SPILL RESPONSE PROCEDURES

and

SPILL RESPONSE PRE-PLANNING

 CHEMICAL SPILL OR GAS RELEASE PROCEDURES

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

The immediate actions of all employees of any company or facility in the event of a chemical spill or gas release must be understood BEFORE an incident occur. The immediate actions are:
 

 The primary function any company's management and employees in all emergency response actions should be to protect the health and safety of all employees, contractors and visitors. No action should be taken during emergency response that directly or indirectly violates this principle.

An evacuation of the building should be initiated if one of the following conditions occurs:

* UNCONTROLLED OPEN FLAME.

* UNCONTROLLED COMPRESSED GAS RELEASE.

* ANY SITUATION WHICH POSES IMMINENT THREAT TO HUMAN HEALTH or SAFETY.

When an evacuation alarm sounds all workers within the affected building(s) will immediately exit the building and report to their assigned evacuation stations. (In the absence of such direction, if a threat to their personal safety or well-being is perceived, employees are urged to leave the affected area of their own volition).

Any attempt to stop or control the source of a release, or eliminate potential sources of ignition shall only be done if it can be accomplished without personal risk during normal evacuation procedures.

Work area Supervisors will verify the presence or accountability of all persons. All employees, except members of the Spill Team and those the Team designates, must remain outside the evacuated buildings, until given further instructions. Evacuees are not to leave the facility grounds without authorization.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Proper response procedures are dependent on correct assessment of the inherent risks. Persons without specific knowledge and/or training in chemical spill response should not make risk assessment judgments. Risk assessment in chemical emergency response involves having specific knowledge of the following three parameters:

1) Identity of the chemical or gas released.

2) Amount of the material released.

3) Location of the incident.

During the initial phases of any emergency situation, only incomplete or inaccurate information may be available for the purpose of risk evaluation. Risk assessment decisions will have to be made on the best information available at the time. As further information becomes available, the risk assessment may change. If information is not adequate to properly assess the risk to area personnel or emergency responders the most conservative approach to the incident must be taken until enough information can be gathered to do a proper risk assessment.

CHEMICAL SPILL RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Chemical spill response will be done by the Emergency Response Team or area workers as determined by Risk Assessment. All HIGH RISK spills will be handled by the Emergency Response Team. LOW RISK spills may be handled by area workers, under the supervision, if necessary, of an ERT member.

Appropriate response and clean-up procedures will be determined using the site Chemical List Response Guide. In the event, for any reason, proper procedures cannot be determined from the Response Guide, the proper procedure will be determined by the Emergency Response Team using all appropriate information and resources, including, but not limited the steps on the following page.

1) Emergency Response Team Leader and Team Members

2) Facility Safety Personnel

3) Facility Industrial Hygiene Personnel

4) Facility Security

5) Affected Area Supervisor

6) Facility Environmental personnel

7) Facility Medical Staff

8) Municipal Fire Department

9) Municipal Hazardous Material Response Team

SPILL
RESPONSE STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES
 

 1. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS to be Taken by ALL Involved Employees.

A. CLEAR the affected area.

B. CHECK for individual involvement;

Isolate the spill, if safe to do so.

C. CONTACT Emergency at the facility emergency number.

Any personnel contaminated with chemicals must be decontaminated for at least 15 minutes and taken to medical assistance. Any time a person is contaminated, emergency response at the facility emergency numbermust be notified and the spill team must be activated.

The supervisor present and trained in spill response procedures is the Spill Response Leader (until relieved) and is responsible for all aspects of the response.

The Spill Response Leader should:

2. DETERMINE the Level of Risk
 

 For LOW RISK situations, follow step 3.

For HIGH RISK situations, follow step 4.

REFER TO CHEMICAL LIST FOR GUIDANCE

3. LOW RISK SPILLS

A. Use at least two (2) area workers;

B. Inform EMERGENCY of the spill and the status of the response;

C. Use proper protective equipment:

* FULL FACE AIR PURIFYING RESPIRATOR WITH APPROPRIATE CARTRIDGE

* GLOVES

* NORMAL WORK COVERALLS

* CHEMICAL RESISTANT BOOTS

  * USE PROPER SPILL CONTROL MEDIA

* REFER TO CHEMICAL LIST FOR GUIDANCE

* NON-SPARKING TOOLS SHOULD BE USED, IF NEEDED

Proceed with STEPS 5 TO END.

4. HIGH RISK SPILLS

A. Activate the Emergency Response Team by contacting the facility emergency number and explain the situation.

B. If local Professional Emergency Response is needed, request support from:

* Fire Department.

* Police Department.

* Hospital or ambulance as needed.

Otherwise:

Use proper personal protective equipment:

* SCBA

* HARDHAT W/ FACE SHIELD

* Kappler CPF COVERALLS

* TRIPLE GLOVE (N-DEX GLOVES W/ SOLVEX^(tm) and NEOPRENE CHEMICAL GLOVES OVER THEM)

* CHEMICAL RESISTANT BOOTS

* USE PROPER SPILL CONTROL MEDIA

REFER TO THE CHEMICAL RESPONSE GUIDE FOR GUIDANCE.

NON-SPARKING TOOLS SHOULD BE USED, AS NEEDED.

5. CLEAN-UP, CONTAINERIZE, and DECONTAMINATE the area.

A. Control source of leak, if needed.

B. Contain free liquids by diking and absorbing, if appropriate.

C. Place all spill residues in an appropriate container. If solvent is used to decontaminate equipment, floors, or walkways, fire protection must be provided.

D. Decontaminate and salvage equipment, as needed. Only use a final water wash where safe and appropriate to do so.

6. ANALYZE the Affected Area for Proper Decontamination and Safety.

A. Use monitoring and detection equipment, if needed.

B. Check area equipment for unresolved problems.

C. Examine walkways, floors, and stairs for obstructions or other hazards.

D. Use facility resources as, needed: Safety, Supervisors, Environmental, etc.

7. SECURE All Response Equipment.

A. Re-stock spill supplies.

B. Repair damaged equipment, as needed.

8 RELEASE the Facility for Resumption of Operations

A. Notify operating personnel.

B. Complete SPILL RESPONSE FORM, for distribution as marked.
 
 Comments on the Spill Response Procedure

This procedure has only one major decision point: whether to use a trained spill response team or to use area workers. Risk assessment involves three factors:
 

 When evaluating the risks associated with a spill, three questions should be considered:

1. Is special training needed to handle the situation?

2. Is special equipment needed to clean-up the spill? Special equipment includes non-routine personal protective equipment, such as chemically resistant clothing and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.

3. Are special procedures needed to clean-up the spill? For example, must pumps be set-up to pump the spill into a recovery or treatment system while the area is being hosed-down to flush the chemical into the pump system?

When any one or more of the above parameters are applicable (i.e. a hazardous chemical, a large quantity, or a difficult location) or the answer to one of the three questions is YES, then the spill becomes HIGH RISK. Spills less than 1 quart (1 liter) of most chemicals can be considered LOW RISK, unless the material is exceptionally hazardous or the location is considered difficult to access. Low risk spills should be handled by AREA WORKERS.

RESPONSE TO HIGH RISK SPILLS

All spills will be deemed HIGH RISK by the Emergency Response Team until a RISK ASSESSMENT determines otherwise. All HIGH RISK SPILLS will be handled by the Emergency Response Team. No spill which causes an evacuation of the facility will be deemed LOW RISK. The Emergency Response Team will make every effort, consistent with its mission and training, to mitigate the incident in a timely and effective manner.

ADVANCED CHEMICAL SAFETY (ACSafety) has developed spill response guides for major chemical hazard categories. The basic spill response information associated with these guides is described in this section, entitled "The CHEM-GUIDE". The CHEM-GUIDE is divided into three distinct parts:

1. Specific procedures for response to various type chemical spills. The following are the hazard classes which are discussed:

Acids.
Waster-reactive acid producers.
Caustics.
Oxidizers.
Reducers.
Poisons.
Reactive.
Compressed gases.
Flammables.
Biologically hazardous materials.
Low hazard releases.
Incidental releases.

2. Forms which will aid emergency responders during an incident. These forms are given in this section:

TELEPHONE CALLING LOG

SAFETY OFFICER'S CHECKLIST.
ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST.
INCIDENT RESPONSE CHECKLIST.
LOGISTICS CHECKLIST.
DECONTAMINATION CHECKLIST.

3. Chemical List, referenced to the response procedures.

These three items are addressed in the remaining sections of this chapter.

There are some general rules which are common to all responses. The rules assume that the facility has a full "Level B" response team. Given that, the following rules apply to the INITIAL ENTRY into a hot zone.

INITIAL ENTRY WILL BE IN LEVEL B.

YOU MAY LOWER THE LEVEL OF PROTECTION WHEN APPROPRIATE.

GUIDELINES FOR SPILL RESPONSE

GUIDE NUMBER 1: ACIDS

Quantity: Acid spills larger than 1 liter or 1 pound will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

 Procedures:

LIQUID ACID SPILLS

The persons nearest the spill will throw polypropylene pillows around and on the spill, if it is safe to do so. The pillows will be placed in such a manner as to prevent the spread of the spill, indicate its boundaries, and reduce fuming by covering the surface. If this has not been done prior to the arrival of the Emergency Response Team, it will be performed as soon as possible. The following sections describe the use of solid and liquid spill response materials to mitigate a release of acid.

Liquid Neutralizer Methods

The excess acid liquid will be absorbed on polypropylene pads. If absorption is slow because of the viscosity of the spilled material, careful application of a minimum amount of liquid acid neutralizer to the spill boundary will enhance absorption. The acid residue remaining on the contaminated area will be neutralized using more liquid acid neutralizer. The neutralized residue will be absorbed on pads and the used pads will be placed in designated waste containers.

This neutralization treatment will be done at least three times, after which the contaminated site will be analyzed using pH paper. Responders should attempt obtain a final pH reading in the range of 6 to 10. Additional treatment will continue until all acid residue is neutralized. The area will be washed with a soap and water solution after the neutralization process is complete.

If floor tiles or equipment are involved, the responders must be certain to examine all surfaces and hidden areas for free liquid or residual contamination. Raised-floor tiles usually must be removed for neutralization with liquid acid neutralizer.

The waste containers (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums) will be secured and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

Solid Sodium Bicarbonate

The released liquid will be diked and contained with the solid neutralizer. Sufficient material should be spread over the spill to cover the surface with a light coating. The solid neutralizer will then be thoroughly mixed with the acid to effect absorption of all free liquid.

A small quantity of water may be added to cool the slurry or increase the rate of neutralization, if necessary. The progress of the neutralization reaction should be confirmed using pH paper. Responders should attempt obtain a final pH reading in the range of 6 to 10. More sodium bicarbonate will be added, if needed, to achieve this pH range.

After all free liquid is absorbed and the residue is containerized, the area should be rinsed at least twice with water to remove residual contamination and excess solid neutralizer. Precautions about equipment and floors, as described previously should be observed.

The waste containers (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums) will be secured and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

SOLID ACID SPILLS

Small spills of solid acid can be cleaned-up mechanically with a dust pan and brush. Larger spills should be cleaned-up using a high efficiency particulate filter vacuum. The material should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

Remaining solid acid residue may be neutralized using a liquid acid neutralizer. The neutralized residue will be absorbed on pads and placed in appropriate containers. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

NOTE: If it is appropriate to wet the acid to reduce dusting, prior to clean-up, water is usually NOT AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE. Frequently, a non-reactive, viscous liquid such as ethylene glycol is best used. The Emergency Response Team must make this determination for each solid spill.

GUIDE NUMBER 2: WATER-REACTIVE, ACID PRODUCER⁽²⁾

Quantity: Water-reactive, acid producer spills larger than 1 liter or 1 pound will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

Procedures:

An acid (liquid or solid) neutralizer will be used in this clean-up procedure. Prior to using the acid neutralizer, the contaminated area should be diked, and ICE WATER should be slowly and carefully added to the spilled material until reaction ceases. After the reaction is complete, the appropriate response procedures described in GUIDE NUMBER 1 should be implemented.

WARNING: EXTREME HEAT MAY BE GENERATED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SPILLED MATERIAL TO BOIL! SAFETY MUST BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTING THESE PROCEDURES!

GUIDE NUMBER 3: CAUSTICS

Quantity: Caustic spills larger than 1 liter or 1 pound will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

Procedures:

LIQUID CAUSTIC SPILLS

The persons nearest the spill, if it is safe to do so, will throw polypropylene pillows around and on the spill in such a manner as to prevent the spread of the spill, indicate its boundaries, and reduce fuming by covering the surface. If this has not been done prior to the arrival of the Emergency Response Team it will be performed as soon as possible. The following sections describe the use of solid or liquid spill response materials in the mitigation of releases involving liquid, caustic chemicals.

Liquid Caustic Neutralizer Methods

The excess caustic liquid will be absorbed on polypropylene pads. If absorption is slow because of the viscosity of the spilled material, careful application of a minimum amount of liquid caustic neutralizer to the spill boundary will enhance absorption. After the majority of the liquid has been absorbed and removed, the responders will begin applying liquid caustic neutralizer to any caustic residue. Allow several minutes of soaking to provide for neutralization of spilled caustic which has may have leached into porous surfaces.The neutralized residue will be absorbed on pads and placed in designated waste containers.

This neutralization treatment will be done at least three times, after which the contaminated site will be analyzed using pH paper. Additional treatment will continue until all caustic residue is neutralized.

If floor tiles or equipment are involved, the responders must be certain to examine all surfaces and hidden areas for free liquid or residual contamination. Clean Room floor tiles usually must be removed for neutralization with liquid caustic neutralizer at least two (2) water rinses of the area must be performed to completely remove residual liquid caustic neutralizer.

The waste materials will be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured and then transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

Solid Citric Acid

Free liquid will be diked and contained with the solid neutralizer. Sufficient material will be spread over the spill to just cover the surface with a light coating. The solid neutralizer will be thoroughly mixed with the caustic to effect absorption of all free liquid.

A small quantity of water may be added to cool the slurry or increase the rate of neutralization, if necessary. The progress of the neutralization reaction should be checked using pH paper. The responders should attempt to obtain a final pH reading in the range of 4 to 8. More neutralizer should be added, if needed, to obtain that goal. Precautions about equipment and floors, as described previously should be observed.

After all free liquid is absorbed and the residue is containerized, the area should be rinsed at least twice with water to remove residual contamination and excess solid neutralizer.

SOLID CAUSTIC SPILLS

Small spills can be cleaned-up mechanically with a dust pan and brush. Larger spills should be cleaned-up using a high efficiency particulate filter vacuum. The waste material should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

Any remaining caustic residue may be neutralized using a liquid caustic neutralizer. The neutralized residue will be absorbed on pads and placed in appropriate containers. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

NOTE: If it is appropriate to wet the caustic to reduce dusting, prior to clean up, water is usually NOT AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE. Frequently, a non-reactive, viscous liquid such as ethylene glycol is best used. The Emergency Response Team must make this determination for each solid spill.
 
 

GUIDE NUMBER 4: OXIDIZERS

Quantity: Oxidizer spills larger than 1 liter will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

Procedures:

LIQUID OXIDIZER SPILLS

Before initiating clean-up procedures:

Remove or moisten all combustible materials affected by the spilled substance.

If oxidizer is not water reactive, dilute to less than 5% (estimated) and absorb with polypropylene wipes or MAGICSORB^(tm).

The excess oxidizer should be absorbed with polypropylene wipes or MAGICSORB^(tm). The waste materials should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and then transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

If neutralization of the oxidizer is necessary, use dilute (5%) sodium thiosulfate in water.

SOLID OXIDIZER SPILLS

Small spills can be cleaned-up mechanically with a dust pan and brush. Larger spills should be cleaned-up using a high efficiency particulate filter vacuum. The waste material should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

Any remaining oxidizer residue may be neutralized using dilute (5%) sodium thiosulfate in water. The neutralized residue will be absorbed on pads and placed in designated waste containers.

GUIDE NUMBER 5: REDUCERS

Quantity: Reducer spills larger than 1 liter will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

 Procedures:

LIQUID REDUCER SPILLS

If reducer is not water reactive, the material should be diluted to less than 5% (estimated) with water and absorbed with polypropylene wipes or MAGICSORB^(tm). If neutralization of the reducer is necessary, use household bleach or a 5% hypochlorite solution. All excess liquid should be absorbed with polypropylene wipes or MAGICSORB^(tm), placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and then transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

SOLID REDUCER SPILLS

Small spills can be cleaned-up mechanically with a dust pan and brush. Larger spills should be cleaned-up using a high efficiency particulate filter vacuum. Waste materials should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal. Any remaining reducer residue contaminating the area may be neutralized using household bleach or a 5% hypochlorite solution. The neutralized residue will be absorbed on pads and placed in designated waste containers. This material will be treated as a hazardous waste until determined otherwise.

GUIDE NUMBER 6: POISONS

Quantity: Poison spills larger than 1 liter or 1 pound will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

Procedures:

LIQUID POISON SPILLS

The free liquid should be absorbed using polypropylene pads or MAGICSORB^(tm). The waste is placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and then transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

Remove spill residue which may be contaminating area by carefully washing area with water and detergent. (If material is water reactive or insoluble in water, use appropriate solvent.) Absorb wash water on pads or MAGICSORB and place in designated waste container. Treat this material as a hazardous waste until testing determines otherwise.

SOLID POISONS SPILLS

A liquid (water or other solvent) should be used to moisten the solid, preventing the spread of dust particulates. The liquid must be selected based on the reactivity of the spilled solid.

Small spills can be cleaned-up mechanically with a dust pan and brush. Larger spills should be cleaned-up using a high efficiency particulate filter vacuum. The waste materials should be placed in plastic bags, which are then sealed. The plastic bags should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

GUIDE NUMBER 7: REACTIVES⁽³⁾

The following procedures are recommended guidelines for handling releases of air reactive and water reactive chemicals.

WATER REACTIVE MATERIALS

Special Actions: CONSIDER EVACUATION OF BUILDING!

Quantity: ALL spills of water reactive materials must be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

 
 Procedures:

WARNING: EXTREME HEAT MAY BE GENERATED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SPILLED MATERIAL TO BOIL! SAFETY MUST BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTING THESE PROCEDURES!

Before initiating clean-up procedures, the spilled material should be diluted with appropriate substance to reduce reactivity, if possible. If potential exists for contact with water, the spilled material should be covered with mineral oil.

Spilled material should be absorbed with polypropylene wipes or MAGICSORB^(tm), placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and then transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

AIR REACTIVE MATERIALS⁽⁴⁾

Special Actions: CONSIDER EVACUATION OF BUILDING!

Quantity: ALL spills of air reactive materials must be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

 
 Procedures:

WARNING: EXTREME HEAT MAY BE GENERATED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE SPILLED MATERIAL TO BOIL! SAFETY MUST BE ADDRESSED PRIOR TO IMPLEMENTING THESE PROCEDURES!

Spilled material should be covered with mineral oil or other non-reactive barrier and absorbed with MAGICSORB^(tm). The waste should be placed in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums), secured, and then transported to the wastewater treatment facility or the hazardous waste yard for

treatment or disposal.

GUIDE NUMBER 8: GASES

Special Actions: If the gas is an atmospheric gas (nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide) clear the affected floor, otherwise,

CONSIDER EVACUATION OF BUILDING!

Fire department support may be needed.

Quantity: ALL uncontrolled, compressed gas releases must be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: SCBA and appropriate skin protection, as needed.

 
 
 Procedures:

If possible, the leak should be controlled without approach to the point of release. If this is not possible, the cylinder should be moved out of the building or allowed to completely vent in-place.

GUIDE NUMBER 9: FLAMMABLE MATERIALS

Special Actions: If the vapor concentration is over 10% of the LEL:

CONSIDER EVACUATION OF THE BUILDING!

ADEQUATE FIRE PROTECTION MUST BE PROVIDED.

A response team member, properly protected, must have immediate access to a (minimum) 20 LB ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher or equivalent.

Quantity: Flammable spills larger than 1 liter will be handled by the Emergency Response Team.

Minimum PPE: Level B or C protection.
 

  Procedures:

WARNING: ENTRY INTO AN ATMOSPHERE WHICH CONTAINS MORE THAN 10% OF THE LEL IS NOT RECOMMENDED!

In general, solvent spills of 1 gallon or less will rapidly evaporate. However, until vapors disperse, the risk of fire or explosion and the health hazards may be quite high. Solvent spills in areas where flammable vapors can accumulate should be monitored with a combustible gas meter. If the concentration of combustible gas exceeds 10% of the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) responders should withdraw until the atmosphere can be appropriately modified via ventilation.

Where dust is not a problem, activated charcoal will be used to adsorb the solvent spill and to control the vapors. If dust is a problem, low dust polypropylene, absorbent pads will be used whenever possible. Flammable solids must be covered with a non-reactive material.

Charcoal should be placed in a plastic pail or lined drum. The residue may be vacuumed with a high efficiency particulate filter protected, explosion proof, industrial vacuum. Solvent soaked pads will immediately be placed into a safety can for removal from the work area.

If spill is not controlled quickly, EVACUATION OF THE BUILDING MUST BE CONSIDERED. The local fire department should be called.

GUIDE NUMBER 10: LOW-HAZARD MATERIALS

Area workers may clean up spills of low-hazardous materials (sodium chloride solid, for example) at the DISCRETION of the emergency response leader. If the leader is in doubt, the Emergency Response Team may be used. Only dispose of low-hazardous chemical materials in the municipal disposal system if they are determined to be NON-HAZARDOUS in the regulatory sense of the word. This will be determined by applicable Federal, State, and local regulations. All containers must be clearly labeled "NON-HAZARDOUS" when disposed of as non-hazardous. Use care in making this choice.

GUIDE NUMBER 11: BIOLOGICALLY HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Quantity: Releases of potentially infectious material which meet the following criteria will be handled by members of the Emergency Response Team:

1) Any amount of material known to be contaminated with HIV or Hepatitis B Virus which has escaped its secondary containment;

2) 100 ml or more of material which is known, or suspected to be, contaminated with HIV or HBV which has escaped its primary containment.

Emergency Response Team members may also be exposed to potentially infectious materials whenever they provide first-aid to victims.

Minimum PPE: The appropriate level of PPE will be selected based on the type of exposure expected. The following table summarizes the choices for PPE:

 SPILLS OF BLOOD OR OTHER POTENTIALLY INFECTIOUS MATERIALS

The area contaminated with potentially infectious materials should be drenched with (household) bleach before clean-up procedures are started. Absorb the free liquid using polypropylene pads or MAGICSORB^(tm). Rinse area with bleach solution, followed by a wash down with a soap and water solution.

Place used response materials in an appropriate container (5-gal plastic pals or lined drums). The containers be labeled with the identity of their contents and with the biohazard symbol (depicted at the right). These containers should the be secured and transported to the hazardous waste yard for treatment or disposal.

SPECIAL PROCEDURES FOR OTHER SITUATIONS

The following sections outline procedures specific to other materials not fully described in the guidelines given previously.

OIL and PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, PAINTS, FREONS, etc.

Spills of many chemicals, such as those listed above and many others, including coating solutions, inks, water treatment polymers, etc, are best handled by adsorption onto MAGICSORB^(tm).

A dike should be made around the spill with MAGICSORB^(tm). A light cover of MAGICSORB^(tm) will then be sprinkled over the entire surface of the spill, if possible. Using brooms or shovels, as appropriate, the MAGICSORB^(tm) should be absorbed into and through the spill. Spill residues can be placed in a plastic pail or lined drum for removal and proper disposal. A second light application of MAGICSORB^(tm)is usually sufficient to completely clean up the spill and all residue. For equipment and vertical surfaces contaminated with these products, oil sorbent wipes may be used to clean the areas. An appropriate solvent may be necessary for some situations. If used, responders must be properly protected.

SOLID SPILLS

Many solid spills present unusual toxicity or physical hazards. For example, spilled sodium cyanide is extremely toxic, since sufficient dust may be breathed to cause acute health effects. Spills of finely divided metals present an extreme fire hazard and spills of corrosive solids, such as cement or caustic soda present a severe, but delayed chemical burn risk.

Any solid spill in excess of 1 pound should be reported to the Emergency Response Team. Small spills can be cleaned-up mechanically with a dust pan and brush. Larger spills should be cleaned-up using a high efficiency particulate filter vacuum.

If the dust must be wetted prior to clean up, water is usually NOT AN APPROPRIATE CHOICE. Frequently, a non-reactive, viscous liquid such as ethylene glycol is best used. The Emergency Response Team must make this determination for each solid spill.

INCIDENTAL RELEASE RESPONSE

Refer to the separate Incidental Spill Response Procedure file.

SPECIAL FORMS

On the following pages are forms which have been prepared to aid Emergency Response Team members in safety and effectively mitigating an incident. These forms also provide a record of actions and decisions related to emergency response procedure. Such records can be valuable during debriefing and any other review of the incident response.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
SAFETY OFFICER'S CHECKLIST

 RESPONDER NAMES:

ENTRY 1_____________________________ 2______________________________

ENTRY 3_____________________________ 4______________________________

DECON 5_____________________________ 6______________________________

BACKUP 7_____________________________ 8______________________________

OTHER 9____________________________ 10______________________________

OTHER 11____________________________ 12______________________________

OTHER 13____________________________ 14______________________________

ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Date_______________________________ Call Number _______________________

INCIDENT RESPONSE CHECKLIST

1. IMMEDIATE ACTIONS

a. Clear Affected Area

b. Check for Personal Involvement

c. Establish a Secure Zone

d. Establish a COLD ZONE

e. Establish a Command Post

2. PERFORM RISK ASSESSMENT

a. Identify Released Material

b. Determine (estimate) Quantity Released

c. Evaluate Hazards of the Location

d. Evaluate the RISK

INITIATE ACTIONS TO MINIMIZE SPREAD - IF SAFE TO DO SO!

3. DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN

a. Assign Work Tasks

b. Specify PPE Level

c. Specify Needed Equipment & Tools

d. Establish WARM and HOT Zones

e. Entry Team Tasks

(1) Confirm Evacuation

(2) Measure Contaminant Levels

(3) Locate and Control Source

(4) Neutralize and/or Adsorb Material

(5) Prepare Residue for Removal

f. Verify Area Clear of Contaminant

g. Decontaminate Reusable Equipment

h. Decontaminate and Label Waste

i. Decontaminate Responders

4. TERMINATE INCIDENT

5. RESTOCK RESPONSE SUPPLIES

6. COMPLETE INCIDENT REPORTS

7. DEBRIEF RESPONDERS

STAFF ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST

DECONTAMINATION CHECK LIST

(To be returned to I.C. for report purposes)

 Date_______________________________ Call Number_________________________

Chemical Name___________________________________________________________

PPE LEVEL FOR DECON TEAM	A B C
DECONTAMINATION TYPE	WET		DRY
EQUIPMENT
DECON EQUIPMENT	Ground cover or Tarp  2 "pools"  5 five-gallon plastic buckets  Poly pads  2 Drums with liners  2 Brushes  Water supply		Ground cover or Tarp  5 five-gallon plastic buckets  Poly pads  2 Drums with liners
SET-UP
PROCEDURES
EQUIPMENT REMOVAL SEQUENCE	Outer gloves  Suit Rinse  Overboots  Suit Rinse  Hard hat	Partial SCBA  Suit/Middle gloves  SCBA  Inner gloves	Outer gloves  Overboots  Hard hat  Partial SCBA	Suit/Middle gloves  SCBA  Inner gloves