Spills involving hazardous substances don’t just create a slip hazardous or environmental risk; they can also present a serious fire and explosion hazard. Many fuels, solvents, and chemicals release flammable vapours that can ignite quickly, often before anyone realises the danger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Understanding fire precautions and correct fire response during a spill is critical to protecting people, property, and the environment. You can find specific response action within the safety data sheet for the hazardous substances you are using, but bear in mind that this might not define outcomes when two or more hazardous substances are mixed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many hazardous substances are flammable or give off vapours that ignite easily. These vapours can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A small spill can therefore lead to a large fire if basic precautions are missed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s a requirement from WorkSafe that workers using hazardous substances must have fire extinguisher training<\/a> and dangerous goods handler training<\/a> to help them respond quickly and effectively to these risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During spill response, fire risk often increases due to everyday activities and equipment, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the first fire precautions during any spill is to identify and eliminate ignition sources where it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before attempting any spill clean-up, responders should take these key precautions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n During clean-up, fire prevention remains a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Good practice includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Absorbing the liquid alone does not eliminate fire risk, as vapours may still be present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Used absorbents can remain flammable even after the liquid appears contained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fire precautions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note that some materials can spontaneously combust in the right circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never leave saturated absorbents exposed or piled loosely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spill responders should stop and withdraw if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In these situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a spill ignites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontrolled fire involving hazardous substances can escalate rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effective fire precautions during spill response rely on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spill response training<\/a> is not just about clean-up \u2014 it is about risk control and decision-making under pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To recap, if you have hazardous substances in your workplace, WorkSafe mandates that your team members complete dangerous goods handler, fire extinguisher and spill kit training. You can find all those courses in our hazardous substances training<\/a> section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Spills involving hazardous substances don’t just create a slip hazardous or environmental risk; they can also present a serious fire and explosion hazard. Many fuels, solvents, and chemicals release flammable vapours that can ignite quickly, often before anyone realises the…<\/span><\/p>\nCommon Ignition Sources During Spill Incidents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Fire Precautions Before Clean-Up Begins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Assess the Substance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Isolate the Area<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Control Ignition Sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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4. Improve Ventilation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Spill Response Practices That Reduce Fire Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Handling and Disposal of Contaminated Materials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to Do If Fire Risk Escalates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Fire Response: If Ignition Occurs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Training and Preparedness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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