Organizing a Spill Response

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

hazards associated with the spill and decide whether project employees or external response

organizations should conduct the cleanup. If the Project Manager determines that project

response personnel cannot safely perform the spill cleanup, the Project Manager should notify

and request the assistance of, the Emergency Response Coordinator, and the ERP should be

activated.

14.6. ORGANIZING A SPILL RESPONSE

If the Project Manager determines that cleanup can be performed safely with project response

personnel, the SSHO may act as the spill team leader and designate required procedures. Safety

practices for small spill operations closely parallel procedures implemented during routine

hazardous materials handling operations. Before work begins, the SSHO should conduct a

hazard identification and assessment with response personnel. The following should be

discussed and established:

Levels of PPE and safety procedures,

Safety and work zones,

All steps of the response activities,

Most effective procedures or methods for cleanup,

Means of containment,

Leak or spill control,

Decontamination procedures, and

Emergency decontamination.

14.7. SPILL CLEANUP PROCEDURES

After care of injured personnel, containment of the released hazardous material should be the

next consideration to limit its effect on the safety of personnel, the public, and the environment.

The SSHO should determine the methods of control which depend upon the nature and extent of

the spill. Actions documented in Chapter 11, Emergency Response/Contingency Plan should

also be consulted. Decontamination should be accomplished in accordance with Chapter 10,

Decontamination and disposal of contaminated materials should meet all regulatory

requirements.

14.8. POST INCIDENT FOLLOW-UP

The Project Manager or SSHO should implement necessary steps to ensure that the incident is

properly documented and that spill response equipment is replenished. The Project Manager

should direct the necessary corrective actions to prevent recurrence and evaluate the response.

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