How does the fire brigade clean an acid spill?

Answer 1

The response will be incumbent on the circumstances. But essentially they will "contain and neutralize." Meaning after the scene has been secured, the release is prevented from migrating any further than possible. Let's focus on a liquid spill. Property and lives are protected first, and then consideration is given to sewerage and drainage into rivers and streams. Sometimes the material can "stabilized" in situ, meaning it can be converted from a liquid to a foam or gel. Then having contained the release, crews will neutralize and gather up the material for proper disposal. The response is known as a dynamic response, since although there are specific guidelines, every response is different and must be treated according to circumstances. Another respondant has provided the following general guidelines: Step 1 - Get Away

If a hazardous spill is discovered employees should move a safe distance away. Turn off ignition

sources and equipment if possible.

Step 2 - Identify what you saw

Accurately describe what you have just seen. What was it? Was it a solid, liquid or gas? Where

was it? Was it raining? Did it have a familiar odour?

Step 3 - Get Help

Follow company procedures. Notify the key contact immediately and report the details of the spill.

Step 4 - Hazard assessment

Determine the hazards by obtaining the Material Safety Data Sheets, read labels, identifying signs

or Transportation of Dangerous Goods placards. If this becomes necessary responders should

assume the worst and use the highest level of personal protection equipment.

Step 5 - Alert others and evacuate unnecessary personnel

Step 6 - Secure the area and establish spill boundary

Step 7 - Prepare a plan of action

After the hazard has been identified, the team should prepare an action plan. They should

consider environmental conditions such as wind direction, potential for rain, what might happen on

site. Prepare for emergency vehicle access.

Step 8 - Secure proper equipment and materials

Establish levels of personal protection equipment required by determining potential hazards.

Choose equipment such as spark proof tools if flammable liquids are involved.

Step 9 - Establish decontamination and first aid stations

Establish decontamination procedures in the event that someone is injured. Arrange for medical

assistance and support if necessary. Material Safety Data sheets will provide health and medical

data for the hazardous material.

Step 10 - Contain the spill

The goal is to limit the spread of contaminant and thus maximize safety and minimize liability

costs.

Step 11 - Clean up the spill

The goal here is to limit the spread of contamination, remove contaminant from protective clothing

before removal, and clean equipment. Absorbents used to clean up the spill are often classified as

hazardous waste. Absorbed materials have the same properties as the spill material. Absorbents

must be properly packaged for disposal according to municipal, provincial and federal regulations.

Step 12 - Investigate and evaluate

Answer 2

The fire brigade cleans an acid spill by containing the spill area, neutralizing the acid with a base substance like baking soda or lime, and then safely disposing of the neutralized waste as hazardous material. They also use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to the acid during the cleanup process.