Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace 4.2e: 4.2 Provide spill containment sized for the worst foreseeable spill (r 357)

Where there is a risk of a spill or leak of a solid or liquid hazardous chemical, the PCBU must ensure so far as reasonably practicable that each part of the workplace where it is used, handled, stored or generated has a spill containment system that holds any spill or leak and resulting effluent within the workplace. The system must say how to contain, clean up and dispose of spills and effluent and must not bring incompatible chemicals together. Open containers are a main cause of spills and hazardous atmospheres, so procedures should keep containers sealed. The system should be large enough to hold all spills until cleared and the design should consider the nature, form and quantity of chemicals, the largest container or foreseeable spill, environmental impact if released, firefighting water, separate containment for incompatible goods, compatible construction and absorbent materials, groundwater and soil protection and long-term integrity. Large quantities may need bunding built to the relevant Australian Standard in consultation with the emergency services authority.