Toolbox Talk – Spill Prevention: Two Key Best Practices

This safety talk focuses on two essential best practices that help reduce the risk of spills and keep your job site safe and compliant.

✅ Best Practice #1: Prepare Before You Start

Preparation is your first line of defense.

Before working with any chemical or hazardous material:

• Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). It tells you everything you need to know — how to store it, what PPE to wear, and what to avoid mixing it with.
• Know the risks — and make sure you’re trained. Every worker handling chemical should understand the Hazard Communication Program and be trained in the use of proper PPE.
• Never start a task if you’re unsure about a chemical hazard or if something hasn’t been addressed. Ask questions. Get clarity. Don’t guess.

🛢️ Best Practice #2: Use Secondary Containment

Secondary containment is a simple and effective way to keep spills off the ground and out of the environment.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Store chemical containers, fuel-powered equipment, hoses, and pumps inside a secondary containment area.

• Keep containment systems in good shape:
  • Make sure containment walls are properly set up and stable.
  • Don’t let hoses rest directly on containment walls — they can collapse the sides and create a leak point.
  • Keep backup containments or patch kits nearby in case something goes wrong.
• Never store chemicals that could react dangerously together in the same containment area.
• Have a spill response kit and approved disposal containers nearby — don’t wait until something happens to go looking for them.

🧠 Wrap-Up: Prevention Starts with You

Preventing spills is everyone’s responsibility. With proper preparation, smart storage, and a little attention to detail, most spills can be completely avoided. And if a spill does happen, the right setup ensures it’s contained quickly and safely.

🔁 Always follow your site’s spill prevention policies.
🧼 Keep your work area tidy.
🧯 Be ready with the right tools and training.