Middle East

Chemical Spill Control

1.0 Purpose and Scope

1.1 To establish the minimum requirements for the management and supervision the hazards and risks
associated with a chemical spill.

1.2 This procedure applies to all AECOM personnel and, where applicable, operational activity unless the
Safety, Health and Environmental Department permit any variations.

2.0 Terms and Definitions

2.1 Spill  Unwanted and unexpected release of a chemical, fuel, oil or other substance
hazardous to people and the environment.

2.2 MSDS  Material Safety Data Sheet provided by the manufacturer of the substance.

3.0 References

None.

4.0 Procedure

4.1 A spillage of any chemical can lead to the occurrence of a pollution incident outside of the boundaries of
an AECOM site/office. Such an incident could have a potentially serious impact upon the general public,
water treatment facilities, water courses and the environment, which could lead to prosecution. The bad
publicity generated by a prosecution would be damaging to AECOM, as would the serious
environmental and health and safety implications of such an incident.

4.2 The Delivery Driver, assisted if necessary by an Engineer/Manager, shall attempt to shut off the
delivery. This must only be attempted if it is safe to do so and all parties must wear the appropriate
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as identified in the MSDS and hazardous substance assessment.

4.3 The Project Manager is responsible for assessing the situation and deciding if it is of sufficient
significance to be reportable to the appropriate Environment Agency. If the conclusion of the
assessment is that the spillage is small and easily contained, they will dispose of the spillage (while
wearing appropriate PPE) with due consideration for the safety of others and the environment. If,
however, the spillage constitutes a significant incident (actual or potential), the Project Manager shall
assume overall control of the incident, ensuring that all the following information is made available for
the appropriate Environment Agency and the subsequent investigation.
4.3.1 the name of the spilled product and its nature (liquid or powder)
4.3.2 the local weather conditions (dry, windy, rainy, stormy - if it is wet, say how long it has been
raining)
4.3.3 how much chemical has been spilled and if appropriate, how much has been lost to drains
and how much remains on site
4.3.4 the proximity of all nearby roads and housing, along with an estimate of the area that has
been or may be affected by the spillage. (Take into consideration the effects of wind and
rain.)
4.3.5 Whether there is the possibility of pollution. N.B. Under storm conditions this can occur due
to spilled chemicals entering sewers and overflowing via storm overflows into watercourses.

4.4 The Project Manager shall decide whether or not any emergency services need to be informed. The
Project Manager will inform:

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 4.4.1 The SH&E Department for advice on dealing with the relevant chemical spill.
4.4.2 The SH&E Department, who shall decide whether or not to inform the appropriate health
and safety authorities/regulators.
4.4.3 The Project Director, in case of affecting ongoing operations.
4.4.4 Appropriate Environment Agency.
4.4.5 Nearby residents if required to do so by the Client.

4.5 In the case of any threat being posed to drainage, the Project Manager will identify all affected drains
from the site drainage schematic. Spill socks and absorbents may be placed around drains, if needed.

4.6 When the spillage has ceased, the Project Manager shall cordon off the affected area to ensure that
others do not unwittingly enter it.

4.7 Consider what actions need to be taken with regard to the spilt chemical, by consulting the relevant
MSDS / hazardous substance assessment (held on site). Using the chart below, determine the extent
and type of spill.

Category Size Response Treatment Materials

Small < 300cc Chemical treatment of Neutralization or absorption

absorption spill kit
Medium 300cc – 5 Liters Absorption Absorption spill kit

Large > 5 Liters Call public safety Outside help

4.8 Consult with the SH&E Department regarding the method of chemical disposal. If the chemical can be
flushed away safely, this shall be done only on the instruction of the Project Manager. If the chemical
cannot be flushed away, then external help will be required to effect clean up.

4.9 Training – all personnel dealing with chemical spills and clean up will receive the AECOM Chemical Spill
Response training, which will be documented.

4.10 On existing works where the Client is responsible then the point of contact is the Client Manager.  The
Client’s spill procedure should be adopted.

5.0 Records

5.1 External communications

5.2 Training

6.0 Attachments

None.

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