｡?nspect storage containers regularly. Replace them if they are rusted, damaged or likely to leak. Allow yourself easy access.
｡?end all used chemicals to a licensed contractor for recycling or disposal.
｡?lean up all spills on land or water immediately. Have a spill kit in a clearly labelled and easily accessible place in the workshop. For more information on chemical spills, call Work Cover or the EPA.
Emergency response to spills
｡?f a spill occurs that threatens or harms the environment, you must tell the EPA or the local council as soon as you can after you become aware of it.
｡?or large-scale, hazardous spills call the Fire Brigade immediately on 000. For small-scale spills, follow the MSDS for the spilled substance.
｡?ake all staff aware of emergency telephone numbers to call in the case of a spill.
｡?repare and practise a spill clean-up plan. Staff should know what to do, where to find emergency equipment and how to use it. Equipment to keep includes booms to contain liquid, material to block drains, and material to absorb spills. Numerous absorbent materials are available commercially. Keep this material in a clearly labelled and easily accessible place. Do a stocktake of all emergency materials and regularly replace used material.
｡?eneral spill procedures:
・Stop the source of the spill immediately if it is safe to do so.
・Contain the spill and control its flow (Refer to the relevant MSDS.) Stop the spill from entering any stormwater drains by blocking the drain inlets.
・Clean up the spill promptly by following the relevant MSDS. It is important to clean up all spills quickly even small ones, as they can easily flow into stormwater drains or be washed there by rain.
CASE STUDY
Sydney boatsheds know the importance of a healthy environment for their businesses
"We have emergency spill equipment in our workshop, including absorbent pillows that we tell our customers about. Many customers use these when they have oily water in the bilges."
"Spurred on by the improvement programs of other marinas and boatsheds we have built an undercover storage area for drums of fuel, oil and other chemicals. In the past these materials were stored outside on our driveway."
Fuel use and dispensing
｡?f your marina or boatshed dispenses fuel, make sure that your staff and customers are aware of and follow correct procedures in relation to health, safety and the environment when refuelling. Specifically:
