T
ow operators are often the first to
arrive at an accident scene, mean-
ing they come across chemical
spills from disabled vehicles on a routine
basis. Knowing how to properly identify
the types of spills and use the correct
cleanup products are key skills in quickly
clearing any spill, whether it's on the road
or in your shop.
The Federal Highway Administration of
the U.S. Department of Transportation
knows the importance of clearing spills
quickly to minimize traffic delays. They
classify traffic incident spills into three cat-
egories: 1) Vehicular Fluid Spills (fuel,
coolants and transmissions fluids); 2)
Cargo Spills (non-hazardous or hazardous);
3) A mixture of the first two categories.
Regulatory standards are currently in place
to protect responders, the public and envi-
ronment from exposure to these chemi-
cals. Still, there is much that can be done
to minimize traffic delays caused by the
spill clean-up efforts, especially when the
only spills present are from vehicle fluids.
All first responders, including tow
truck operators, should have proper train-
ing so that they can identify the potential
harm of the materials present, as well as
know what can be done to minimize that
harm. This ability to analyze the scene
better enables tow operators to report
details to authorities before they arrive.
Having the proper training, resources and
personal protection equipment allows
tow operators to assist with basic spill
control and containment. Sorbents, storm
water inlet covers and wedges are just a
few of the products that can be used.
Sorbents may be made of many mate-
rials and are designed for specific uses.
Universal sorbents absorb any liquid from
water-based fluids, non-aggressive liquids
such as radiator coolants, petroleum-
based chemicals such as gasoline or
diesel fuels, and even aggressive chemi-
42
Tow Professional | Volume 4 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
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