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Section 6

Accidental release measures

Information Elements

  • Personal precautions
  • Protective equipment
  • Emergency procedures
  • Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up

Most common non-compliances

  • Information for flammable products does not disclose containment methods and emergency procedures such as removal of ignition sources, use of non-sparking tools, applicable ventilation conditions, etc.
  • Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures reference an inappropriate physical form, such as “fumes/mists/vapours” when fumes cannot occur.
  • Information on methods and materials for containment and cleaning does not disclose adequate detail.
  • The methods and materials for containment are not disclosed.
  • Information on personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures is missing or only references another section of the safety data sheet (SDS).

Tips

  • Personal Precautions and Protective Equipment

    All hazards associated with the product in the event of an accidental spill or leak should be disclosed.
  • Precautions to protect non-emergency personnel and emergency responders must also be disclosed.
    • For example, “Evacuate the area immediately. Isolate the hazard area. Keep out unnecessary and unprotected personnel”; “Vapours travel far and are heavier than air”; “Flashback ignition can occur.”

  • Emergency Procedures

    Emergency procedures (e.g., evacuate area, isolate hazard area, keep away unprotected personnel, consult with experts) must be provided.

  • Containment and Clean Up

    Advice on inappropriate containment or clean-up techniques that should be avoided in light of the product’s physical or chemical properties should be disclosed.
  • If the product is classified as flammable, the containment methods and emergency procedures must include measures such as removal of ignition sources, use of non-sparking tools, applicable ventilation conditions, etc., as applicable.
  • In the event of an accidental release, necessary protective equipment (e.g., gloves, safety goggles) specific to the product that should be used to prevent the possibility of the hazardous product from coming into contact with skin, eyes, respiratory system and clothing must be disclosed.
  • General advice on how to clean up the product in case of a spill, including the need for containment and the use of absorbents or neutralizing chemicals, and, if appropriate, advice for small and large spills must be provided.
  • Recommended methods of containment (e.g., capping, covering drains), neutralization and decontamination and the recommended materials and equipment for containment must be disclosed.
  • Information on inappropriate clean-up procedures based on the product’s physical and/or chemical properties should be disclosed.
  • Recommendations regarding methods and materials for containment and cleaning up must be appropriate for the physical form of the product that is the subject of an accidental release.
    • For example, only recommend sweeping for products that are solids (including the use of an absorbent on a liquid product), not for liquids or gases.
  • Information on inappropriate containment measures based on the product’s physical and/or chemical properties should be disclosed.
  • Recommended clean-up procedures (e.g., vacuuming, wiping) and the appropriate materials (e.g., absorbent material) and equipment (e.g., non-sparking tools) to be used after accidental release of the product must be disclosed.