CHEMICAL HANDLING AND

SPILL KITS

GROUP WHS JAN 2017

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this presentation the participant will be able to: – Reduce the likelihood of different types of spills within the

workplace

– Locate a spill kit and be aware of the contents

– Assess and contain a spill

– Identify a substance and clean up a spill

– Collect decontaminated materials and dispose of it them correctly

– Report a spill and restock a spill kit

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this presentation the participant

will be able to:

– Prevent different types of spills within the workplace

– Locate a spill kit and be aware of the contents

– Assess and contain a spill

– Identify a substance and clean up a spill

– Collect decontaminated materials and dispose of it them

correctly

– Report a spill and restock a spill kit

SPILL PREVENTION

Chemical spills can be prevented in the workplace by:

– Ensuring appropriate chemical containers are used with seals that are in good condition

– Ensuring all chemicals are stored appropriately and in accordance with the safety data sheet (SDS)

‒ In a bunded area

‒ Out of direct sunlight

‒ In a secured dangerous goods cabinet

– Ensuring workers receive appropriate training

– Ensuring the SDS is referred to when determining storage, usage and disposal.

TYPES OF SPILLS

Chemical Spill kits provided are designed

specifically for our work environment

The kit may be used to clean up spills that include

acidic spills, caustic spills and solvent spills

A biological spill kit is used for the clean up of blood

spills and infectious substances

Please note that the absorbent material is not a

neutraliser or disinfectant

SPILL KIT LOCATION

All staff need to be aware of the location of spill

kits, their contents and how to use them

Please speak to your manager if you cannot

locate spill kits in your area

SPILL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE

The following steps should be taken during spill cleanup:

– Assessment and assistance

– Containment

– Safety precautions

– Clean up the spill

– Disinfecting site (if blood and body fluid contaminate)

– Waste disposal

– Incident reporting

– Restocking spill kit

ASSESSMENT AND ASSISTANCE

Assess the situation - your safety is important – Assist any injured persons

– Evacuate unnecessary persons from the area

– Assess ability to manage the spill

– Set up a barrier around the spill

– Call for assistance if required

– Ensure your manager is aware of the situation – if necessary designate a responsible person to contact your manager

CONTAINMENT

If possible ensure the spill is contained

– Look to isolate any points of escape such as drains or

waste points

– If conditions allow, and if safe to do so, surround spill

to alert staff of its presence

– Stop any leaks if safe to do so

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Identify the substance

Review the relevant SDS

The SDS will have specific information on: – How to manage a spill of the chemical

– The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) required, for example, a respirator, gloves and protective footwear

– Method of disposal of the spill material

– First aid information

Where possible work in pairs with one person acting as the observer.

CLEAN UP THE SPILL

Use personal protective equipment as described in the SDS

For flammable spills, have the correct extinguisher in close proximity to the spill

Control the source of the spill

Use absorbent material (as described in the SDS) to absorb the substance

Absorbent should be sprinkled on top of the spill to avoid splashing

Work from the perimeter of the spill moving towards the centre

COLLECTION AND DECONTAMINATION

Place all spill residue into an appropriate sealable container

Decontaminate the affected area using an appropriate material

Decontaminate the reusable items from the kit

Check the area to ensure proper decontamination has taken place

Examine the area to ensure the spill has not caused other hazards or damage

WASTE DISPOSAL

Following the clean up of any spills, waste must

be disposed of in accordance with local and

state legislative requirements

If you need advice regarding the safe disposal of

waste residue contact your State WHS team

REPORTING

On completion of spill clean up the incident must

be reported

– Complete the Incident Notification and Investigation

Report form in QPulse

– Liaise with your WHS State Manager to determine if

the spill is a Notifiable Incident

– The incident will be investigated

RESTOCKING SPILL KIT

All components of the kit that have been used

must be replaced immediately

The contents are listed in each kit and should be

cross checked when ordering new stock

Advise your manager about what items need to

be replaced

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION

If you are uncertain of any of the presented

material or would like further information please

contact your State WHS team.

Thank you for participating in the Chemical

Handling and Spills training.

Please complete the quiz.