The following are basic steps on how to handle a spill, but they are also general in nature, and you should formulate your own spill response plan based on your specific business with consideration to the type of possible spills at your workplace, the size of any potential spills and also what spill kits you will make available. As soon as a spill or leak occurs, a nominated and trained team member should be informed. Important: You should never proceed to clean up a spill if you do not know the hazards associated with the spill or if you are unsure of how to properly clean up the spill. 1. Assess the Situation and Secure the Area The first step in the event of an emergency spill is to alert nearby people to what has happened and secure the scene to keep people from entering the area. Prevent others from coming in contact with the spill (i.e. walking through the spilled chemical). The first priority is to always protect yourself and others. You should be able to identify the substance and the volume of the spill to properly assess the risk. IMPORTANT: If you are dealing with a major incident – think a fuel tanker involved in a major accident – then you should evacuate the area and notify local emergency services and the correct regulatory authorities. 2. Identify the Spill Identify the spilled liquid – is it hazardous or non-hazardous? Are there any chemicals involved in the spill? If READ MORE