Fluid Spill Management- Limited Size and Hazard (Hard)

Fluid Spill Management

• Spring Fire Department (SFD) personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with the Fluid Spill Management policy.
• The policy applies to spills from motor vehicles such as diesel, gasoline, coolant, motor oil, and transmission fluid.
• The policy does not apply to spills that are beyond the capability of a single apparatus or have the potential to cause environmental impacts.
• Incidents of this scope shall be addressed by the appropriate Hazardous Materials guidelines and/or authorities.
• The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing the guideline annually to ensure its accuracy.
• Upon arrival at a spill incident, personnel must establish a safe work area.
• Apparatus and personnel should be positioned away from the immediate spill area and out of any potential flammable or hazardous zones.
• The spill must be identified and the volume determined on arrival.
• The need for supplemental resources (i.e. Harris County HazMat Team) should be assessed and, if necessary, added to the response.
• Potential ignition sources should be eliminated in the immediate area of the spill.
• The appropriate level of protection should be worn by personnel.
• Spills on roadways or driving surfaces should be mitigated utilizing absorbent providing that it is compatible with the spilled materials.
• Absorbent materials such as oil-dry, pads, and booms may be used, but these materials must be disposed of properly by the party responsible for the spill or an approved and licensed cleanup contractor.
• Contaminated materials will be placed in the care of the damaged vehicle's tow truck operator, or left with an informed responsible representative of the vehicle or transporter for proper mitigation, remediation, and disposal.
• SFD personnel will not take possession of contaminated materials, nor will they transport these materials to any SFD fire station or facility.
• Stardust Absorbent can be used for fluid spills other than biohazard/bloodborne pathogen material.
• Stardust should be applied moderately.
• Do not use more absorbent than necessary.
• Apply Stardust from the edge of the spill inward.
• Do not use any broom not approved for use with Stardust.
• On large spills, where the absorbent becomes saturated, scoop the spent absorbent into trash bags or other containment sources.
• Follow standard disposal and handling protocols for the material absorbed.
• Transport the materials away from the spill location with the vehicle or towing entity that transports the initiating vehicle.
• Use caution regarding contact with mucous membranes as Stardust absorbs moisture rapidly.
• Flush eyes with water if contact occurs.
• Wearing medical type shielding gloves is recommended to prevent skin dryness.

Test your knowledge on the Fluid Spill Management policy relevant to the Spring Fire Department. This quiz covers roles, responsibilities, and procedures for effectively managing vehicle fluid spills. Understand the parameters that define the policy and the guidelines for hazardous incidents.