There are many different liquids on a construction site, and many of them are hazardous. Tucker Paving has 30 years in the construction industry—including Earthworks, Underground Utilities, Underground Utilities, Asphalt and Concrete, and Paving—and we know there is a right way, and a wrong way, to respond to a spill.  Since spills can be dangerous for both the workers on a construction site and the environment, it’s important to respond to a spill in the right way.

Steps to Respond to a Spill

  1. Assess the Spill. Figure out what liquid the spill is comprised of, is the spill a significant size or minor, and determine how risky the spill is. Can it be cleaned up by you using the proper PPE or does it require specialized clean-up?  A company is required to have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all liquids and other substances found or used on site; a SDS provides detailed information, such as the hazards of the substance, its physical properties, safe handling procedures, first aid measures, spill response protocols, and proper disposal methods.
  2. Take Protective Measures. This includes putting on the appropriate PPE, notifying supervisors, and taking steps to protect those close-by, such as by limiting smoking 50 feet around the area of a flammable spill.
  3. Stop the Spill. Turn off valves, set canisters upright, or remove liquid from leaking containers.
  4. Contain the Spill. It is important to keep the spill from entering street drains, wetland areas, and waterways. Companies should have spill kits to deal with the liquids used on their sites; for example, Tucker Paving utilizes 5-gallon spill kits for minor spills and larger spill kits for significant spills. These types of kits will include what you need to contain a spill, such as “socks” to contain spills, pads and materials to soak up a spill, and more.
  5. Clean the Spill. Follow your company’s spill clean-up protocols, such as placing soaked spill pads in bags and then in spill buckets; make sure you have notified your supervisors so the spill can be assessed and documented.
  6. Complete any Necessary Follow-Up. The area a spill occurred in may require remediation, and/or there may be paperwork or other requirements to complete. A company’s safety team and your supervisors will let you know any other requirements you need to complete.

At Tucker Paving, safety is always our leading priority. In our 30 years in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, we take all precautions necessary to keep our employees safe. We can help you with your next project! Call us at (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online.