Spill response plan

Spill Response Plan

A spill response plan sets out what to do when oils, fuels, coolants, chemicals or other liquids are accidentally released. The aim is always the same: protect people first, prevent slips and exposure, stop the source where safe, contain the spill, and keep contaminants out of drains and watercourses.

Immediate Response Protocols

When a spill occurs, immediate action is essential. Workers should be trained to recognise the type of substance spilled and to assess the potential risks associated with it. The first step is to alert colleagues and, if necessary, evacuate the area. Contacting emergency services or spill response teams should be done promptly. It is important to have a clear spill response plan in place that details the specific actions to be taken for different types of spills.

The Spill Control Hierarchy

People safety: isolate, warn, and evacuate if there is any risk to health, fire, fumes, or unknown substances.
Source control: stop the leak at the origin if it is safe to do so (close valves, upright containers, isolate equipment).
Containment: prevent spread and prevent entry to drains.
Recovery and clean-up: absorb, collect, and decontaminate surfaces.
Disposal and reporting: package waste correctly, record the incident, and improve controls.

Step-by-step Spill Response

1) Raise the alarm and make the area safe

Warn nearby staff and restrict access with barriers or signage to reduce slip risk.
Evacuate and call for assistance if the spill is hazardous, large, or the substance is unknown.
Check ignition sources where flammables may be present, and follow your site emergency procedures.

2) Identify the substance and assess the risk

Confirm what has spilled (label, process line, container marking, or Safety Data Sheet if available).
Decide whether trained in-house responders can manage it, or whether specialist support is required.
Choose suitable PPE and tools before approaching the spill.

3) Stop the source (only if safe)

Shut off pumps, close valves, isolate power, or place a leaking item into a safe over-container where appropriate.
If source control cannot be done safely, move straight to containment and call for help.

4) Protect drains and contain spread

Block or cover nearby drains first wherever there is a risk of liquid entering the drainage system.
Use absorbent socks/booms to create a boundary and steer flow away from doorways and walkways.
Where leakage is from overhead pipework or a ceiling, use a diversion method to control where liquid lands.

Explore spill control options: Spill Control, Drain Protection, Leak Diverters.

5) Select the right absorbents for the liquid

Oil and fuel: use oil-only absorbents where water is present and you want preferential oil pick-up.
Chemicals: use chemical/hazmat absorbents for acids, caustics and aggressive liquids.
General industrial liquids: use general purpose absorbents for coolants, water-based fluids and mixed spills.

Spill kit categories: All Spill Kits and Oil and Fuel Spill Kits.

6) Recover, clean, and confirm safe reopening

Work from the outside in: place absorbents on the edge first, then move towards the centre.
Collect saturated materials into suitable waste bags/containers and label as required by site rules.
Clean residues to remove slip hazards and verify the area is safe before removing barriers.

7) Waste handling, reporting and improvement

Dispose of waste in line with the spilled material and your duty-of-care procedures.
Record what happened, how it was controlled, and any environmental impact (especially if drains were threatened).
Review causes and update training, equipment locations, and preventive maintenance.

Spill Response Plan Checklist

Spill response roles and escalation contacts (including out-of-hours).
Site map showing drains, shut-off points, spill kit locations, and high-risk storage areas.
Spill scenarios by substance type (oil/fuel, coolant, solvents, acids/caustics, unknowns).
PPE requirements and access to Safety Data Sheets.
Containment measures and equipment list (drain covers, socks/booms, absorbent pads/rolls, waste containers).
Waste segregation and disposal route.
Training schedule and spill drill frequency.