Construction site workers handle hazardous materials every day. Besides the health risks that chemical spills pose to employees, these substances can also harm the environment, damage equipment, and cause financial losses for companies.
When you’re running a business, it can be easy to overlook the basics of maintaining a safe work environment. However, proper spill control procedures are essential in handling dangerous chemicals securely. Here are the top tips on how to prevent hazardous materials from spilling over at construction sites.
1. Store Chemicals in Covered Areas
Hazardous chemicals must be stored in covered containers protected from rainfall. While chemicals diluted with water will be weaker, the rainfall will increase the volume of the liquid, increasing the possibility of spilling over the workplace. Additionally, a chemical spill containing rain will be more difficult to clean as it would likely cover a larger area, making it harder for response teams to clean it up. From lockable units with hard or roll tops to larger shed buildings that can hold up to 20 drums, there are a number of different storage solutions available.
2. Use a Drive-Over Spill Containment
Drive-over spill containment is secondary containment equipment designed to prevent spills from primary containment units. It’s intended to provide carts and maintenance vehicles with easy access to primary containment sites. A drive over spill containment berm allows the vehicles to move in and out freely and is ideal for containing washdown runoff or wastewater accumulation. Finally, it doesn’t impede the established maintenance routines, while helping you achieve regulatory compliance with secondary containment requirements.
3. Install Spill and Overflow Protection
If there are pipes and hoses or new lines connected to supply storage tanks, there’s a risk for minor spills. Spill protection mechanisms are simple to apply but can go a long way in preventing hazardous materials from spilling by catching any stray liquid. Overflow protection mechanisms are more complicated to install and might include automatic alarms or shutoff devices to alert you.
4. Regularly Inspect Chemical Containers on Site
Inspecting chemical containers regularly can be very helpful in your efforts to prevent hazardous materials from spilling over, limiting the impact on the site operations and environment. You should create a comprehensive plan to check your systems and infrastructure regularly. Pay special attention to ensuring the exterior parts of the containers have no signs of spills and stains. Additionally, ensure the screw caps and closures have no deformities and check the containers for signs of deterioration like bulges or rust.
5. Safeguard the Transportation of Chemical Containers
Taking the necessary precautions when transporting chemical containers is essential. You should use carts that are compatible with the weight of the container and preferably built with high edges to prevent spills. Moreover, you should always move containers that carry 55 gallons or more with a drum cart. Finally, use gas cylinder handcarts to transport large gas cylinders.
6. Employ Strict Decanting Procedures
To reduce the risk of dangerous spills when decanting, you should have robust procedures in place. First, ensure that each container has adequate volume when transferring chemicals between containers to avoid overfilling. Moreover, instead of manual pouring, use pumps to move liquids from large. Finally, use approved safety containers to transfer combustible and flammable liquids.
7. Have a Spill Kit in Place
Think of spill kits as first aid kits for spills. Having one in place can save you from a larger mess and huge financial loss. The kits come in different sizes and shapes and are designed to manage the risks associated with chemical spills. For example, you can use them to protect surfaces from small drips or clean up after larger spills.
8. Properly Label Hazardous Materials
OSHA requires proper labeling of hazardous materials stored or used in the workplace. This practice helps ensure a safe response in case an accidental spill happens. By understanding the type of spill, the response team can use the proper clean-up materials and know which level of personal protective equipment they should wear.
9. Train the Employees
Employees who use or handle hazardous products need to be trained in the appropriate steps of handling and storing the chemicals to minimize the risk of spills at construction sites. Additionally, you should ensure they know the proper ways to clean up the material if a spill occurs and which PPE to use.
Conclusion
Hazardous material spills can lead to significant injuries and are an environmental threat. Having established spill prevention procedures and solid emergency response plans can significantly boost chemical safety in the workplace. What is more, site owners who take a proactive stance on maintenance, inspection, and preparation can decrease the risk of financial, legal, and logistical risks, just don’t forget to review the safe systems regularly to evaluate the existing procedures.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
