees to be properly trained in the ability to respond to a chemical spill, and as a result they can minimize the harmful effects a spill would produce.
The first part of implementing a plan is to create a chemical management protocol, which defines who is responsible for care and storage of chemicals, and where they should be stored in relation to where they are used. Making sure that chemicals are stored in the appropriate safety cabinets, as well making sure that large distances do not have to be traveled while carrying chemicals to the work area is crucial to minimizing spill hazards. In addition, when chemicals do have to be stored, carried and dispensed, the correct safety can should be utilized. Refer to the MSDS sheet of the chemical to determine the correct type of safety can for the chemical. As part of this protocol, use of spill protection equipment is necessary as well, such as use of spill pallets ,drum racks for drums, spill containment berms for tanks, and floor spill mats for taps and other potential drip spots.
The next part of the plan is to create a first aid procedure for each chemical in the facility. This is extremely important because treating all chemical burns the same way can make a bad situation much worse. All workers using the chemicals should be well-versed in the first aid procedures of each type, so providing in-depth training is a must. First Aid Response Kits should be located in close proximity to where chemicals will be used and be clearly marked and accessible. For extremely caustic and dangerous chemicals, workers should work in teams so that a worker can assist in the application of first aid to an injured worker.
Next, the plan should have a list of items required for chemical spill management at your facility. Those items include:
Personal Protective Equipment
Clean-Up Materials
Spill Containment
The plan should provide training and instruction on communication of the spill, as well as crowd management. It should clearly define how to provide defense against the chemical spreading into other areas first, then focus on applying the appropriate materials to clean up the chemical.
The final part of the plan is to have it approved and endorsed by management and give your employees the authority to implement it. Set up a training program to review the program with employees at least once a year, and run a drill to make sure that they can put the plan into practice as conceived.
About the Author:
Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of industrial equipment. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on spill containment products can be found at http://www.IndustrialSafetyCabinets.com/
Read more of Rathi Niyogi's articles.
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