The floods may have buried, moved or dangerous damaged goods including:
- gas cylinders
- containers of corrosives
- oils
- pesticides
- pool chemicals
- industrial chemicals.
Extreme care must be taken when handling any spills or containers of suspected poisons, chemicals or pesticides, especially if containers are damaged.
Spills or containers of these goods should be isolated until safe management has been arranged.
If there is damage to containers resulting in a leak or spill:
Contact the local fire services branch and any other relevant authority for expert assistance
- Cordon off the area
- Do not wash spillage down drains
- If safe to do so, prevent spread of spilled material by using sand, earth or other commercial spill-containing products
- Minimise the potential for presence of an ignition point or flame in case the chemical is flammable.
General tips for dealing with poisons, chemicals and pesticides
When handling dangerous goods wear personal protective equipment such as chemical resistant gloves, protective eyewear, enclosed footwear, long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
Ensure that if you are handling drums, you work up-wind and if there is a chemical odour present, wear a respirator with the correct chemically rated filter.
Generators and other fuel-powered equipment should stay outdoors, or be placed in a well-ventilated area to prevent the build-up of contaminant exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide.
Use an air monitoring device, such as a gas detector, to monitor the air in enclosed spaces where plant and equipment exhaust is generated.
Try to identify chemicals and their hazards using labels and markings.
If the label has been removed, seek expert advice and chemical identification from a waste management consultant
Separate chemicals from general waste, while identifying whether the container is damaged or not and if there is the risk of any chemical reactions.
For example, oils and dry pool chlorine may cause a fire if brought together.
Take precautions to protect the area from further damage during the clean-up.
This includes preventing mobile plant (earth-moving equipment) coming into contact with containers, particularly gas cylinders; prior to operation check all chemical processing and handling equipment affected by the flood, and ensure a qualified electrician checks electrical installations.
Contact your supplier regarding the safe return to operation for gas supply systems.