Chemical & Fuel Spill Response
Fuel, hydraulic oil, paint and chemical spills happen on every kind of jobsite. Small, known spills can be cleaned up by trained workers. Large or unknown spills need trained responders.
- Construction
- General Industry
Photo: spill kit with absorbent pads, socks and disposal bags next to equipment
Small, known spills (incidental)
A small spill of a material you know, that you’re trained to handle, and that doesn’t threaten your health:
- Warn others and keep them away.
- Check the SDS (Section 6) for cleanup and PPE. See SDS.
- Remove ignition sources for flammables.
- Stop the source if safe (upright the container, shut the valve).
- Contain it with absorbent socks or berms; protect storm drains.
- Absorb, bag and label the waste; dispose of it properly.
- Report the spill to your supervisor.
Large or unknown spills
Get away and get help if the spill is large, the material is unknown, there are strong odors or symptoms, it’s spreading into drains or waterways, or there’s a fire risk. Move upwind, call 911 and your supervisor, and keep people out.
Spills that reach water or exceed certain amounts may need to be reported to environmental agencies. Your employer handles this, so report every spill.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.120: HAZWOPER (emergency response). See HAZWOPER.
- National Response Center (reporting)
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