If the business holds varying quantities of chemicals and substances which are categorised as Hazardous Materials, you must have a procedure in place in case of a chemical spillage.
Chemical Spillage Procedure
- Assess the need to call emergency services (Fire, Ambulance). It is always better to call the emergency services – 111 – and not need them than vice versa.
- Always consider your personal safety and the safety of others.
- Notify management and spill response staff as soon as possible.
- Have a plan of your site storm water and sewage drainage systems. Have a plan of the storm water system from your gate to the local stream, lake, etc. to enable a quick response to major spills.
- Refer to Safety Data Sheets (information for the correct absorbents, equipment, containers for waste and Personal Protective Equipment required).
- If necessary, evacuate staff and/or secure the area by cordoning off with rope or barrier.
- If it is safe, stop or reduce flow of spill using tools in the spill kit. This should consist of long handled brooms, bags of absorbent material (sawdust, kitty litter, etc.), and disposable plastic bags (heavy duty grade).
- PPE – Ensure the proper Personal Protective Equipment is worn by all personnel involved, during isolation, clean up and recovery, or disposal of the product.
- If an emergency cannot be handled safely by trained (company) personnel, dial 111 and ask for emergency services support e.g., Fire Service.
- If the spill is outside the building or has the potential to escape from the building, ensure the valve in the yard storm water sump is closed to avoid any discharge through storm water system to natural water sources e.g., stream, lake or sea.
- Never put this type of material out for council collection. Have a specialist company remove the waste (e.g., Chemwaste, Salter’s, Nuplex, etc.).
- A spill of a chemical to an unbunded area could be a violation of the RMA, and should be reported to management, who will determine whether environmental authorities should be notified and can assist with corrective action.