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Emergency Spill Response

Even with secure chemical storage, proper handling and a chemical spill program in place, the reality is chemical spills still happen. Chemical spills are dangerous and can result in chemical exposures and contamination. Delayed chemical spill containment can increase the magnitude of the potential danger and damage they can cause to humans and to the environment.

Small Chemical Spill

A small spill is a spill involving a chemical that is not highly toxic, does not present a significant fire or environmental hazard, and is not in a public area that endangers people or property by direct contact. It is easily neutralized, absorbed, or otherwise managed by the user of the chemical. No notification of emergency responders is necessary for simple spills.

Large Chemical Spill

Large chemical spills are greater than one liter and include spills of any quantity of highly toxic chemicals or chemicals in public areas or adjacent to drains. Large spills require an emergency response.

 The effects of chemical spills on humans

Toxic or poisonous gases can cause severe illness and even fatalities. The greater the concentration of toxic chemicals the more potential for significant loss of life. Corrosive chemicals can cause severe burns, damage eyesight and harm the respiratory tract. Chemical spills can have a delayed carcinogenic effect and flammable chemicals can also cause damage by fires or explosions.

The effects of chemical spills on structures

Chemical spills cause considerable damage to buildings and in particular instances, there can be complete collapse of a structure due to elevated temperatures breaking down the foundation.

Toxic chemicals can leave a building unstable for extended periods of time until the chemical thoroughly removed.

The effect of chemical spills on the environment

Chemical spills can have a major effect on the environment. Spilled oil and other chemicals can physically damage marine life. In addition, oil spills can have devastating long-term effects to sea life’s food sources and habitats. Chemicals running off into soil causes sever ecological damage and can make an area inhabitable for plants and wildlife.

In general, the negative effects of chemical spills make a quick response a priority.

Swift thorough Chemical cleanup is imperative

Understanding the severity of a spill and assessing the safety of the spill site is of utmost importance. If there is an immediate threat to the area in which the spill occurred evacuation is necessary. Furthermore, if a large spill is too difficult to clean with standard chemical clean-up kits, fire and medical personnel must be notified immediately. Minimizing the spread of any chemical spill is vital in mitigating the risk of further damage.

Who do you call?

For an emergency, contact: CERT Emergency Response: 877-505-6799

CERT’s Rapid Response Team is second to none and responds to hundreds of emergency response calls each year. Our service is effective, efficient, and comprehensive and we guarantee our clients the fastest response time when responding to any emergency spill or chemical release incident. Within a brief period, CERT has been recognized as one of the leaders in:

  • Emergency Spill Response
  • Hazardous Waste Management & Disposal
  • Industrial & Environmental Remediation
  • UST Removal, Biohazard and Facility Services.

Visit our website for more information. https://www.cert-usa.com/