32
Operation
–
Important S
afety Information (cont’d)
Chemical spills
Chemical spills must be quickly contained and properly cleaned up.
Refer to the chemical label for any specific clean-up instructions with regard to
the chemical spilled.
General procedures include:
1.
Control
the spill by stopping the source of the spill. If the source of the spill
is a container leak, place the leaking container in a larger, watertight
container. Keep unprotected people away from the spill site.
2.
Contain
the spill so that it does not spread and get into water sources. Use a
shovel or other tool to make a dike around the spill with soil, sod, or absorbent
material.
3.
Clean up
the spill immediately -- Absorbent materials like ground corncobs
or pet litter should be spread on the spill area to soak up the pesticide. The
contaminated material should then be shoveled into a leak proof container.
Do not flush the spill area with water until you receive advice as directed
below.
4.
Seek additional advice
from the chemical manufacturer and your state's
pesticide regulatory agency regarding decontamination of the spill site:
-
Chemical manufacturer
. The chemical label provides contact
information for the chemical manufacturer.
-
State pesticide regulatory agency
. In the U.S., call the National Pesticide
Information Center at 1-800-858-7378 for assistance in determining
how to contact your state's pesticide regulatory agency.