EMG/General/TBT-EMG-003

Chemical Spill Response

Emergency Preparedness › General › Chemical Spill Response

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Chemical spills on construction sites can involve fuels, solvents, paints, adhesives, acids, and treatment process chemicals.
The first response priority is personal safety — do not approach a chemical spill without identifying the substance and wearing PPE.
The safety data sheet for the spilled substance provides the specific response information including PPE and first aid measures.
Stop the source of the spill if it is safe to do so — close valves, upright containers, or plug leaks without taking personal risk.
Contain the spill using absorbent booms, granules, or drain covers to prevent it spreading to drains and watercourses.
Evacuate and ventilate the area if the spill produces toxic fumes, vapours, or gases that could affect workers nearby.
Different chemicals require different absorbents — oil-only absorbents do not work on water-based chemicals and acids.
The Environment Agency must be notified immediately if a chemical spill enters or threatens any watercourse or drain.
Contaminated PPE, absorbent materials, and clean-up waste must be disposed of as hazardous waste, not in general skips.
A post-incident review should identify the cause of the spill and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

Health hazard	Chemical spills create toxic fumes, burns, and poisoning risk — approaching without PPE and knowledge of the substance is dangerous.
Environmental damage	Chemicals entering watercourses kill aquatic life and contaminate drinking water — containment prevents catastrophic environmental harm.
Correct response	Using the wrong absorbent or technique on a chemical spill can make it worse — the SDS provides the correct response information.

Don't

Identify the spilled substance using labels, SDS, and hazard information before approaching.
Wear the PPE specified in the safety data sheet before attempting any clean-up.
Stop the source of the spill if it is safe to do so without personal risk.
Contain the spill with the correct absorbent type for the substance involved.
Protect drains and watercourses with covers and absorbent booms immediately.
Evacuate and ventilate the area if the substance produces toxic fumes or vapours.
Notify the Environment Agency if the spill reaches or threatens any watercourse.
Dispose of contaminated absorbents and PPE as hazardous waste through licensed carriers.
Provide first aid to anyone who has had skin or eye contact with the spilled chemical.
Carry out a post-incident review to prevent the same type of spill recurring.

DON'T approach a chemical spill without identifying the substance and wearing correct PPE.
DON'T attempt to clean up without consulting the safety data sheet for the chemical.
DON'T try to stop the source if doing so puts you at personal risk — evacuate instead.
DON'T use oil-only absorbents on acid, alkali, or water-based chemical spills.
DON'T allow any spilled chemical to reach drains, gutters, or watercourses.
DON'T remain in an area where toxic fumes or vapours are being released by the spill.
DON'T delay contacting the Environment Agency if contamination threatens water.
DON'T put contaminated clean-up waste in general site waste containers.
DON'T ignore chemical contact on skin or eyes — flush immediately and seek first aid.
DON'T dismiss the incident — investigate the cause and prevent it happening again.

See also: Spill Kit Use and Deployment | COSHH Awareness

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