Street Spills and Hazardous Materials

Disposal of Flammable Liquids and Hazardous Materials

• The Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Unit should be notified to properly dispose of flammable liquids that may run into sewers, manholes, or catch basins.
• The Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Unit should be dispatched to control the fire hazard and arrange for proper disposal of flammable liquids.
• The Rescue Company should be dispatched to assist in control of incidents beyond the capabilities of a Pumper, as they are specially trained and equipped to handle such situations.
• The Police Department should be dispatched to handle the traffic and public in case of spills in the streets or gutters.
• The Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Unit should be notified through FCIO to properly dispose of flammable liquids that may run into sewers, manholes, or catch basins.
• The Hazardous Materials Response Unit should be dispatched in case of major spills or chemical leaks in the streets.

Handling Spills and Leaks

• If flammable liquids run into sewers and cannot be removed readily, the Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Unit should be notified.
• The Department of Sanitation should be notified to properly dispose of dry materials such as cement, lime, sand, rock, grains, fertilizer, or heavy oils and tars.
• The public should not wash dry materials into the sewers.
• In case of incidents beyond the capabilities of a Pumper, the Rescue Company should be requested via the Fire Central Information Office (FCIO) or communicated with via radio.

Test your knowledge on the proper procedures for disposing of materials spilled in city streets. Learn about the role of the Hazardous Materials Team and how they assist in controlling incidents beyond the capabilities of a pumper.