Fuel Spill Cleanup – Six Steps to Follow in Response

fuel spill cleanup

Fuel Spill Cleanup

Industrial companies should always have a protocol for any type of fuel spill cleanup. It is an essential part of a company’s safety and health program and can help avoid injuries, unnecessary exposure to hazardous materials and keep everyone safe.

Whether it’s gas or diesel, fuel is found in just about every industrial workplace. Companies use them to power forklifts, trucks, transportation vehicles, and a wide range of heavy equipment. Because it’s such a commonly used chemical in the workplace, there’s a high risk for spills.

It’s crucial for industrial companies to take the necessary precautions to protect against spills. It’s also clear that there must be an action plan in place for containing and cleaning spilled fuel. In the event of a fuel spill, well-prepared industrial companies are ready with a plan of action. The standard protocol for a fuel spill cleanup should include the following six steps:

  1. Urgently evacuate any personnel from the immediate area of the fuel spill
  2. Identify and document the spilled material(s) and notify the fuel spill cleanup response team
  3. Attempt to barricade the fuel spill area if possible, and notify others in surrounding areas
  4. Extinguish or disconnect all ignition sources and contact the fire department when the spill is flammable
  5. Contact an environmental/industrial contractor who has a specialty cleanup crew available
  6. Monitor the fuel spill cleanup and be sure the crew follows local, state and federal disposal regulations

There is something called the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard. It lists the necessary requirements for cleanup operations, including corrective actions, operations conducted at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities; and emergency response operations for hazardous wastes.

The HazWOPER Standard, 29 CFR 1910.120, requires the following guidelines in preparation for a spill:

(j)(1)(vii) US Department of Transportation specified salvage drums or containers and suitable quantities of proper absorbent shall be kept available and used in areas where spill, leaks, or ruptures may occur.

(j)(1)(viii) Where major spills may occur, a spill containment program, which is part of the employer’s safety and health program required in paragraph (b) of this section, shall be implemented to contain and isolate the entire volume of the hazardous substance being transferred.

As you develop a fuel spill cleanup action plan, you should make sure a professional cleanup service is able to be on call for emergencies. As industrial contractors, IEC has the right expertise for the job – we’re able to jump right in and help clean up a variety of industrial sites. We’ve also got an emergency number for you to call –  732-662-7222