Live Spill Response Training

Speed is a key element in spill response as the impact of a spill on the environment is proportional to the amount of time lost before a response occurs.

From this exercise, the following outcomes were noted which were site specific but the general principles could apply to other sites:

• Ensure you know what substance has been spilt. Refer to the COSHH risk assessment to take the necessary precautions;
• Ensure you have the right spill kit for the job, remembering the three different colours: white, yellow and grey and what each of their capabilities are;
• When lying down the absorbent socks ensure that they are partially overlapped so that the spill does not escape through the joins;
• Leave the granules in place to soak up the spill – replace if necessary until the spill is fully absorbed;
• When disposing of the absorbent spill materials ensure they are put in the blue bags and placed in the appropriate COSHH drum. Ensure a supervisor is notified so that the correct bin/drum is used;
• Ensure that the response to a spill is as fast as possible to prevent it escaping. You will be surprised how quickly it can spread;
• An observation card should be completed and the environment manager and site supervisor should be notified.