When we spillSteps for cleaning up a chemical spill

Accidents and Accidents and SpillsSpills

Selection and Purchase

of Insecticide

Transportation

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