Spill Prevention

Without the proper precautions, spills of hazardous substances have the potential to occur at the Airport. Fortunately, there are certain steps that can be taken to minimize these incidents or eliminate them altogether. Examples include:

1. All large containers (i.e. 55 gallons or more) storing hazardous substances should be placed in secondary containment. Examples of containment include spill pallets, double walled tanks, storage areas surrounded by berms or trench drains, etc. For smaller containers, ensure that they are stored away from storm drains, inside some sort of cabinet or locker if possible, and with lids tightly fastened.
2. All containers holding hazardous substances should be stored indoors or underneath an overhang of some sort. In addition, never stack containers on top of each other.
3. Perform routine inspections on vehicles and equipment. When maintenance is required, perform indoors when possible, and use drip pans to capture any spilled fluids.
4. Do not store broken down vehicles or equipment on site for extended periods of time. For short-term storage while awaiting repairs, store indoors if possible, and place drips pans underneath to catch any leaking fluids.
5. When storing hazardous substances, make sure that an adequately stocked spill kit is on site and that all employees are familiar with its location. Spill kits should be kept close to where hazardous substances are stored and should contain some form of absorbent material.