Hazardous Materials Release Response – What you must do

Hazardous materials release is not a rare occurrence that most workers face. Being an employee in this field, you may come across such situations where you may encounter or discover a hazardous material release. The spill can be minor or a major one. The following tips will let you know what you can do in case you discover a release:

• In Case Of Non-Emergency: If you found a hazardous materials release of a known substance, you must first evaluate whether it can be treated or cleaned or if it is of a sufficient size or danger that you may need any assistance. If the release can be relieved safely and legally without the help of any outside emergency assistance, you must immediately clean up and dispose the hazardous waste. If the situation is big but not considered as an emergency, call for help and ask for assistance.

• In Case Of Emergency: If the release involves unknown chemicals, hazards or quantities that are beyond the capabilities of the organization's personnel, it is considered as an emergency situation. What you really need to do is: Notify the appropriate agency and they will dispatch field supervisors and patrol units as soon as possible to the emergency site and evaluate the area and establish a perimeter control, you must direct the emergency response personnel to the hazardous materials emergency site and establish a command post for the information referring to the hazards, you must also provide access to storage and indoor areas.

After accessing the possible hazards to the environment and human health and determining the level of danger of the whole situation, the State Office of Emergency Services or appropriate state or local agencies will be notified with designated response roles if reporting requirements exist or if help is needed.