Breadcrumb
CHP Spills

Spills and Accidents

 

Small Spills

Laboratory personnel can clean up the vast majority of chemical spills that occur in the lab. The individual(s) who caused the spill and/or is most knowledgeable about the spill is(are) responsible for prompt notification and proper clean-up, if safe to do so. It is the responsibility of the PI and/or HM representative to have spill control clean-up materials and personal protective equipment, which are appropriate for the chemicals being handled, readily available and accessible for emergency use. The PI and HM rep are also responsible for ensuring that spills are cleaned up as soon as possible. The PI and HM representative must refer to specific spill procedures in the lab SOP, which should state the types and safe quantities of chemicals that may be cleaned-up.

Spill kits with instructions, absorbents, reactants and Personal Protective Equipment should be made available for the clean-up of minor spills. A minor chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff is capable of handling safely without the assistance of safety and emergency personnel. Consult paragraphs 16 and 17, and appendix M of the NSA Monterey Hazardous Waste Plan in NSAMINST 5090.3 for information on spill cleanup.

 

Large Spills

If an area contains large quantities of any chemical, emergency procedures for spill clean-up must be included as part of the Standard Operating Procedures for that chemical in the NPS workplace. Employees should only attempt to clean up large or major spills after special training has been received, and when appropriate spill clean-up materials and personal protective equipment are readily available and are properly utilized. Otherwise, in the event of a major spill for which personnel are not properly prepared, and particularly if any person has been significantly exposed, contaminated or injured to such an extent that medical or other outside assistance is required, follow the E.A.R steps:

  1. Evacuate affected area and close doors.
  2. Alert the NPS OSHE Directorate, NSAM Safety, NSAM Environmental, and if necessary NSAM police.
  3. Remain close to the phone, if requested to do so, until contacted by responders.

Be prepared to provide more information about the spill, and prepare to provide MSDS copies. Assist responders upon arrival.

 

Major Life / Environmental Threatening Spill

In the event of a major life threatening chemical spill, secure the area to the extent possible and use the Naval Support Activity Monterey Oil and Hazardous Substance (OHS) Spill Emergency sheet located on the next page and Appendix M (the RED Plan) in the NSA Monterey Hazardous Waste Management Plan. Additionally, notify the NPS COO, NPS OSHE Directorate, NSAM Safety, and NSAM Environmental as soon as possible. The spill response order of precedence follows:

  1. Assess the nature and extent of the chemical spill with assistance from appropriate personnel from the spill location.
  2. Evacuate and secure the affected area of the chemical spill with assistance from appropriate personnel from the spill location.
  3. Remove injured personnel and ensure transport to the appropriate medical facility.
  4. Contain the chemical spill.
  5. Maintain perimeter control while responsible personnel clean up the spill.
  6. Notify the City of Monterey and State of California, if appropriate (will be done by OSHE or CDO personnel).

If any chemical spill occurs outside a building, with potential for adversely impacting storm water quality, contact the NPS OSHE Directorate and NSAM Environmental. After hours inform the NSAM and NPS Command Duty Officers who have access to after-hours contact information.

NSAM OHS Spill Emergency

Accidents

Emergency showers must be located such that they are accessible, require no more than ten (10) seconds to reach and are within 100 feet of the potential hazard. Eyewash (including eye/face wash and hand-held drench hoses) units must be located such that they are accessible, require no more than ten (10) seconds to reach and are within 50 feet of the potential hazard (10 feet where strong corrosives are the hazard).

NOTE: Remember the injured worker may have to locate the unit while blinded by a contaminant.

Emergency eyewash and showers must be kept accessible. Material shall not be stored or placed in such a manner that would block access to an emergency eyewash or shower.

The eyewash stations and emergency showers must be inspected and maintained to be functional. A periodic functional check is required. All personnel potentially adversely affected in any way during an incident or accident should seek medical attention and inform the NPS OSHE Directorate to conduct a follow-up investigation.

The following guidelines should be followed by laboratory personnel if an accident involving a chemical occurs:

  1. Eye contact.   Promptly flush eyes at emergency eyewash station for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
  2. Skin contact.   Promptly flush skin with water and remove any contaminated clothing. Use an emergency safety shower when affected area is extensive.

An accident report must be filled out in ESAMS when an employee is injured in any way.