A workplace spill of toxic or harmful agents can be a scary state for all involved. The likely instinct for most workers when they recognize a discharge happening is to do their best to get involved and endeavor to remedy the issue themselves. Regrettably, this is nearly always the wrong choice of action - employees should in no way put themselves in harm’s way by trying to actually stop or slow up a unsafe spill. This must be openly discussed in the course of spill containment training classes with any workers who are subjected to to unsafe agents during the process of conducting their jobs.

Of course there is no substitute for the approved systems. Spill pallets and spill berms should be available and in service as a main guard against spill hazards.

The main system that a risk supervisor can set up against the problems posed by spills is in the proper management of work and storage areas where spills are most expected to take place. Moving corridors must also receive the same type of awareness. If a spilled material can be carefully channeled into safe temporary or disaster holding spaces that are separated from sparks, open flames, electrical circuits or workers then there is no need for workers to do anything other than shut down their system and evacuate the vicinity in the event of a spill.

External storage tanks, whether for oil, gasoline or other types of chemical storage are often targets for overcapacity or deterioration, both of which can cause spills. The utilization of diking around these tanks in order to concentrate spills and prevent the distribution of potentially flammable, caustic or otherwise hazardous liquids is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and in some circumstances may in reality be mandated by law, depending upon the size of the tank being used. The necessity for these kinds of dikes and barriers can also be connected to the quantity of vehicular traffic in the storage space itself. Make sure that OSHA regulations do not clearly prohibit the putting in of dikes encompassing the container, as they do for those controlling specific chemicals such as liquefied petroleum gas.

In addition to dikes and barriers, OSHA also recommends the use of diatomaceous earth when containing leaks. Spreading this chalk-like substance is a proven technique of soaking up potentially unsafe liquids. If workers can carefully utilize diatomaceous earth using proscribed steps as an element of an emergency response plan that does not put them in any danger, then this could be a good choice for containing a spill.

There are also agents offered which can be dispersed in the direction of a spill through pressurized applicators that allow employees to keep their distance. These specialized materials can not only slow down the movement of a spreading substance, but also neutralize any gases or even fully solidify the substance in question. At their most effective, these materials not only congeal a material, but also chemically change its combustibility so that it may be securely removed once the threat is over. Rapid-acting agents can even be used to create unplanned barriers as they can affect the primary edge of a leakage to swiftly lose its fluidity.

Mike Richards is a safety expert specilaizing in risk management. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on methods of storing unsafe materials and agents can be found at Safety Cabinets.

Fall protection systems are vital safety equipment for people operating at heights. OSHA requires that all personal fall arrest equipment be inspected on a regular basis for significant issues such as: lacerations, rips, abrasions, mold, stretching, changes, or additions that will change its efficiency and damage due to deterioration, contact with fire, acids or corrosives, etc. Fall protection systems must be inspected prior to each use by the wearer and at least yearly by a skilled inspector and should be maintained frequently

Maintenance and inspection checklist

Anchorage systems: Inspect all workings of the anchorage tool Observe any abrasions, wear points, or broken threads or swags in the sling fabric For synthetic slings and anchor straps, inspect all sewing and loops for wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet weakening Check tags attached to the anchorage to establish when the sling should be taken out of service-if it’s on or past the date, retire the sling Examine cable slings for excessive damage to the steel fibers; retire if frayed

Snap hooks and carabiners: Check snap hooks and carabiners and all necessary components for discoloration, warping, cracks, or abnormal wear; remove from service if any of these is found Retire straight away if it has been used in a fall or if the spring brake and gate are bowed or if the gate keeper no longer engages the slot properly Broken snap hooks and carabiners should be tagged and taken out of use Clean dirty snap-hooks and carabiners with a solvent or immerse in boiling water for 30 seconds to eradicate grease and cleaning agents and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth-make certain gate and gatekeeper operate properly when clean-up is finished

Lanyards and energy absorbers: Look over lanyards under minor pressure Check all components for abrasion, discoloration, cracks, and torn stitching; retire if any of these is found Clean on regular basis to remove dirt and grit that can roughen the fibers (use only mild detergent-never abrasives or solvents which can damage the fibers and remember to dry thoroughly) Lanyards and energy absorbers should have a permanently attached label that indicates the manufacturer’s name, serial number/lot number, manufacture date, maximum elongation, maximum arresting force, maximum free fall, and capacity-remove components with absent tags from service If the lanyard is 5 or more years old, remove from service regardless of condition

Retire the lanyard after a hard fall, when the shock absorber has been even slightly impacted, if the lanyard has been involved for any other purpose other than fall protection, if the system shows excessive wear, chemical damage, burn damage, and/or ultraviolet wear.

Fall arrester Inspect for signs of wear, corrosion, rust, and other defects; retire if found If any sign of wear or break down, remove equipment from service immediately.

Self-retracting lifelines (SRL) Send back to the manufacturer for servicing and recertification once a year If SRL housing becomes yellow, gathers moisture, or the indicator has been engaged, remove from service immediately and return it to the manufacturer for repair and re-certification

Harness Check for frayed threads, cuts, tears, or loose-fitting connections Inspect the stitched areas carefully Look for burn holes from welding or other heat sources; retire if found Make certain harnesses are not painted or marked (paint and other materials can degrade the webbing) Clean the harness in a mild soap and rinse multiple times to remove any soap residue and hang to dry out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry environment; Retire harness from service after 5 years even if it has not been used Harness should have a permanently attached label indicating manufacturer’s name, serial number/ lot number, manufacture date, and capacity. If tag is missing, remove from service

Ropes Check under slight tension Examine for broken fibers, severely worn areas, or change in the consistency of the core Inspect for soft areas, bulges, or excessive stiffness; remove from service if any of these is found Avoid exposing rope to hazardous chemicals, moisture, acids, or oils. Remove from service immediately if it has been exposed to these substances and damaged Do not use the rope after it has been involved in a fall arrest Wash the rope on regular basis to remove dirt or grit. Use lukewarm water and mild detergent, rinse several times to remove soap residue and hang in a dry, cool, dark area Store rope in a strong, weather- proof bag (rope must be Fully dry before storing) Rope should have a non-removable attached label indicating manufacturer’s name, serial number/lot number, manufacture date, and capacity. If tag is missing, remove from service Retire rope after 5 years of service, regardless of situation.

A final message: Like all safety equipment, the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, examination, care, and preservation for fall protection systems should be followed.

About The Author: Mike Richards is a risk management expert specializing in protective safety equipment and health safety equipment.