How to Train for Spill Cleanup

Toxic spills are a threat to human and environmental health. Spills are often considered an emergency, and cleanup efforts are encouraged by holding the responsible party liable and through funding appropriated by congress. Advanced training is conducted by cleanup specialists, and on-site training is also available at many spill sites. The training process is designed to promote a cautious approach with concern for workers' safety. Cleanup efforts draw a large volunteer force, but some individuals and companies draw profits from the spill.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the free literature provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The literature covers oil spill cleanup procedures.

• 2

  Volunteer at a spill and attend the on-site training course to gain experience and determine your ability to handle the intense work environment. Toxic spills create emergency situations and you must work around the clock while witnessing suffering wildlife and environmental stress. Follow the major news outlets and conservation blogs to inform yourself about current spills.

• 3

  Attend an environmental spill mitigation course. Basic courses are available through university and government institutions. Basic courses cover the range of toxins and potential threats to human and environmental health. The courses are a safety to help you protect yourself during the cleanup. The courses also cover federal laws regarding your course of action and reporting of the spill.

• 4

  File paperwork with the Environmental Protection Agency as a qualified individual for a specific company. This makes you the person responsible for representing the company in the event of a spill. You are also responsible for spill-prevention efforts and spill training and mitigation. You must learn the federal laws and EPA procedures to gain the qualified individual credential. The qualified individual paperwork is only required if you represent a company. Skip this step to act as an independent volunteer at cleanup sites.