Skip to main content
Due to the Canada Post work disruption, postal service to and from BCIT is currently on hold. Learn more.

Emergency Spill

An emergency spill of any substance, although usually a hazardous substance, that meets any of the below requirements:

  • Any spill that enters into a body of water (e.g. Guichon Creek, Burrard Inlet) or a storm sewer.
  • The size of the spill or level of hazard of the substance is likely to cause significant impacts to health and safety, institute assets, or institute operations.
  • Any spill where you are unsure of the level of hazard or impact, or are otherwise unable to safely clean
    (e.g. lack of equipment, procedures, training, etc.).

If you have/find an emergency spill situation, please do the following steps:

  1. Report the spill to BCIT Security (604-451-6856) ASAP, then to your supervisor.
    Information to include in the report:

    • What are the contents of the spill, and approximately how much has spilled.
    • Where is the location of the spill?
    • Are there any injuries requiring first aid or 911, or is there a high hazard associated with the spill?
    • Has the spill entered any bodies of water/storm sewers?
    • When did the spill occur, or is spill caused by an ongoing release (and if so, when did it approximately start)?
    • What spill response or containment activities have been performed so far (e.g. evacuated area, placed spill socks or other spill clean-up items to contain spread, etc.)?
  2. Clear the spill area.
    • Direct people away from the spill
    • Help anyone affected by the spill go to emergency wash stations in the area as needed (e.g. emergency showers, eyewash, etc.).
    • If safe to do so, ensure any equipment or processes that may be impacted by the spill are shut off (e.g. power or gas shut-off, etc.).
  3. If safe to do so and if the necessary equipment is available, contain the spill and/or prevent further spillage.
    • Only perform this step if you have the training and spill cleaning equipment available, and only act where safe to do so.
    • Place spill socks or pads near exit routes (doorways, openings, etc.), sewers or drains, or near any equipment/assets that could be impacted by the spilled material.
    • Shut-off any active release source (e.g. closing spigot, shutting line, etc.).
    • If you are unsure if safe to act, do not do the task.
  4. Remain in a safe location until BCIT security and other emergency spill response arrive.
    • Provide any further information to spill response personnel.
    • You will not be required to re-enter the spill site unless BCIT HSE deems it safe to do so.
  5. Report the spill incident in IRIS.