Emergency response

A good response begins long before the incident. A written emergency plan sets out who does what, how alarms are raised, where people assemble, who calls outside help and what equipment is available. The plan should be based on the chemicals actually present, which is where the SDS and chemical inventory help.

Not everyone should respond in the same way. Workers who are not trained to deal with a release should leave the area, raise the alarm and let trained people take over. Incidental small spills of familiar materials may be cleaned up by trained staff using a Spill kit, but larger or unknown releases involve a First responder team or outside fire and hazmat services. Rules such as OSHA's hazardous waste operations standard set training levels for people who respond.

Information supports the response. SDS Sections 4, 5 and 6 cover first aid, fire-fighting and accidental release. For transported materials the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and CHEMTREC provide further advice, and Poison control center gives guidance on human exposures. Equipment such as an Eyewash station (ANSI Z358.1) and Safety shower must be reachable and working.

Plans only work if they are practiced. Drills, post-incident reviews and updates when chemicals or layouts change keep them current. After the emergency, Decontamination, waste handling and reporting follow. Some releases above set quantities must be reported to authorities, so know the thresholds for your site.