Hazmat clean-up should be performed by qualified contractors

During many incidents involving a hazardous material release, “cleanup contractors” clean up and remove the spilled chemical. These companies have the personnel, equipment, and experience to conduct cleanup operations safely and in accordance with to local, state, and federal environmental and occupational regulations.

Some local government leaders are dismayed when the first responders do not conduct cleanup operations. They ask, “Isn’t that what we pay them for?” Steven De Lisi writes in Fire Engineering that the reality is that most fire departments, besides not having the equipment and personnel for these activities, do not have the necessary environmental permits. Likewise, although employees of companies that use or handle chemicals can sometimes clean up spills considered to be “incidental,” federal occupational standards clearly define the limits of these types of spills. Companies that choose to clean up chemical spills in-house that exceed these limits not only expose their employees to unnecessary risk but also expose themselves to potential civil and criminal liability.

De Lisi writes that throughout his fire service career, he has found most cleanup contractors willing to do whatever was necessary to protect personnel, property, and the environment. He has also learned, however, that there are a few things first responders should know to deal effectively with these contractors before someone signs a cleanup contract. Based on his experience, De Lisis offers the following advise:

Selecting a contractor

Most often, the responsibility to select a contractor to clean up a chemical spill rests with the “responsible party,” which is generally the individual or entity in control of the material when the release occurred. Some businesses, including those in manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing, may have one or more contractors on retainer for cleanup operations. Some transportation companies whose routes cover several states contact a “one-call center” specifically intended to handle emergency incidents involving chemical spills. Based on the location and type of incident, representatives at these centers will then contact the nearest qualified contractor from a proprietary list they have developed.

Likewise, many local and state government agencies have cleanup contactors on retainer for incidents when government is the responsible party or when the responsible party is unknown or is unwilling or unable to pay for cleanup. First responders should learn the names and capabilities of the contractors in their area.

Always remember that if the responsible party is willing to pay for the services of a cleanup contractor but has no idea who to call,