| Oil spills are dangerous for both humans and the | | | | avoid inhaling any fumes. |
| environment. They can cause fires, poisoning of the | | | | 5) Inform superiors and/or management at once. |
| soil and pollution of waterways. In case of an | | | | - Containing |
| accidental oil spill, by taking immediate measures, you | | | | 1) Immediately check for drainage areas and run offs |
| can help to minimize and prevent damage by using oil | | | | near the spill. If found, seal them immediately with |
| spill pads and other types of absorbents. | | | | drain covers. |
| One can get confused during an emergency. | | | | 2) Cordon off the oil spill area with spill booms or |
| Remember the three most important things to do - | | | | socks to stop it from spreading. You can also use oil |
| control, contain and clean-up. By control you control | | | | spill pads for this. |
| the source of the spill and stop the the source of | | | | 3) Make sure that the spill has no way of escaping |
| the leak to slow it down. Containing the oil spill simply | | | | from the captured area. |
| means preventing it from spreading over a large area. | | | | - Clean up |
| Clean up means you clean up the oil from the site. | | | | 1) Place oil spill pads or absorbent pillows directly on |
| After the clean up it is important that the used | | | | the spilled liquid. |
| absorbents used are properly disposed of. | | | | 2) Distribute the absorbents to different spots of the |
| You will need to properly clean up the oil spill in order | | | | spill to make the clean up better and faster. |
| to prevent environmental damage, prevent fines | | | | 3) Keep on using the absorbent pads until every last |
| from regulators and to protect you employees doing | | | | drop has been wiped up. |
| the clean up. You will need to have on site absorbent | | | | 4) Have plastic bags ready to collect the soiled |
| oil spill pads and socks for containment and the clean | | | | material. |
| up of the spill. For the protection of those doing the | | | | 5) Double bag used items to avoid further leaking. |
| clean up you will need safety goggles and gloves. If | | | | 6) When there is no longer a threat of the spill |
| you purchase a good spill kit all of these items should | | | | spreading put the absorbent booms or absorbent |
| be included in the kit. Fire extinguishers are also a | | | | socks into plastic bags. |
| must have item. | | | | 7) Once everything is bagged, put the bags |
| Here is a step by step action plan that you or your | | | | themselves into a single container. Properly label the |
| employees should have been trained to follow: | | | | container so the contents is disposed of according to |
| - Control | | | | local, State and Federal regulations. |
| 1) Take immediate actions to counter the situation. | | | | After completing the above steps, contact your local |
| 2) Stop the flow of the oil by any means. Turn off | | | | waste disposal service for guidance on proper |
| the valve, turn the container upright, plug up the hole | | | | disposal. For large spills, you should contact your local |
| do anything that stops the flow. | | | | fire department to be sure you are in compliance |
| 3) Stop fires from starting or spreading. Put out small | | | | with any reporting obligations. In certain locations and |
| fires and turn of all machines operating nearby. | | | | for larger spills, you may be required to contact and |
| 4) Safety comes first; wear proper safety gear and | | | | inform the State and/or the federal EPA officials. |