If a serious injury has occurred due to the result of a spill tend to injured worker first.

If it is not safe to stop the spill then barricade the area and notify your supervisor

 

A spill defined by Part X of the Environmental Protection Act means a discharge; Into the natural environment, from or out of a structure, vehicle or other container, and that is abnormal in quality or quantity in light of all the circumstances of the discharge.

Spill Containment and Reporting Procedure

(Document Web Link)

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Report all spills immediately to your supervisor.  The supervisor will notify the client and environmental.  The environmental department or client will notify the applicable authorities if required.

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Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060.

A written spill report will be generated.  The environmental department and/or client will direct workers on proper cleanup and disposal methods. 

 

When a spill is identified take immediate action to contain the spill by;

• Stopping the source

• Turn off valves

• Emergency shut off switches

• Fasten lids, right overturned tanks or containers

• Minimize the extent of contamination

• Create dykes, trenches or build dams

• Place a container beneath the spill to prevent it from coming into contact with the environment

• Use absorbent materials located in spill kit

• Recover spilled material

• Clean up spill and properly dispose as environmental and client instructions

• Restock spill kit

• Ensure to replenish any used spill kits

 

Ensure you have the proper P.P.E. when working with spills (safety glasses, impervious gloves, etc.)

If it is a large spill evacuate the area (safe zone: 300m for gasoline and 100m for other fuels).

 

Focus on the main priority of public and personal safety by eliminating all sources of possible ignition from the area.

 

Whether the spill is reportable or not, no one is exempt from the obligation to adequately address the containment and clean-up of any spillage of a toxic substance. The most effective action required will depend on the spilled material type, location of the spill, the time of year, and the public land-use purpose of the area.