When there is a chemical spill in the workplace, it is integral to act quickly and prevent the spill from spreading further. If left to spread, the chemicals may cause destruction to the local environment and people in the area.
ICE Cleaning is a chemical spill company specialising in containing and cleaning chemical spills. With its innovative technology, its technicians can effectively neutralise dangerous contaminants and restore the safety of an affected area. Read on to learn more about how quickly you should respond to a chemical spill.
What is a chemical spill?
A chemical spill is an accident often caused in occupational settings, such as a factory or chemical factory. It is the unintentional release of a hazardous chemical like a gas, liquid, or solid. Regardless of its form, it is dangerous and warrants quick action.
Chemical spills can occur due to various reasons, both natural and man-made. Natural accidents refer to incidents where chemicals spilt due to a hurricane, an earthquake, or anything similar. Man-made incidents are the result of human errors like mishandling or improper storage.
How quickly should you respond to a chemical spill?
The appropriate course of action upon spilling a hazardous chemical is to act quickly, evacuate, and contain the spill where possible. Once a release of hazardous chemicals has begun, there is a small window of opportunity to limit its effect on the local environment and workers.
If you are qualified to tackle a spill, you must wear the proper protective equipment and use a certified chemical spill kit. You must stop the spill from spreading where possible, cover any drains, and contain the chemical with the spill kit on-site.
How to prevent chemical spills at work
According to an industry expert in chemical safety and storage, Tom Considine, you must take precautionary measures to prevent spills at work. Companies should provide their employees with the correct safety equipment and safeguarding procedures to limit the possibility of a spill, including:
- Enforcing strict decanting procedures – not overfilling storage barrels and setting up appropriate transfer systems.
- Covered storage areas for containers – keep chemicals in covered storage areas to prevent elemental exposure.
- Supervise transportation – ensure that chemicals are transported safely in the correct containers to prevent a spill.
- Have safety equipment on-site – spill kits, spill pallets, and bunds must always be available for emergency use.
- Regular inspections – conduct a risk assessment often combined with a general inspection.
- Use stable storage shelves – use shelves or storage units that are stable and new, and replace them when they show wear.
- No overcrowding – keep chemical containers stored apart at a safe distance.
- Do not store high up – keep chemical containers at or below eye level when they are in storage.
If chemicals spill in the workplace, you can rely on ICE Cleaning’s expert technicians to be on-site within hours of your first call to assist you in an emergency. Its cleaners take great pride in tackling the most difficult of jobs and will take any challenge head-on.
Get in touch with their team today to find out more about a permanent solution to your future chemical spill needs. You can check out their website for easy access to their content and services.
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