Maintaining Adequate Spill Containment Systems In The Workplace

A work area spill of toxic or hazardous agents can be a scary state for all concerned. The natural impulse for nearly all people when they recognize a discharge happening is to do their best to intervene and try to rectify the problem themselves. Unfortunately, this is nearly always the incorrect course of action – workers should in no way put themselves in a hazardous situation by attempting to actually halt or slow up a unsafe spill. This ought to be noticeably outlined in the course of spill containment training sessions with any workers who are exposed to hazardous agents during the process of conducting their duties.

Of course there is no replacement for the acceptable equipment. Spill pallets and spill berms should be on hand and in use as a primary safeguard against spill hazards. The main weapon that a risk administrator can deploy against the issues posed by spills is in the proper management of production and storage areas where spills are most likely to take place. Transportation corridors must also receive the similar sort of attention. If a spilled substance can be safely channeled into secure temporary or disaster holding spaces that are away from sparks, open flames, electrical circuits or employees then there is no requirement for staff to do something other than de-activate their device and leave the area in the event of a spill.

External storage tanks, be they for oil, gasoline or other types of chemical storage are often targets for overfilling or deterioration, both of which can cause leaking. The use of diking encompassing these tanks in order to collect spills and prevent the distribution of possibly flammable, corrosive or otherwise harmful liquids is recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and in some conditions may in fact be mandated by law, depending on the volume of the tank being used. The need for these types of dikes and barriers can also be associated to the quantity of vehicular traffic in the storage space itself. Make sure that OSHA rules do not explicitly prohibit the installation of dikes near the container, as they do for those controlling certain chemicals such as liquefied petroleum gas.

In addition to dikes and barriers, OSHA also suggests the use of diatomaceous earth when controlling spills. Spreading this chalk-like substance is a proven technique of sopping up potentially treacherous liquids. If workers can carefully utilize diatomaceous earth via proscribed steps as an element of an disaster response plan that does not put them in any peril, then this may well be a competent option for containing a spill.

There are also chemicals existing which can be sprayed in the course of a spill through pressurized applicators that allow your workforce to keep their distance. These particular materials can not only hamper the progress of a spreading substance, but also reduce the effects of any fumes or even completely solidify the substance in question. At their most efficient, these agents not only harden a material, but also chemically change its combustibility so that it can be safely disposed of once the danger is over. Fast-acting agents can even be utilized to produce impromptu barriers as they can affect the primary edge of a spill to swiftly lose its fluidity.

Author’s Note: Previously published here.

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of Spill Pallets and Spill Containment Berms and other safety products. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on safety storage can be found at http://www.IndustrialSafetyCabinets.com/

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Developing A Facility Response Plan To Comply With the EPA

The EPA has been very proactive in requiring businesses, both large and small, to adhere to standards that prevent pollution activities through oil and chemical spills. Since August 1990, in response to public outrage over the Exxon Valdez incident, the Oil Pollution Act has been a law that puts the responsibility of prevention on industry. This law includes the requirement for businesses to file a Facility Response Plan (FRP) with the EPA.

The FRP requirement is specifically designed for businesses that meet certain conditions:

1.The facility has a total oil storage capacity greater than or equal to 42,000 gallons and transfers oil over water to/from vessels; or

2.The facility has a total oil storage capacity greater than or equal to one million gallons AND meets ONE of the following conditions:

Does not have sufficient secondary containment for each aboveground storage area

Is located at a distance such that a discharge from the facility could cause “injury” to fish, wildlife, and sensitive environments

Is located at a distance such that a discharge from the facility would shut down a public drinking water intake

Has had, within the past five years, a reportable discharge greater than or equal to 10,000 gallons

The EPA also considers whether a facility could cause substantial harm to the surrounding environment in the event of a spill or discharge or oil or chemicals into navigable waters, shorelines, or other groundwater. There are several test factors to assist in determining “substantial harm,” including storage of tanks, age of tanks and drums, drum management, oil and chemical transfer methods, as well as location.

The most efficient way of providing a sound FRP is to demonstrate ownership and use of proper spill containment equipment. This equipment can include overpack drums, spill pallets, oil drum racks and trucks, and spill containment berms.

Your FRP should include your current oil and chemical management plan to demonstrate worker training on spill prevention, with emphasis on their understanding of the correct use of the spill protection equipment within your facility. These things include storage of drums on drum pallets or spill pallets, use of drum racks for dispensing oil into safety cans, as well as working with oil storage tanks within the confines of a spill containment berm and the use of overpack drums for older drums and potentially-leaking drums.

Depending on your facility layout and workplan and your state’s FRP requirements, your FRP may not be exactly the same as another business. You can contact your EPA Regional Administrator to for more information to assist in the development of your FRP.

Previously published here.

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of industrial equipment. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on spill containment products can be found at http://www.IndustrialSafetyCabinets.com/

Read more articles written by Rathi Niyogi

Bloodborne Pathogens For Nonhealthcare Settings

Hospitals and health care facilities have a great deal of practice at handling incidents where employees may be exposed to bloodborne pathogens. However, if you’re not working in a health care setting, chances are your employees aren’t as experienced in bloodborne pathogen incidents. Here are some tips to help prevent exposure incidents at your facility:

Make sure all employees have been trained to recognize what is (or is not) a bloodborne pathogen exposure and what to do to protect themselves to prevent exposure.

Make PPE readily available. First aid kits should, at a minimum, include a pair of gloves. If PPE for clean up (masks, aprons, goggles, face shields, etc.) isn’t regularly used at your facility, make sure that you have at least one complete set on site. Notify supervisors where the cleanup PPE is located and attach a label inside first aid kits that indicates the location of the PPE.

Provide anyone who will have responsibility for cleaning up after a bloodborne pathogen incident with appropriate training (including cleaning of tools-brooms, mops, scoops-used in clean up). Because employees are not likely to use these skills often, place a laminated sheet with cleanup instructions in your first aid kits as reminders.

Ensure that you have appropriate disinfectant available for clean up (generally, you’ll find that you have an “appropriate” disinfectant, like bleach, among your janitorial supplies so you don’t necessarily have to buy something special). Also, make sure that the disinfectant is accessible (e.g., if it’s kept in the janitor’s closet, someone on every shift has access to the closet and not just the janitor on the night shift).

Identify how you will store and dispose of waste from the incident that cannot go into the trash.

Author’s Note: This article published here.

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of Nitrile Gloves, Latex Gloves and other safety products. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on gloves can be found at http://www.criticaltool.com/work-gloves.html

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The ANSI Standard – Operation and Maintenance

OSHA regulations set out where eyewash stations should be and when they are required; they do not provide operating requirements. However, some state-level health and safety regulations specifically incorporate the ANSI standard and so make the provisions of the standard a regulatory requirement.

Operation

The ANSI standard for emergency eyewash stations include:

The eyewash equipment should be located in an area that requires no more than 10 seconds-while walking-to reach the station and on the same level (floor) as the area where the hazardous chemicals are handled. (Note: For particularly harsh acids or caustics, it is prudent to locate the station even closer to the area where these chemicals are used. Also, if you have multiple areas in your facility where corrosive substances are handled, you will need to ensure that the travel distance is less than 10 seconds from each area. If not, you will need to utilize multiple stations.)

The eyewash nozzles need to be positioned between 33 and 45 inches from the floor and 6 inches from the wall or nearest obstruction. (Eyewashes are used while someone is bent over, hence, the ANSI height and head space requirement. One of the best ways to be sure that you are providing sufficient space for someone to use an eyewash is to do a “dry test run” by actually over it and putting your eyes near the nozzles. Also, make sure that there is sufficient room to the sides and the front of the eyewash to ensure that use of the eyewash is not impeded.)

Portable (sometimes called “self-contained” or “gravity feed”) eyewashes should deliver a minimum flow of 0.4 gallons per minute (gpm) and hard-piped eyewashes should provide 3 gpm, both for a continuous period of at least 15 minutes. (Remember that the pressure of the water coming out of the eyewash nozzle needs to be correct-not too high, which may injure someone’s eyes, and not too low, which may cause the nozzles to simply dribble water out rather than provide a stream that will flush someone’s eyes.).

Eyewashes need to activate immediately (within 1 second or less), have a stay-open valve to allow for hands-free operation, and flush both eyes simultaneously.

Eyewash flushing nozzles should be protected (i.e., capped or covered) from airborne contaminants. (Airborne contaminants include dust and bacteria. When someone’s eyes have been injured, the last thing you want to do is douse them with dirt and bacteria!)

Water to the eyewash should be potable (i.e., drinkable) and water temperature should be moderate (60-80oF).

Adequate floor drainage or water collection must be provided for hard-piped emergency eyewash stations to prevent floor slip/fall hazard during testing or emergency use.

The eyewash is to be located in an area that is well-lit and identified with a sign.

Maintenance and Training

Plumbed eyewash stations should be activated weekly to ensure that they work properly. Weekly activation not only verifies that the unit works properly but also prevents the buildup of rust, sediment, and other contaminants in the water in the piping to the eyewash. Gravity-feed units do not have to be activated weekly-but do need to be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Eyewash stations should be maintained in a clean, sanitary condition (Generally, this can be done simply by wiping the eyewash with a clean, damp cloth. Cleaning the eyewash with polishes, detergents, or other cleaners can leave a residue that can end up in a user’s eyes.).

Access to the eyewash should be maintained clear from obstruction.

All eyewash equipment should be inspected annually to make sure it meets ANSI requirements.

All employees who might be exposed to a chemical splash should be trained in the location and use of the equipment. (When an eye injury occurs as the result of a chemical splash, time is of the essence-the longer the chemical remains on the eye, the greater the damage done to the eye-knowing where the eyewash is and how to properly use it in an emergency can mean the difference between a minor eye injury and blindness.)

Author’s Note: This article also published here.

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of eye wash stations and other eye wash products. If you thought this article was helpful, additional information on chemical resistant gloves can be found at different types of eye wash stations can be found here http://www.criticaltool.com/types-of-eye-wash-stations.html

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Choosing Rainwear

Rainwear does more than simply keep out rain or snow, it protects from wind, cold, and chemical splashes. Your choice of rainwear depends on the expected weather, the expected temperatures, your planned activities, and your budget. Rainwear materials and designs greatly affect the performance you can expect. There are three major types of rainwear:

Water-Resistant / Breathable

Waterproof / Breathable

Waterproof / Nonbreathable

Water-Resistant / Breathable

Water-resistant/breathable rainwear repels wind and light precipitation while providing excellent breathability to keep you cool when your body heats up. It relies on durable water repellent (DWR) finishes applied by the manufacturer. It tends to be lighter, less bulky, and less expensive than other rainwear. It is generally not adequately weatherproof to protect you in harsh conditions or during extended periods of rain. It is appropriate for mild weather, light precipitation, and high activity levels. It is not appropriate as industrial safety equipment where protection from extreme weather or chemicals is needed.

Waterproof / Breathable

Waterproof/breathable rainwear provides an excellent choice for a wide range of weather conditions and activities. The combination of breathability and moisture protection through DWR finishes means that you can use a single piece of gear in both warm and cold conditions. The exact performance that you realize from waterproof/breathable rainwear depends on the fabrics used, Gore-Tex being a well-known example, and your activity level. Because water vapor (i.e., sweat) is able to escape through the fabric, the rainwear provides the best combination of repelling the elements while allowing you to stay comfortable as you work. Waterproof/breathable garments are generally not appropriate safety equipment for industrial applications.

Waterproof / Nonbreathable

Waterproof/nonbreathable rainwear provides impermeable protection from the elements, wind, and chemical splashes; the greatest range of applications from lightweight disposable protection to durable protection designed for adverse conditions. Unlike DWR-dependent rainwear, nonbreathable rainwear is most commonly protected using PVC coatings that provide protection against chemical spills, durability, and, in some cases, flame retardant properties. Others are protected using neoprene to provide chemical resistance not found in PVC and improved comfort. Waterproof/nonbreathable rainwear offers cost-effective, durable protection suitable to most industrial applications.

Features to Consider

Hoods: Hoods provide protection for the head and neck. Permanently attached hoods offer the best protection against leaks. Hoods that can be rolled up or folded away when not in use are less bulky. Elastic cords with toggles that allow adjustment of the hood around your face offer better comfort and visibility. Some hoods may also have stiffened visors or brims that can be shaped to fit. Detachable hoods also offer great protection against the elements and provide the benefit that they can be completely removed when not needed.

Pockets: Pockets allow essential gear to be carried and easy to reach, including special pockets for identification or badges. Pockets can also increase the weight of the shell. Pockets should be easily accessible, easy to open and close, and well protected against leaks.

Vents: Vents enhance the garment’s ability to breath no matter what type of fabric is used in its construction. Larger vents provide improved airflow but increase the risk of leaks. Common vents include underarm, side, and back vents. Cape ventilated backs provide improved breathability and comfort.

Split Back / Inner Leg Snaps: Split backs and / or inner leg snaps enable longer coats to be used similar to chaps, retaining protection while providing increased mobility where needed.

Closures: Closures around the neck, ankles, and front of raingear present a potential for leaking. Zippers should be covered by storm flaps, fabric strips that protect against leaks. Other alternatives include Velcro closures that create a watertight seal around openings, inner sleeves with elastic closures, and take up snaps.

Reflective Stripes: Reflective jackets and tape stripes improve visibility and safety in low-light or dangerous conditions.

Rainwear Care

Rainwear that is dependent on a DWR finish applied by the fabric manufacturer should always be maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Over time, the DWR finish will begin to wear and the shell will begin “wetting out” in the rain. This means that some of the rain is soaking into the material, rather than beading up and rolling off. Wetting out causes the shell to become heavier and reduces breathability. When wetting out is observed, the DWR should be renewed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Rainwear made from materials such as neoprene can often be repaired when leaking occurs. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for repair of small tears and seams.

Also published here.

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of safety vests and other reflective apparel. If you thought this article was helpful, information on the basics of Reflective Clothing including Rainwear and ANSI standards can be found here http://www.criticaltool.com/high-visibility-reflective-clothing-the-basics.html

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