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Environmental Incidents
Spillage Response Plans

Almost any solid, liquid or gaseous substances entering surface waters or groundwater are classified as pollutants. This includes chemicals, salt, wash waters, waste products, trade effluents and fuels. All facilities storing oils and chemicals must have spillage response plans.
 
A Spillage Response Plan must include the following:
  • emergency contact details (e.g. Fire Brigade, Environment Agency, specialist contractors, water companies [for both supply and foul drainage] etc);
  • product inventory and site layout plan;
  • site drainage plan;
  • emergency procedures;
  • location of emergency response equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, absorbents, emergency bunding, temporary fencing etc);
  • location of buried services, including water supply pipes.
When developing spillage response plans consideration must be given to large and small scale incidents.

Typical large scale incidents:

  • catastrophic or significant failure of underground tanks.
  • split hose during delivery.
  • spillage having the potential to flow off site.

Typical small scale incidents:

  • small spillage during uncoupling of delivery hose. small spillage at dispenser. leak from vehicle fuel tank.
Plans must take account of the foreseeable incidents and must include consideration of equipment necessary to contain any spillages before they enter drains for surface waters, equipment to seal drains and equipment to decontaminate an area affected by spillage.  Any personnel involved in emergency actions must be trained in the correct responses and safe working systems. For general advice or information contact Ask Al - BBC Safety Advice Line.
 
If a pollution incident has occurred then the Environment Agency must be contacted on their Emergency Number:
[0800 80 70 60]