How to deal with a fuel, Adblue or chemical spill

• Stop further spillage if safe to do so (i.e. shut the valve).

• Arrange first aid for anyone exposed to the spill.

• Prevent spillage entering gullies, drains and vulnerable areas (i.e. grassland, ditches, rivers etc.) using spill kits and drain covers.
• Cordon off the spillage area.

Notify the P&FS – National Service Centre and tell them:

• What has happened?
• What has been done to manage the spill?
• The estimated volume of oil, fuel, AdBlue, chemical spilt (or area covered by spill).
• Location of spillage and any affected drains using a site plan.
• Be very clear about whether or not the spillage has entered a drain.
• Contact details for an available person at site to deal with further queries/action
• Report the spill via ERICA
• Any reporting to external parties will be dealt with centrally

Where an Enforcing Authority* attends site:

• Notify P&FS – National Service Centre
• Make the Unit Manager/PIC aware
• Politely request identification and reason for the visit.
• Sign in and induct the Inspector to the site.
• For more details see SHEI 10.3 – Engaging with Enforcement Authorities.

* Typical authorities may include: Health and Safety Executive (or HSENI), Police, Local Authority Environmental Health Officer, Environmental Agency (or NIEA) Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

• Should anyone else in the business be notified? For Example:
  • Fuel/AdBlue/Oil loss is from bulk storage- contact Fleet and Maintenance Services-
  • Fuel Supply Team Operational Control where spill at PFW sites
  • CPC – where there is an operational impact.
  • Ensure prompt removal of used clean-up materials – report delays to P&FS Helpdesk
  • Scan and send waste paperwork (i.e. consignment note) to property.records@royalmail.com
  • Order more spill kits
  • Co-operate throughout any formal incident review.