Ch e m i c a l Spi l l s 553
Large chemical spills
In oil drilling areas, work sites, and industrial areas where large amounts of
chemicals are used or transported, it is important to be prepared for a large
chemical spill.
• Make an emergency plan with workers, employers, and people living
nearby. Hold regular meetings to make sure everyone is familiar with the
plan.
• Post names and telephone numbers of people to contact in case of a spill.
Include employers, clinics and hospitals, safety officials, government
authorities, health workers and people trained to clean spills.
• Keep instructions, materials, and protective equipment for cleaning spills
at the site.
• Plan and mark an escape route from the area.
• Have a supply of safe water to use in case oil or other chemicals
contaminate the community water supply.
Treating Harm Caused by Chemicals
Chemicals can spill on the skin and clothes, splash in the eyes, or be swallowed
or breathed in as fumes. If someone is hurt, get medical help as soon as possible.
Breathing in chemicals
• Get the person away from the area where she breathed in the poison,
especially if it is an enclosed area. If the spill happened indoors,
open windows and doors.
• Get the person into fresh air.
• Loosen the person’s clothing.
• Sit or lay the person with head and shoulders raised.
• If the person is unconscious, lay her on her side
and make sure there is nothing
blocking her breathing.
• If the person is not breathing, do
mouth-to-mouth breathing
(see page 557).
• If there are signs of a health
problem such as headaches, nose or
throat irritation, dizziness, drowsiness
or tightness of the chest, seek medical help immediately.
Take the chemical label or name with you.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012