When disaster strikes in the workplace, and there is a chemical spill, you must act quickly and inform your coworkers. Failing to do this may result in permanent damage, environmental contamination, and a potential fine from the council.
If this occurs in the workplace, you can count on ICE Cleaning’s chemical spill services, where its technicians use neutralising solutions and modern tools. Employing these techniques, they can effectively decontaminate and clean a surface, leaving it stain-free and safe to touch.
What is a chemical spill?
An incident where hazardous chemicals release accidentally as gas, liquid, or solid is called a chemical spill. Such incidents typically occur in an industrial setting like factories or chemical plants and require prompt action as they pose a significant danger.
Chemical spills occur from human errors like poor handling or inappropriate storage, as well as natural events such as hurricanes, volcanoes, or earthquakes that can cause severe chemical spillage. When these events happen, you must act immediately to reduce environmental damage.
What happens if you leave a chemical spill overnight?
Leaving a chemical spill overnight can have serious consequences. Depending on the type of chemical and the surface it is spilt on, it causes damage to the area and poses a risk to individuals who encounter it.
Some chemicals can evaporate or react with other substances in the environment, releasing harmful fumes that are dangerous to inhale. There is also a risk that chemical liquids could contaminate nearby water supplies by escaping into a drain.
Leaving a chemical spill for too long can also make it more difficult to clean up, as the spill may become more difficult to contain. It is always best to address a chemical spill immediately, following appropriate safety procedures and contacting chemical spill cleaners if necessary.
What should you do if there is a chemical spill?
In the event of a spill, you must act immediately to protect coworkers and the local ecosystem. Alerting everyone to the spill is integral, and it may save many lives and prevent injuries. Once everyone evacuates, you must:
- Stop or contain the spill
- Restrict the area with signage
- Wear PPE if you must re-enter the area
- Open windows and doors leading to the outside
- Use a spill kit or absorbent materials where necessary
- Contact a chemical spill cleaning company
After cleaning the spill, you should review the incident, and determine what steps can prevent similar spills in the future. With a chemical spill risk assessment, you could change procedures, improve training, or implement new safety measures.
If there is a chemical spill in your workplace, you can rely on ICE Cleaning’s team of experts to arrive on-site within hours in an emergency. They effectively contain, clean, and decontaminate an affected area with innovative technology, making it safe to inhabit again.
To find out more about ICE Cleaning’s services, you can get in touch with their friendly service team or go to their website to explore the various services available.