Ch.17: Emergency Response

2. Community Right-to-Know (EPCRA)

• The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act helps communities prepare for accidental releases of extremely hazardous substances.
• The EPA lists these substances and their threshold planning quantities (TPQs).
• If you use or store a listed chemical at or above its TPQ at any one time, reporting requirements apply. (State/local laws may add more.)

3. What Is a Spill

• A spill = a release of a compound into the environment (air, water, soil) in any manner other than its intended use.
• A label-following application is NOT a spill; any accidental release is.
• Reduce the chance by following the guidelines elsewhere in the manual — but know how to respond.

4. Spill Response Order

Quick does NOT mean unsafe. Always respond in this order:

1. Put on proper PPE — before responding or helping anyone exposed
2. Attend to any victims
3. Control the spill ⟶ ⎫
4. Contain the spill ⟶ ⎬ the three C's
5. Clean up the spill ⟶ ⎭

Contact is the fourth C (report to agencies).

5. Control — Stop the Source

• Take steps to control the source to prevent releasing more pesticide.
• Right a tipped-over container; put a small leaking container into a larger container or plastic tub.
• Leaking drum → plug the leak, then transfer contents to an approved/labeled container (attach a label if needed).
• Pressurized system (sprayer) leak → turn off the pump.
• Never leave the site unattended until it is cleaned up and thoroughly ventilated.

6. Contain — Keep It Small

• Contain the material in as small an area as possible; build a dam to stop spreading.
• Use absorbents — kitty litter or commercial spill pillows — for liquids.
• Do NOT let any chemical reach any body of water, including storm sewers.
• Do NOT hose down the area — it spreads the chemical.
• Do NOT use road flares on an outdoor spill if the material might be flammable.
• Avoid contact with any drift or fumes.

7. Clean Up — Get Product-Specific Advice First

• May need to decontaminate or neutralize the area.
• Before any cleanup, get specific recommendations for the specific product spilled. Sources:
  • The emergency number on the product label (from the manufacturer)
  • The product's SDS (comprehensive emergency-response info; keep one SDS per product — sometimes required by law)
  • Chemtrec — a company that specializes in chemical spill cleanup and provides cleanup information

8. Contact (the 4th C) & Reporting

• Depending on circumstances, contact local, state, and/or federal agencies to report — they can also guide cleanup.
• Whether you must report depends on the quantity, the chemical, and where it spilled.
• Rule of thumb: err on the side of caution — if in any doubt, report it.
• Failure to report → legal problems plus harm to health or the environment.

9. Spill Kits

• Keep kits on hand for a quick response, in the storage facility, mixing/loading area, and transport vehicles.
• Each kit should have directions for use and be labeled with a list of its contents.
• Contents:
  • Protective gloves, coveralls, boots
  • Chemical splash goggles and a respirator
  • Temporary hazardous material storage bag
  • Absorbent pads (water- or solvent-based) and an absorbent tube sock (spill pillow)
  • Bentonite/polymer mix paste for plugging leaking containers
  • Absorbent granules (e.g., kitty litter)
  • Shovel and/or broom, dust pan, warning signs

10. Emergency Contact List

• List names and phone numbers of all response agencies you may call: local emergency planning committees; police & fire; paramedics & hospitals; Poison Control Center; CHEMTREC 800-424-9300; manufacturers/dealers; containment & hazardous-waste cleanup contractors.
• Post copies in the office, shop, mixing/loading sites, storage areas, and work vehicles.
• Cleanup help (besides the manufacturer): your local/state environmental protection agency or Chemtrec (800-424-9300).

Key Vocabulary