Emergency Spill Checklist

1. Small-Scale Spill Response (Household & Minor Commercial Spills)

✅ Assess the Spill

Identify the substance (check labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or manufacturer instructions).
Determine the quantity and whether it poses immediate risk.

✅ Ensure Personal Safety

Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask if necessary.
Ensure proper ventilation (open windows, use exhaust fans).
Keep pets, children, and untrained personnel away from the area.

✅ Contain & Clean Up the Spill

Use absorbent materials (paper towels, kitty litter, baking soda) to soak up liquids.
Place barriers around drains and sinks to prevent contamination of water sources.
If dealing with a dry spill, dampen before sweeping to prevent airborne particles.

✅ Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly

Place contaminated materials in a sealed, labeled container.
Do not dispose of hazardous waste in regular trash or drains.
Contact a local hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

✅ Local Reporting & Disposal Contacts (Western NY):

Buffalo: Erie County Household Hazardous Waste Collection – 716-858-6800
Niagara Falls: Niagara County Waste Services – 716-439-7240
Rochester: Monroe County Ecopark – 585-753-7600

2. Medium-Sized Spill Response (Industrial & Transportation Incidents)

🚨 Ensure Immediate Safety

Evacuate personnel if chemical exposure is a risk.
Secure the area to prevent contamination spread.
Identify the substance using SDS, transport labels, or manifests.

🚧 Containment Measures

Deploy spill berms, absorbent booms, or neutralizers.
Block storm drains to prevent environmental contamination.
Shut down ignition sources if dealing with flammable spills.

📞 Report & Compliance Requirements

Notify New York State DEC Spill Response: 1-800-457-7362
If spill reaches waterways, report to EPA Emergency Response: 1-800-424-8802
Follow OSHA spill reporting guidelines for workplace incidents.

🛠 Professional Cleanup Procedures

If spill exceeds 50 gallons or reaches soil/water, call a hazardous waste cleanup service.
Use specialized containment and decontamination techniques.
Conduct environmental impact assessments if required.

3. Large-Scale Spill Response (Industrial Disasters & Environmental Hazards)

⚠️ Activate Emergency Protocols

Evacuate affected areas if toxic exposure risk is high.
Contact fire departments, emergency management teams, and DEC.
Establish safety perimeters and road closures if needed.

📡 Mobilize Incident Command System (ICS)

Assign a Spill Response Incident Commander.
Coordinate with local, state, and federal emergency teams.
Deploy HAZMAT-certified responders for specialized cleanup.

🛢️ Containment & Remediation Actions

Deploy booms, heavy-duty absorbents, and neutralizing agents.
Shut down stormwater access points and prevent groundwater contamination.
Initiate air, soil, and water quality monitoring for safety assessments.

📢 Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

Provide detailed spill incident reports to New York State DEC and EPA.
Ensure compliance with SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) plans.
Develop a long-term remediation strategy if environmental damage is severe.

☎️ Emergency Contact List

Buffalo Fire Department Hazmat Team: 716-851-5333
Niagara Falls Emergency Management: 716-438-3171
Monroe County Environmental Response: 585-753-7600
National EPA Spill Response: 1-800-424-8802

Conclusion

Quick and effective response to hazardous spills is essential for minimizing environmental damage and ensuring regulatory compliance. Whether handling a minor chemical spill or responding to a large industrial accident, following these response checklists will help contain and remediate spills safely.

Need professional cleanup assistance? Contact a DEC-certified hazardous waste specialist to ensure compliance and proper cleanup.