CORE Ch9 Cheat Sheet: Emergency or Incident Response

🎯 Top 5 Traps

1

The 3 C's of pesticide spill response: CONTROL, CONTAIN, CLEAN UP — and ALWAYS PUT ON PPE FIRST. CONTROL: place small leaking containers into larger ones; if a drum leaks, plug it then transfer contents; for pressurized systems (sprayers), TURN OFF THE PUMP. NEVER LEAVE THE SITE UNATTENDED. CONTAIN: keep spill from spreading; prevent material from entering surface water; use a SHOVEL to BERM OFF the area to keep pesticide out of drains/waterways. CLEAN UP: sweep absorbent materials + contaminated items into a DRUM; NEUTRALIZE concrete or asphalt surfaces (per SDS or manufacturer); on SOIL, follow state/tribe/territory regulatory agency guidance — often EXCAVATE the top 2 to 3 INCHES of soil and replace with clean soil.

2

The DESIGNATED EMERGENCY COORDINATOR is the central role in any response plan — must have AUTHORITY to make important decisions during an emergency. Coordinates with local first responders (fire, police, paramedics). Makes calls + fills out reports to government agencies. Critical info to convey to emergency personnel: NAME of person reporting, PRECISE LOCATION of the incident, general description, EXACT NAME + QUANTITY + CLASSIFICATION of pesticides involved, extent of injuries, whether pesticides have entered SURFACE WATER. The BACKBONE of any emergency response plan is a SEQUENCE OF ACTIONS to take in a crisis — step-by-step procedures from sounding the alarm to interacting with local emergency responders.

3

TWO MAPS are required in any emergency response plan — FACILITY MAP and AREA MAP — both updated whenever changes are made. FACILITY MAP shows: chemical storage buildings, bulk storage tanks, access roads, main shutoffs for electricity/water/gas, perimeter fencing/gates, fuel storage tanks, fire alarms/extinguishers/firefighting equipment, protective clothing, drainage ditches, wells, surface water flow. AREA MAP shows facility in relation to surrounding area. Keep copies of pesticide LABELS + SDSs AWAY from the storage area so they remain accessible if storage is involved in fire. Train ALL EMPLOYEES ANNUALLY on how to execute the response plan.

4

FIRES involving pesticides remain DANGEROUS EVEN AFTER EXTINGUISHED — pesticide residue in debris, soil, and runoff is hazardous. Smoke and fumes are dangerous to responders. Fire response sequence: EVACUATE to designated RENDEZVOUS POINT (everyone accounted for) → notify fire department → provide responders with SDSs, labels, emergency plan, site map → FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS of onsite incident commander → establish security perimeter → CONTAIN contaminated runoff and leaking pesticide ONSITE by building BERMS → CONSULT with emergency responders on whether to ALLOW THE FIRE TO BURN OUT → call insurance agent → make all regulatory phone calls required by state and federal agencies. Storage prevention: store combustible pesticides AWAY from heating sources, install fire-detection system, train employees to use fire extinguisher.

5

Spill into surface water — DO NOT DELAY notification. If pesticide contaminates a stream, pond, or other waterway, IMMEDIATELY contact state/tribe/territory regulatory agencies responsible for streams + fisheries AND for pesticides. Authorities need time to ALERT downstream users drawing surface water for drinking, PREVENT poisoning of livestock, EVACUATE recreational users (swimming, fishing), and AVOID contamination of irrigated crops. Call MANUFACTURER's emergency number on the SDS. Call 911. Have product label + SDS available for emergency responders. Spill kit contents (in plastic container, in each transport vehicle and at mix/load/store sites): emergency phone numbers, PPE designed for pesticides, ABSORBENT MATERIALS (spill pillows, absorbent clay, CAT LITTER), shovel/broom/dustpan, HEAVY-DUTY DETERGENT.

🔢 Numbers You Must Know

Number

What It Represents

3 C's of spill response

CONTROL the spill, CONTAIN the spill, CLEAN UP the spill — in that order, with PPE FIRST before responding.

2 to 3 inches

Typical depth of soil excavation required after a spill on bare soil. Top layer must be removed and replaced with clean soil. State/tribe/territory regulatory agency provides specific guidance.

2 maps required

FACILITY MAP (chemical storage, bulk tanks, access roads, shutoffs, perimeter, fuel tanks, fire alarms/extinguishers, protective clothing, drainage, wells, surface water flow); AREA MAP (facility in relation to surrounding area). Provide updated copies to emergency response agencies whenever changes are made.

Annual employee training

Train ALL employees how to execute the emergency response plan EACH YEAR. Familiarity with the plan determines whether the problem is quickly and safely resolved.

6 critical info items

To convey to emergency personnel during an incident: (1) name of person reporting; (2) PRECISE location; (3) general description of what happened; (4) EXACT NAME, QUANTITY, CLASSIFICATION of pesticides; (5) extent of injuries; (6) whether pesticides have entered SURFACE WATER.

5 spill kit categories

(1) Telephone numbers for emergency assistance; (2) PPE designed for use with pesticides; (3) absorbent materials (spill pillows, absorbent clay, cat litter); (4) shovel, broom, dustpan; (5) heavy-duty detergent. Store in a plastic container, clean and in working order.

NFPA scale 0 to 4

NFPA Hazard Identification System: each hazard category rated 0 (minimal) to 4 (severe). Diamond-shaped warning symbol with FOUR sections: top (flammability), left (health), right (instability), bottom (special hazards).

2 NFPA special hazard codes

OX = OXIDIZER; W = AVOID USE OF WATER. Located in bottom (white) section of NFPA diamond.

Emergency contact list

Persons/agencies required by local/state/federal requirements; local emergency planning committees; police + fire units; paramedics + area hospitals; appropriate chemical manufacturers + dealers; containment + hazardous waste cleanup contractors; your attorney.

4 storage info items if label damaged

If label destroyed/damaged, immediately mark container with: trade name, EPA registration number, signal word, and use classification (referenced from Ch.8 storage practices but applies in emergency cleanup).

🔀 Easily Confused

Pair / Group

Distinguishing Feature

Control vs Contain vs Clean up

Control: stop the leak — put PPE on first, place small leaking containers into larger ones, plug drum leaks then transfer, turn off pump on pressurized systems, NEVER leave site unattended. Contain: keep spill from spreading — berm with shovel to keep out of drains/waterways. Clean up: sweep absorbents + contaminated items into drum; neutralize concrete/asphalt; excavate top 2-3 inches of contaminated soil.

Spill response: PPE first vs Action first

ALWAYS put on appropriate PPE BEFORE responding to a spill. The applicator's safety comes before any containment activity. Same rule applied to damaged container response in Ch.8.

Facility map vs Area map

Facility map: layout of all chemical storage buildings, bulk storage tanks, access roads, main shutoffs, perimeter fencing, fuel tanks, fire alarms/extinguishers, protective clothing, drainage ditches, wells, surface water flow. Area map: facility in relation to surrounding area. Both required, both updated when changes are made.

Spill on concrete vs Spill on soil

On concrete or asphalt: NEUTRALIZE the surface — follow SDS instructions or contact manufacturer. On soil: state/tribe/territory regulatory agency provides specific instructions; often EXCAVATE the top 2 to 3 INCHES of soil, remove, and replace with clean soil. Different surfaces, different procedures.

Berms (containment) vs Sumps (collection)

Berms: built up around spill site (with a SHOVEL or with pre-built materials) to keep contaminated runoff/spill OUT of drains and waterways. Used during spills + fires. Sumps: built INTO storage facility floor (sloped) to COLLECT spilled material in a contained low point. Both are containment infrastructure but used differently.

Pressurized system spill response

Always TURN OFF THE PUMP first. Continued pressure pushes more pesticide out. Standard control step before any containment activity for pressurized sprayers.

Surface water spill notification

If spill contaminates surface water: IMMEDIATELY contact state/tribe/territory regulatory agencies for streams/fisheries AND for pesticides. Authorities need time to alert downstream users (drinking water), prevent livestock poisoning, evacuate recreational users (swimming, fishing), avoid irrigated crop contamination. Don't delay.

Manufacturer vs 911 vs State agency calls

Manufacturer: emergency number on SDS — instructs on chemical-specific cleanup steps. 911: report the spill, summon emergency response. State/tribe/territory regulatory agency: required for surface water contamination. All three may be needed in a serious spill.

Emergency coordinator vs Onsite incident commander

Emergency coordinator: the company's designated "go-to" person — has authority to make decisions, coordinates with first responders, makes calls + fills reports. Onsite incident commander: the local emergency response leader once first responders arrive (fire department or other). FOLLOW the incident commander's instructions during fire/spill response.

Fire response: Evacuate vs Notify vs Fight

EVACUATE to designated rendezvous point FIRST (everyone accounted for). NOTIFY fire department. Provide responders with SDSs, labels, plan, site map. Follow incident commander instructions. CONSULT with responders about whether to ALLOW FIRE TO BURN OUT — sometimes the right call. Don't try to fight a pesticide fire alone.

Combustible pesticide storage

Store combustible pesticides AWAY from heating sources. Install fire-detection system. Train employees to use fire extinguisher. Pesticide products vary in flammability — refer to NFPA flammability rating + label + SDS.

Records during/after spill

Keep records of all activities + conversations with regulatory authorities, emergency responders, news media, and the public. PHOTOGRAPHS document related damage AND steps taken to clean up. Critical for regulatory compliance and liability protection.

NFPA hazard categories

Diamond with 4 sections: TOP = flammability (red); LEFT = health (blue); RIGHT = instability; BOTTOM = special hazards (white) — OX (oxidizer) or W (avoid use of water). Each rated 0 (minimal) to 4 (severe). Used by emergency responders to quickly assess hazards.

NFPA scale 4 vs 0

4: severe hazard — flammability: flammable gases, volatile liquids, pyrophoric materials; health: severe; instability: capable of detonation/explosive decomposition at ambient temperatures. 0: minimal hazard — flammability: will not burn; health: minimal; instability: normally stable.

Spill prevention vs Spill response

Prevention: maintain application equipment + transport vehicles (cracked hoses, loose hose clamps); defensive driving; no cellphone while driving. Response: 3 C's procedure with PPE first. Spill kit available in every transport vehicle + storage/mixing/loading site.

📋 Emergency Response Plan Components Quick Reference

Component

Requirement

Key Specifics

Designated emergency coordinator

Single "go-to" person with AUTHORITY to make important decisions during an emergency.

Coordinates with local first responders (fire, police, paramedics). Makes calls + fills out reports to government agencies. Without authority, decisions may delay critical action.

Posted contact list

List of names + telephone numbers of response agencies posted in OFFICE, SHOP, and TRUCK.

Include: agencies required by local/state/federal law; local emergency planning committees; police + fire; paramedics + hospitals; chemical manufacturers + dealers; containment + cleanup contractors; attorney.

Critical-info form

Fill-in form or outline of critical info to convey to emergency personnel — kept with the calling list.

Include: name of reporter, PRECISE location, general description, EXACT NAME + QUANTITY + CLASSIFICATION of pesticides, extent of injuries, whether pesticides have entered SURFACE WATER.

Facility map

Layout of all chemical storage buildings + bulk tanks + key infrastructure.

Shows: storage buildings, bulk tanks, access roads, MAIN SHUTOFFS for electricity/water/gas, perimeter fencing/gates, fuel storage tanks, fire alarms + extinguishers + firefighting equipment, protective clothing, drainage ditches, wells, surface water flow.

Area map

Facility in relation to surrounding area.

Both maps must be UPDATED and provided to emergency response agencies WHENEVER CHANGES ARE MADE.

Product inventory

Inventory of chemicals stored at the facility.

Reflect PEAK SEASONAL storage of pesticides, fertilizers, and fuel — emergency responders need worst-case picture.

Labels + SDSs

Copies kept AWAY from the storage area.

If storage facility is involved in fire, the off-site copies remain accessible. Critical for medical treatment, fire response, and chemical-specific cleanup guidance.

Maintained equipment

Emergency equipment + supplies needed to respond to fires + spills, in good working order.

Includes: spill kit, fire extinguisher (chemical-fire rated), absorbent materials, eyewash, first aid, PPE.

Annual employee training

Train ALL employees how to execute the response plan EACH YEAR.

Backbone of any plan is the SEQUENCE OF ACTIONS to take in a crisis — step-by-step procedures from sounding the alarm to interacting with emergency response. Coordinate with local agencies (fire, police, emergency planning committee) for input.

Step-by-step procedures

Written procedures for various emergencies: fires, spills, ammonia leaks, tornadoes, hurricanes, transportation accidents.

Specify every activity from sounding alarm to interacting with local emergency response. Once internal procedures established, share with local response agencies + offer copies for their files.

🚨 Spill + Fire Response + NFPA Quick Reference

Topic

Action / Rule

Key Specifics

3 C's: Step 1 — CONTROL

Always put on appropriate PPE FIRST. Stop the leak.

Place small leaking containers into larger ones. Plug drum leaks then transfer contents. Turn OFF the pump on pressurized systems. NEVER leave the site unattended.

3 C's: Step 2 — CONTAIN

Keep spill from spreading. Prevent material from entering surface water.

Use a SHOVEL to BERM OFF area to keep pesticide out of drains and waterways. Surface containment is much easier to clean than waterway contamination.

3 C's: Step 3 — CLEAN UP

Sweep absorbent materials + contaminated items into a DRUM.

On CONCRETE or ASPHALT: NEUTRALIZE the surface (follow SDS or contact manufacturer). On SOIL: state/tribe/territory regulatory agency provides instructions — often EXCAVATE top 2 to 3 INCHES of soil, replace with clean soil.

Surface water spill notification

IMMEDIATELY contact state/tribe/territory regulatory agencies for streams/fisheries AND for pesticides. Don't delay.

Authorities need time to: alert downstream drinking water users; prevent livestock poisoning; evacuate recreational users (swimming, fishing); avoid contaminating irrigated crops. Call manufacturer (SDS emergency number) + 911.

Records during spill response

Keep records of activities + conversations with regulators, responders, news media, and the public.

PHOTOGRAPHS document related damage AND steps taken to clean up. Important for liability + regulatory compliance.

Spill kit contents

Stored in plastic container, clean and in working order, in each transport vehicle + at mix/load/store sites.

(1) Emergency telephone numbers; (2) PPE designed for use with pesticides; (3) absorbent materials (spill pillows, absorbent clay, CAT LITTER); (4) shovel, broom, dustpan; (5) heavy-duty detergent.

Spill prevention

Properly maintain application equipment + transport vehicles. Defensive driving.

Leaks/drips from cracked hoses or loose hose clamps signal problems. No cellphone use while driving.

Fire prevention

Store combustible pesticides AWAY from heating sources. Install fire-detection system. Train employees to use fire extinguisher.

Pesticide products vary in flammability — check label + SDS + NFPA rating. Keep storage facility nonporous, ventilated, separate from people/equipment/records.

Fire response sequence

(1) Evacuate to designated RENDEZVOUS POINT (account for everyone). (2) Notify fire department. (3) Provide responders with SDSs, labels, plan, site map. (4) Follow ONSITE INCIDENT COMMANDER instructions. (5) Establish security perimeter.

(6) Build BERMS to contain contaminated runoff and leaking pesticide ONSITE. (7) Consult with responders on whether to ALLOW FIRE TO BURN OUT. (8) Call insurance agent. (9) Make all required regulatory phone calls.

Fire residue hazard

Pesticide residue in DEBRIS, SOIL, and RUNOFF remains DANGEROUS even after the fire is extinguished.

Smoke and fumes during the fire are also hazardous to responders. Cleanup may be lengthy and require hazardous waste protocols.

NFPA Hazard Identification

Diamond-shaped warning symbol used by emergency responders to assess hazards quickly.

4 sections: TOP = flammability (red), LEFT = health (blue), RIGHT = instability, BOTTOM = special hazards (white). Each numerical category rated 0 (minimal) to 4 (severe). Special-hazard codes: OX (oxidizer), W (avoid use of water).

NFPA flammability scale

Top section, ratings 0-4.

4: flammable gases, volatile liquids, pyrophoric materials. 3: ignites at ambient temperatures. 2: ignites when moderately heated. 1: must be preheated to burn. 0: will not burn.

NFPA health scale

Left section, ratings 0-4.

4: severe hazard. 3: serious hazard. 2: moderate hazard. 1: slight hazard. 0: minimal hazard.

NFPA instability scale

Right section, ratings 0-4.

4: capable of detonation/explosive decomposition at ambient temperatures. 3: capable of detonation/explosive decomposition with strong initiating source. 2: violent chemical change at elevated temperature/pressure. 1: normally stable but unstable if heated. 0: normally stable.

💡 Memory Hooks

3 C's: "Control, Contain, Clean up." Spill response sequence — in that order.

PPE first, always: "Put on PPE before responding to a spill." Applicator safety comes before containment.

Stay on site: "Never leave a spill site unattended." Stay until contained.

Containment tool: "Berm off with a shovel." Quick containment from drains and waterways.

Pressurized rule: "Turn off the pump." First step for sprayer leaks.

Soil cleanup depth: "Excavate the top 2 to 3 inches." Typical soil-spill remediation.

Two maps: "Facility map + area map — both updated when things change." Required plan components.

Plan backbone: "Sequence of actions, written down, step by step." The spine of any response plan.

Cat litter is a tool: "Cat litter is in the spill kit." A common absorbent material.

Surface water + state agency: "Surface water contamination — call the state immediately." Don't delay.

Fire residue: "Even an extinguished fire is still dangerous." Debris, soil, runoff still hazardous.

Burn-out option: "Sometimes letting the fire burn out is the right call." Consult with responders.

Annual training: "Train every employee, every year." Annual response plan training.

Coordinator authority: "The coordinator must be empowered to decide." Designated decision-maker.

NFPA scale: "0 means minimal, 4 means severe." Across all NFPA categories.