Timing and trained individuals are crucial when a chemical spill occurs in the workplace. Those unqualified to deal with hazardous chemicals could be at risk of exacerbating the spillage or injuring themselves. Professional intervention is integral to reducing harm to staff and the environment.
ICE Cleaning is a chemical spill cleaning company specialising in tackling hazardous situations with industrial solutions and modern technology. Its technicians can effectively contain, clean, and decontaminate an area affected by chemical spills.
Read further and learn more about why chemical spillage cleaning requires professional and qualified assistance.
What is a chemical spill?
A chemical spillage is the accidental release of a chemical substance, either a gas, liquid, or solid. A chemical leak like this is usually hazardous and could lead to more dangerous incidents such as fires or explosions.
The release of these chemicals might result in injury or death, depending on the severity of the leak and exposure. These incidents are due to human error or a natural disaster, most of which can be averted by:
- Using the correct storage for chemicals
- Installing storage in secure areas
- Not overfilling storage areas
- Supervising the transportation of chemicals
- Having spill kits on-site
- Conducting an annual chemical spill risk assessment
How to conduct a chemical spill risk assessment
If you work in an environment that handles, uses, or transports chemicals daily, it is recommended that you complete a risk assessment annually. Both machines and humans working with chemicals are at risk of chronic exposure in the event of a spill, and a review can prevent disaster.
Although there is no law to enforce a timeframe in which you conduct a chemical spill risk assessment, the Health & Safety Executive recommends an annual inspection. Managers or owners must conduct and oversee this review, which consists of:
- Assessing the chemical inventory
- Identifying chemical hazards
- Recording current chemical exposures
- Maintaining control of chemical risks
- Stocking spill kits on-site
- A record and review process with employees present
Why professional intervention is required for chemical spills
Even if your staff are qualified to use a spill kit and contain the chemicals, you must call for professional cleaners immediately. When chemicals are exposed to people and the local environment, there is a potential for contaminating the ecosystem and water sources.
These potential situations are not usually handled by on-site staff but will require help from a qualified cleaning company specialising in industrial cleaning.
Hazardous chemicals like bromine or mercury may be too risky for your staff to try and contain due to the inhalation and poison risks present. These containments need specialised equipment, PPE, and industrial-grade chemicals to counteract the exposure risk.
An expert chemical spillage cleaning from ICE Cleaning supplies all these factors, and its technicians can be on-site within a few hours in an emergency. They can restore your workspace to its previous state, purifying the air and making it safe again.
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