One of the most important parts of a spill response plan is training the responders. They need to know how to contain and prevent spills and to identify the direction of the spill. They should also know the best way to mitigate the impact of a spill, including respiratory protection and PPE.
When evaluating a spill’s hazard, it is important to take into account the amount of material that has spilled and any surrounding hazards. While simple spills may require minimal response, those involving volatile or toxic materials should be dealt with by trained personnel. There may also be limitations in the access to a spill site. Essential kit includes Chemical Spill Kits which can be obtained from a site like Hyde Park Environmental
Training new responders to avoid unnecessary risks is equally important. It’s easy to jump in and get something wrong when you’re still learning, but it’s better to take the time to assess the situation and assess risk. A person may have been exposed to a toxic chemical, and your first instinct is to rush to help them. Instead, train them to carefully assess the situation and look for any unusual details that can help them determine the level of risk.
Regardless of the size of the spill, new responders need to be taught how to stop, look, and listen. They should also be taught what to do first, as procedures may vary based on the spill. For example, if a spill is small, it may be possible to shut down the source before the response is started. Larger spills, however, may require different tactics.