Chemical Spills - How to prepare for Chemical Spills

Scenario Chemical Spill / Contamination

1. ASSESS - know and recognize the hazards

familiarize yourself with the hazard symbols that appear on products that you use; ie HSE hazard pictograms and occupational use
store and handle responsibly any chemicals you come into contact with
know of any major manufacturing plants or laboratories in your neighborhood
be aware of nearby transport routes (roads, highways, waterways, air corridors) that frequently transport hazardous materials

2. PREPARE for Chemical Spill

stock site safety products, spill kits, personal protective equipment PPE, display safety posters
plan for a number of potential emergency scenarios for chemicals as appropriate, see HSE
train & practise: get appropriate training to handle chemicals, first aid etc.
- Business Preparedness (SMEs) and Household Preparedness
- - be prepared to temporarily seal windows and doors if there is an external environmental spill
- - prepare a Go-Bag and Shelter-in-Place Emergency Kit (what Kit do I need?)

3. STAY SAFE during a Chemical Spill

handle with extreme caution : place a barrier around spill for containment, signpost the area for safety, cover spill completely with appropriate materials, clean up then bag and tag for appropriate waste removal
keep informed, tune in to radio, TV etc.
follow guidance of the emergency services, shelter-in place or evacuate as advised

4. RECOVER after Chemical Spill

follow public health and safety advice; HPA recovery handbook PDF now archived
monitor that your drinking water is safe and that there are no other remaining contaminants or hazards in your environment

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Select Resources:

Advice: HSE essential COSHH guidance pubications; HSE Chemicals at work; HSE leaflets;

Books: Household Chemicals and Emergency First Aid; Calculated Risks: The Toxicity and Human Health Risks of Chemicals in our Environment; Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes; Biological and Chemical Terrorism: A Guide for Healthcare Providers and First Responders;

Data: UK.Gov Oil and Chemical Spill Data; UK.Gov Chemical Hazards and Poisons report; CRHF.org Chemical Accident Histories; ICIS Guide to Chemical Disasters; Wiki list of industrial disasters;