There are many state and federal agencies, the EPA, OSHA, and the UFC (Uniform Fire Code) which have been designed to protect people and the environment from spills and leaks of hazardous materials. For instance, the EPA's Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the Clean Water Act, was developed to stop the discharge of oils and oil related products from reaching navigable waters and adjoining shore lines. Because of the numerous federal and state regulations, it is straightforward to become tangled in a confusing maze of rules.

A savvy solution to learn to comply with these regulations is to cope with them in small doses. Start off by determining what regulations will apply.

Evaluate Your Work Environment.

Which kind of hazardous chemicals, fuels, oil or hazardous wastes are you coping with?

What is the typical quantity on hand?

What is the most amount that'll ever be on the job site?

You have to plan to handle the maximum. The regulations require that you intend a containment system that has sufficient capacity spectrophotometer cuvettes to contain 10% of the amount of the containers or of the biggest container, whichever is greater. Containers that not hold free liquid do not must be considered.

Determine What Regulations Affect the Hazardous Materials at the Work Site

For instance, don't get tangled in oil regulations when you are coping with corrosive chemicals. Transfer stations need various ways of controlling leaks and spills. Determine certain requirements for safely storing, containing, using, transferring, or handling these hazardous materials.

Get Expert Help for Necessary Supplies

Determine the amount and form of containment berms, spill pallets, and other spill containment equipment which will be needed.

Obtain All Needed Spill Containment Supplies

Implement An Employee Training Program In Their Use

Develop A Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC Plan)

This act took effect in 1974 and was strengthened in 2002. There are many federal regulations of the EPA, the DOT, the UFC, which affect storage methods, spill prevention, and spill cleanup. Each of them require employee training in Best Management Practices (BMP) in :

Spill Prevention Measures

Required Equipment for Spill Prevention and Control

Spill Cleanup Methods