Chemical and Fuel Handling

If a spill occurs

Follow your spills response plan and report the spill immediately.

Follow these beneficial practices to help protect our community's drinking water.

Report all spills immediately
- Display emergency contacts including the Region of Waterloo
- Download Report All Spills poster or request printed copies
Spills plan
- Include prevention and response measures with the help of our planning worksheet
- Review at least once a year
- Train staff upon hire with annual reviews
Spill kits
- Stock with materials appropriate for chemicals on site
- Complete monthly inventory checks and restock as required
- Place in accessible locations at every chemical handling and storage location on-site
Spill containment
- Keep chemicals away from storm drains, sanitary sewers, and watercourses
- Seal floor cracks
- Complete drain assessments
- Cover or decommission drainage points
Record keeping
- Document and retain dates and details for staff training, spill kit inventory checks, and storage inspection and measurements
Handling
- Continuously supervise delivery and transfer of chemicals by staff trained on spills plan
Storage areas
- Store in secured area with restricted access
- Protect chemicals from all vehicular traffic
Storing smaller quantities
- Remove unknown and unused chemicals
- Store in appropriate containers as identified in Safety Data Sheets
- Store within a berm, dyke, pallet, tray, or other system that can contain 110 per cent of the largest container
Regular inspections
- Inspect chemical storage areas and storage tanks at least once a week