BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
SPILL CONTAINMENT Spill kits should be used for incidental releases . The following procedures should be followed to safely contain the release : Consult the appropriate SDS and label ( for pesticides ). Wear the appropriate PPE . Contain the spill . Prevent spread or escape from the area by using sorbents . Clean up the spill . Never hose down an area until the cleanup is completed . To clean up pesticides :
Recover as much product as possible in a reusable form . Store and use as intended .
Recover the rest of the product as a waste product by using an absorbent or sweeping compound .
When all recoverable material is secured , clean contaminated surface residues using triple-rinse technique . For instance , a spill of liquid on the floor requires that the area be damp mopped three times .
To clean up all other chemicals :
Small liquid spills can be cleaned up with a commercially available absorbent . Avoid using paper towels ; they increase the surface area and the rate of evaporation , increasing the fire hazard .
For acid or base spills , use a sorbent that will neutralize the liquids ( trisodium phosphate , sodium bicarbonate or other commercially available products ).
Use a dustpan and brush to sweep up the absorbed spill . Wash the contaminated area with soap and water .
Dispose of absorbents used to clean spilled materials properly .
FIRST AID Adequate provisions should be provided to immediately treat any person exposed to chemicals . These include eye wash stations and showers . First-aid kits should be available to treat skin contact , ingestion or inhalation .
NATURAL EVENTS Natural events and disasters ( e . g ., lightning , flooding , hurricanes , etc .) can and do occur . An emergency response plan for any facility should contain information to be followed to protect human health and the environment .
The sports field manager should have a copy of the plan and understand decision-making responsibilities , lines of communication and roles in implementing the plan in case of a natural event or disaster . The plan should include how to protect players , staff and members of the community from adverse impact from any such events , how to prevent any exposure to chemicals , and how to secure stored chemicals and equipment . SFM
BMP QUICK-REFERENCE CHECKLISTS
SPILL RESPONSE AND CONTAINMENT BMP
Develop a pesticide spill response plan that includes procedures to control , contain , collect and store spilled materials .
An inventory of the pesticides kept in the storage building and the SDS for the chemicals used in the operation should be accessible on the premises but not kept in the pesticide storage room itself .
Prominently post “ Important Telephone Numbers ” including CHEMTREC , for emergency information on hazards or actions to take in the event of a spill .
Ensure an adequately sized spill containment kit is readily available .
Designate a spokesperson who can speak on behalf of the facility should an emergency occur .
Host a tour for local emergency response teams ( e . g ., firefighters ) to show them the facilities and to discuss the emergency response plan . Seek advice on ways to improve the plan .
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BMPS Personnel should be familiar with an emergency preparedness plan for the facility .
All chemicals and equipment should be secured in a location where human health and the environment are protected in case of a natural disaster . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com May 2023 | SportsField Management
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