DGSM Information Paper No.10 - Spills containment and clean-up ...

Housekeeping
Housekeeping in spills containment systems such as
bunded areas is important. The bunded compound
should not be cluttered with debris and packages or
other materials that may contribute to a fire or take up
the bund capacity. Figure 2 shows an example of poor
housekeeping practices in a bunded area filled with
rubbish and left over containers.
Figure 2: Poor housekeeping
in bunded area
3.7 Spills clean up measures
General
Spills must be cleaned up as soon as possible. Where practicable, recovery of spilled materials
for re-use is preferable to disposal. Work procedures, safety management systems and
training ought to address safe work methods and the types of equipment for spills clean-up
and re-use/disposal. Advice on how to clean up spills safely and selecting appropriate
protective equipment and resources can be obtained from the manufacturer’s MSDS. Many
relevant Australian Standards also provide good advice.
Equipment
Any premises where liquid dangerous goods or combustible liquids are stored or handled
needs to have a spills kit/s that contains appropriate materials and equipment. The types of
materials and equipment needed to clean up spills will vary depending on the nature and
quantity of goods stored or handled. The kit should be regularly maintained. Suitable
materials and equipment may include the following:
absorbent materials in sufficient quantities:
− sand, kitty litter, fuller’s earth, etc;
− proprietary absorbents (sheets, rolls, pillows);
neutralising media such as:
− sodium carbonate (washing soda), calcium hydroxide (hydrated lime) or
calcium carbonate (limestone) for acidic spills;
− citric acid or acetic acid for alkaline spills;
− sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) for both acidic and alkaline spills;
equipment for recovering spilled materials, such as:
− shovels and scoops;
− portable pumps and hoses for transferring spilt liquids (suitable for the
liquids);
containers for recovered materials such as:
− impervious to and compatible with the spilled materials;
− over-packs (for placing leaking drums within);
personal protective equipment such as:
− chemical boots, splash aprons, splash shields, respiratory protection. Refer to
manufacturer’s MSDS for advice.
DGSM Information Paper No. 10 Spills Containment and Clean-up (December 2003)
CHEM Services, Department of Emergency Services Page 6