3.9Spills causing a hazard#

Any spill of oil or fuel or other debris needs to be cleaned from the road surface. At an incident scene, TIMS personnel need to check for spills on the road pavement and, if safe and appropriate, apply absorbent material as required, sweep up and bag after use.

TIMS personnel shall keep a safe distance from any hazardous, flammable or explosive chemicals. Their role is primarily to assist in traffic control / management at the outer cordon of the incident site, not to respond within the inner cordon where spills are most likely.

3.9.1Chemical spills (HAZMAT)#

HAZMAT incidents include not only actual spillage of hazardous chemicals, but the presence at the incident scene of unbreached hazardous chemical containers in vehicle or otherwise.

If there is any concern that the vehicle or load to be moved / removed could pose a risk to personal safety due to HAZMAT issues, the QFES should be contacted. Responders should proceed as per QFES direction.

When TIMS personnel is the first responder at a possible HAZMAT scene:

• keep clear / upwind / uphill of any spill or suspicious vehicle / container
• install traffic control devices to slow / stop / divert traffic at the scene, using applicable lane closure procedures
• if it can be safely done, approach the vehicle from the upwind side and identify the chemical from the ID placard on the vehicle – refer to the HAZMAT sheet if available for interpretation
• advise the TMC to notify the QFES of placard details.

When approaching a HAZMAT incident where QFES is already in attendance, contact QFES through the TMC to obtain:

• QFES-preferred approach route
• QFES-preferred stopping location.

3.9.2Using absorbent spill removal material (‘kitty litter’)#

There is a variety of absorbent products for use with spills, often referred to as 'kitty litter'. Used kitty litter should be collected and bagged and either removed or left for later collection during normal working hours. PPE, including eye protection, must be worn when responding with the use of kitty litter. TIMS personnel may also be requested by Emergency Services to bring kitty litter to an incident scene. This is a valid TIMS callout. While at the scene, TIMS personnel should review the site for additional traffic control requirements.