K eep in mind that a chemical spill is more than just an inconvenience. Depending on the toxicity of the spilled substance and the size of the leak, these incidents can lead to severe injuries, including burns and irritation of the skin, eyes, lungs and other organs. And spills of some especially hazardous chemicals can cause respiratory illnesses and even death. Since we don’t want anyone here to suffer a potentially fatal injury, it’s important for everyone to take steps to reduce the chances a spill will happen to begin with. Common causes First, it pays to recognize the most common causes of spills, which include improper handling of chemicals when they’re being transferred between containers, poured, or combined. And leaking, damaged, or incorrectly positioned containers can cause liquids to spill from the container and create a hazard. In addition, chemical spills often result from equipment failures involving hoses, valves, tanks, seals, or processing machinery. (What steps can we take to reduce the likelihood of a severe chemical spill?) One of the best ways to lower the chances of a spill is to ensure that the containers in which substances are being kept are compatible with the chemical. For example, a corrosive chemical should be stored in a glass container so the toxin won’t leak. You also want to confirm that the seals on chemical storage containers are in good condition. Inspect equipment You should get in the habit of regularly inspecting chemical storage containers. Look for drip marks, corrosion, cracks, gaps, discoloration and loose connections. If you notice that a container is damaged, let me or another supervisor know right away so we can have the contents of the container safely transferred to a container that isn’t damaged. Also try to position containers at or below eye level and as close as possible to the floor – the likelihood of container mishandling is lower when they’re easy to access. The four C’s Despite your efforts to prevent a chemical spill, it’s still possible one will happen. If it does, follow the four C’s of cleanup: C ontrol the spill – Stop the leak as quickly as possible by, for instance, closing a valve, shutting off a pump, plugging a hole, or reorienting a container. C ontain the hazard – Use items such as absorbent pillows, pads, clay, or vermiculite to absorb the substance. C ommunicate the risk – Let your supervisor and everyone in the area know about the spill. C lean up the spill – Use a vacuum or a specially designed squeegee to move the spill to an appropriate drain or disposal drum. Thanks for your attention. And remember, let’s stay safe out there! Subject: Stop unsafe work If you saw a potentially hazardous situation that could lead to an injury, would you stop the task right away? If you’re not sure, you should know that stop-work authority is a critical tool for reducing injuries. But it’s only effective when every one of us is willing to end a job that’s unsafe to continue. What to focus on Here are two things to keep in mind when it comes to stop-work authority. 1. Recognize when you should stop working. It pays to be aware that in certain situations, you should end a task or encourage a coworker to stop the job. These situations could include severe changes in the weather, improper use of hazardous equipment, near misses, alarms sounding, unguarded equipment, lack of training for a risky job and an emergency. 2. Don’t be afraid to take action. You shouldn’t allow a dangerous task to continue for any of these reasons: you’re afraid of being disciplined, you want to avoid conflict, you don’t want to slow down the work, or you’re concerned about being labeled a snitch. None of these justifications should overcome your concerns that someone could suffer an injury if the work continues. Today’s safety meeting ✔ Topic: Chemical spills ✔ Today’s Date: __________________ ✔ Attendee Signatures: Tailgate talk Supervisor’s safety toolbox SafetyAlert FOR SUPERVISORS 4 Safety Alert for Supervisors May 4, 2026