HAZMAT (Hazardous Materials) and Chemical Spills

Hazmat planning and response

We rarely take note of the hazardous materials that surround us at all times, fueling our workplaces and communities from behind closed doors, but they are surprisingly common, present in about 4.5 million facilities in the United States. A set of rigorous protection systems ensures that these materials remain unseen and unnoticed by the community at large, but despite our greatest precautions, accidents can still occur, releasing these toxic materials into the environment and posing a threat to workers and the surrounding community. These incidents most often result from transportation accidents or accidents at chemical plants.

The key to an efficient disaster response lies in taking measures to understand the hazardous materials being used, the threats they pose, and the safety precautions that need to be taken. While not all accidents can be prevented, having a well-practiced response plan in place can ensure a minimal impact and get your community and business back up and running with few long-term effects. Preparing for a disaster before it occurs increases the efficiency of the response at a time when just a few seconds can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.

Protecting your workplace from hazmat-related threats:

• Review Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) to understand cleanup methods and materials.
• Keep any appropriate spill control materials on hand at your workplace.
• Store personal protective equipment and ensure staff are trained on proper use.
• Develop a response plan that includes contact information, evacuation procedures, materials inventory, decontamination procedures and any other relevant details.
• Work with local authorities when developing your plan to ensure compliance and allow for the fastest official response.
• Make sure all employees are fully aware of the hazards and understand all hazmat response plans, even those who are not directly involved in their use.
• If your business does not directly handle hazardous materials, contact your local OEM (see our Authorities page) to find out if there are any threats in your area to address in your emergency response plan.

What to do when a hazmat accident occurs:

• Turn on the radio or TV to listen for any emergency instructions.
• Move to an indoor space immediately to avoid exposure to air-borne chemicals.
• Close and lock all doors and windows to keep fumes out.
• Turn off all ventilation systems and shut the flues for any fireplaces.
• Enter and seal an interior room using towels and tape on all doors, windows, cracks, etc.
• Stay off the phone to keep the lines clear for emergency responders.
• If you are asked to evacuate, follow exact routes and leave immediately.
• If you are stuck outside, move at least ½ mile from the site of the accident and stay upwind, uphill, and upstream.
• In all scenarios, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth and take shallow breaths if there is gas or fumes present.

Hazmat Links

NOAA's Chemical Spill page provides details about hazardous chemical spills as well as training and emergency response

FEMA's Hazardous Materials page has info on what to do before, during and after a hazmat emergency

ATSDR's site features emergency preparedness training and tools for responders

The ChemicalSpill.org site is a comprehensive source of information on emergency planning and response to chemical spills

The Hazmat Security site includes details on receiving, storing, shipping and transporting hazardous materials

UniSA's Chemical Spill Management page lists a procedure for managing chemical spills in the workplace and includes documents and forms for cataloging hazardous materials onsite

Princeton University's Chemical Spill Procedures page details what to do in the event of a smaller chemical spill

The US Chemical Safety Board's site features news, investigations and recommendations about chemical safety

PHMSA's hazardous materials transportation site

Hazmat Risk Management blog