Date: Mon, 7 Dec 2009 15:00:18 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Patricia Peifer <Patricia.Peifer**At_Symbol_Here**WESTPHARMA.COM>
Subject: Lab Spill Team
I work in a small lab (about 65 people) with minimal potential for large
spills.  The largest spill we have had since I have been here is 4 liters
of methylene chloride.  We could have a bigger spill but it is extremely
unlikely.

We have a spill team composed of 5 lab employees (including myself) who get
asked to deal with the bigger spills, such as the 4 L of methylene
chloride.  The spill team has respirators and gets fit tested every year.
We also have a spill training session each year, about 1 hour long.   If we
have a spill that we cannot handle, we have an ourside contractor we plan
on calling.

I have been told I should be having the entire spill team take the 24 hour
HAZWOPER course with an annual refresher.   That will be a hard sell for me
to management unless it is absolutely required.  I do feel that we should
have more than the one hour we typically have, though.  If the 24-hour
HAZWOPER is not absolutely required, I would like to have someone come in
and give us a half-day (at least) of spill training.

So, two questions:

Does anyone know if I have been told the correct information about the need
for the 24 hour HAZWOPER?
Does anyone know of a good person to contact in Eastern Pennsylvania about
spill training?

Thanks,
Pat

Pat Peifer
Project Manager, Safety & Training

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