7 Steps To Spill Response
Posted by CEP on Apr 20th 2026
For over 20 years, CEP has worked with Spill Responders from around the globe. These industry leaders have drawn up 7 basic steps to help responders clean up oil spills. While you certainly can use these steps as a guide, have your local OSRO (Oil Spill Response Organization) ready and waiting. There are times professionals need to be called in, and we at CEP can certainly recommend a qualified expert in your area. However, if you have a manageable spill, follow these 7 steps.
1) IDENTIFY THE SUBSTANCE & DETERMINE THE RISK
The individual in charge should identify (to the extent possible) all hazardous substances, the conditions present, handling procedures, amount of liquid and potential dangers. The most important thing to consider here is if the spill is life threatening. If so, dial 911 and/or call your local authorities and OSRO.
2) PROTECT YOURSELF
Once an individual has determined that the spill is not life threatening and is manageable, protect the clean up team by properly outfitting them in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes PPE suits (choose the correct level of suit that can be found on the liquids MSDS sheet), respirators (SCBA recommended), boots, gloves and goggles.
3) STOP THE SPILL
Stop the spill at its source. This can be done by turning a valve, rolling a drum over or using a leak stopper product like Plug'N Dike.
4) CONTAIN THE SPILL
Limit the spread and exposure of the spill by properly containing the liquid. This can be done by utilizing the correct equipment like CEP SPILL KITS and proper sorbents like SORBENT SOCKS. These products can all be used to dam, dike or divert the spill for easy, manageable clean up. If properly planned, many spills can be self contained by using the proper SECONDARY CONTAINMENT.
5) MINIMIZE THE RISK
Acids and Bases will need to be neutralized (CEP NEUTRALIZERS).
6) CLEAN UP THE SPILL
CEP carries a full assortment of spill clean up products that can work on any spill. The essential clean up product will be CEP’s line of Sorbents. Dependent on the type of liquid you’re cleaning up, CEP has you covered with Oil Only, Universal, and HazMat pads, rolls, socks and boom. Often these clean up products will be stored and ready to use in one of our OVERPACK SPILL KITS which can then be used for proper disposal.
7) DECONTAMINATE
Cleaning a spill means properly cleaning both the clean up crew and their equipment afterwards. Remove and dispose of used PPE the same manner as your spilled liquid. Granular absorbents, Industrial rug, and containment berms are essential for all decon areas.