Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Neutralizing a spill often consists of mixing full-strength bleach with hy-
drated lime and working this mixture into the spill site with a coarse broom.
Fresh absorbent material is then spread over the spill site to soak up the neu-
tralizing liquid. This material is swept up and placed in a plastic drum or bag
for disposal. You may be instructed to repeat the process several times to
make sure that the site is thoroughly neutralized.
Soil is sometimes neutralized by removing and disposing of the top 2 to
3 inches and then neutralizing the remaining soil. You may be instructed to
mix activated charcoal into the soil or to cover the spill site with 2 or more
inches of lime and cover the lime with fresh topsoil.
Sometimes you may be instructed to cover minor spills with activated
charcoal. The activated charcoal can adsorb or tie up enough pesticide to avoid
adverse effects to plants and animals that contact the soil in the future. How-
ever, activated charcoal is not effective for large spills.
d.
Decontaminate Equipment
Clean any vehicles, equipment, and personal protective equipment that
were contaminated by the spill or during the containment and cleanup process.
Use a strong mixture of chlorine bleach, dishwasher detergent, and water to
clean the vehicles and equipment. Wash personal protective equipment thor-
oughly, following manufacturers' instructions and the guidelines in the per-
sonal protective equipment section of this text. Remember particularly that
porous materials, such as brooms, leather shoes, and clothing, cannot be
cleaned effectively if they are thoroughly saturated with pesticide. They
should be disposed of along with the other spent clean up materials.
Figure
e.
Decontaminate Yourself and Other Personnel
As soon as you are finished with the spill and equipment cleanup, the
personnel should wash thoroughly with detergent and water. Wash any part of
skin that might have been exposed, and always wash your face, neck, hands,
and forearms.
4.
Spill Assistance
Chemtrec, the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center, is a public
service of the Chemical Manufacturing Association. Located in Washington,
DC, Chemtrec is staffed 24 hou rs a day by com peten t, trained personnel
who are able to advise you how to manage chemical emergencies.
