Oil Spill Reference Guide

Prevent

Actions to prevent an oil spill from occurring.

Storage Area

  • Maintain lighting sufficient to detect a leak.
  • Check that area is free of spills or leaks.
  • Secure critical storage areas/master flow valves from unauthorized access.

Storage Equipment

  • Verify that containers are in good condition and labeled correctly.
  • Ensure pumps and piping are free of leakage and in good working order.
  • Keep containers closed.
Prepare

Actions to take to be prepared for an oil spill.

Secondary Containment

  • Keep containers within secondary containment area.
  • Ensure that secondary containment blocks access to drains.
  • Verify that secondary containment is intact.
  • Plug floor drains or equip with collar if within potential spill area.

Spill Materials

  • Keep proper spill cleanup materials accessible/assure ease of deployment.
  • Know how to use spill clean up materials.
  • Keep spill cleanup materials well stocked.

Other

  • Maintain alarm system/assure fire pull is accessible.
  • Keep emergency spill contact numbers clearly posted and accessible.
  • Understand and document spill countermeasures.
  • Maintain oil/water separator in good condition (if applicable).
Respond

Actions to take when there is an oil spill.

  • Determine if spill is major or minor.
  • If it is minor, proceed with clean up and then report to EHS.
  • If it is major, immediately contact Campus Police at x100 from a campus phone or call FIXIT at 617-253-4948.

A Minor Spill is one in which ALL of the following conditions are met:

  • The responsible party is at the scene
  • The material spilled is known
  • The material spilled is not highly toxic
  • The quantity spilled is small
  • There is no fire hazard present
  • The spill is completely contained inside a building
  • The material has little or no potential to reach the environment (for example, via a floor drain)
  • The spill is not in a common area (for example, a hallway) or other area accessible to the general public
  • Advanced personnel protective equipment (that is, more than gloves and a half-face respirator) is not needed to respond to the spill

A Major Spill is one in which ANY of the following conditions apply:

  • The responsible party is unknown (it’s an “orphan” spill)
  • The material spilled is unknown
  • The material spilled is highly toxic
  • A large (or undetermined) quantity was spilled
  • A significant fire hazard may be present
  • The material has the potential to reach the environment (for example, via a floor drain)
  • The spill is in a common area (for example, hallway) or other area accessible to the general public
  • Advanced personnel protective equipment (more than gloves and a half-face respirator) is required to respond to the spill
  • A responder is unsure whether the spill should be considered “Minor” or “Major”

Microsoft Word version of SPCC Checklist