Create A Chemical Spill Response Plan

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A Free-Reprint Article Written by: Rathi Niyogi

Article Title:

Create A Chemical Spill Response Plan

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Article Description:

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.

Additional Article Information:

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515 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2010-12-16 10:15:00

Written By: Rathi Niyogi

Copyright: 2010

Contact Email: mailto:rathi.niyogi@...

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Create A Chemical Spill Response Plan

Copyright © 2010 Rathi Niyogi

CriticalTool, Inc.

http://www.criticaltool.com/

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

* Chemical Splash Goggles

* Chemical Resistant Gloves

* Chemical Resistant Shoe-Covers

* Tyvek Suits

* Chemical Vapor Respirators

* Hazardous Spill Signs

Clean-Up Materials

* Spill Pillows

* Spill Socks

* Neutralizers for Acids, Caustics, and Solvents

* Polypropylene Brush

* Polypropylene Scoop

* pH test papers

* Waste signs, stickers

* Seal tape

* Polypropylene waste bags

Spill Containment

* Drain Covers and Seals

* Spill Trays for smaller containers

* Overpack Drums

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.

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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/