Emergencies and spills

Provides chemical information to assist response to emergencies involving spills of hazardous materials. Contains chemical, physical, and biological data, and specific response-oriented information (c.g., countermeasures). Developed by (he U.S. Coast Guard. 

CHEMTREC (24-hour emergency number for chemical accidents and spills)... 

A credible spill for Probable Maximum Loss Potential. The minimum spill source is the largest process vessel. The maximum spill size is the combined contents of the largest process vessel, or train of process vessels connected together if not readily isolated. Between these extremes, a credible spill may be estimated after taking into account the presence of remotely operated shutoff valves adequate for an emergency, and automatic dump or flare systems. 

Steps To Be Taken In Case Material Is Released Or Spilled If leaks or spills of VX occur, only personnel in full protective clothing (See Section VIII) will remain in the area. In case of personnel contamination see Section V for emergency and first aid instructions. 

We pointed out earlier that most emergency plans address fire, medical emergencies, and the accidental release or spills of hazardous materials. Note that the development of emergency response plans should also factor in other possible emergencies— natural disasters, floods, explosions, and/or weather-related events that could occur and certainly will occur. Now, emergency response to terrorist activity or threats must also be added to the list. 

Techniques used to control fires and emergencies (fires, spills, leaks)... 

Because phosphorus is transported and stored under a water blanket, phossy water is a raw waste material at phosphorus-consuming plants. Another source of phossy wastewater results when reactor contents (containing phosphorus) are dumped into a sewer line due to operator error, emergency conditions, or inadvertent leaks and spills. 

Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) — In the United States, the Manufacturing Chemists Association operates CHEMTREC 24 hours a day. By calling the appropriate toll-free number listed below, one can consult experts on chemicals and spill response. 

Emergency procedures are most generally required with epoxy adhesives with respect to flammability and spill contamination and clean-up. 

Students and workers should know what to do when emergencies occur, including escape routes, emergency phone numbers and phone calls, and the location and use of emergency equipment (e.g, alarms, eyewashes, showers, fire extinguishers, and spill kits). 

Bleachex manufactures a variety of products using concentrated acids and bases. Plant officials noticed a large quantity of liquid, which was believed to be either sodium hydroxide or hydrochloric acid solution, flowing through the loading bay doors. An Emergency Toxic Spill Response Team attempted to determine the source and identity of the unknown liquid. A series of explosions and the presence of chlorine gas forced the team to abandon its efforts. The unknown liquid continues to flow into the nearly full containment ponds. 

The primary key for safe laboratory operations is the fume hood, which removes harmful vapors. The fume hood should be correctly drawing air across the open surface. Clutter within the hood must be minimized for safe operations. Outside the hood, all equipment such as gas cylinders, must be safely secured. Personnel must be protected from any moving equipment, such as belts and wheels of pumps and air compressors. All emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and spill containment pillows, must be readily accessible. 

This book fully discusses requirements set forth by OSHA, EPA, and DOT for communicating chemical hazards. Up-to-date chemical lists for emergency planning, spill reporting, and toxic chemical release reporting are Included. 

HAZWOPER training for any worker who may discover a chemical emergency. Risks of hazardous materials, likely occurrence of releases, recognizing hazardous materials, emergency situations, specialists, types of hazardous materials, labels, placards, and spill reporting. 

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