ASTM F1127-07(2013)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Containment of Hazardous Material Spills by Emergency Response Personnel
Standard Guide for Containment of Hazardous Material Spills by Emergency Response Personnel
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide contains information regarding the containment of a hazardous material that has escaped from its container. If a material can be contained, the impact on the environment and the threat it poses to responders and the general public is usually reduced. The techniques described in this guide are among those that may be used by emergency responders to lessen the impact of a discharge.
4.2 Emergency responders might include police, fire service personnel, government spill response personnel, industrial response personnel, or spill response contractors. In order to apply any of the techniques described in this guide, appropriate training is recommended.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes methods to contain the spread of hazardous materials that have been discharged into the environment. It is directed toward those emergency response personnel who have had adequate hazardous material response training.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
General Information
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F1127 − 07 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Guide for
Containment of Hazardous Material Spills by Emergency
Response Personnel
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1127; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 adsorbent—an insoluble material that is coated by a
liquid on its surface including pores and capillaries.
1.1 This guide describes methods to contain the spread of
3.1.3 gellant—a material such as colloidal network or other
hazardous materials that have been discharged into the envi-
aggregate network which pervades and holds a liquid in a
ronment. It is directed toward those emergency response
highly viscous fragile structure. Many gels may rapidly liquefy
personnel who have had adequate hazardous material response
with added heat or ionic/polar addition. These materials are
training.
soluble/flowable in excess liquid.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.4 sorbent—an insoluble material or mixture of materials
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
used to recover liquids through the mechanisms of absorption
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
or adsorption, or both.
and are not considered standard.
3.1.5 thickener—a material (usually of higher molecular
2. Referenced Documents
weight) that is soluble in excess liquid. These materials go
2.1 ASTM Standards: from dry to gummy (viscoelastic) to flowable and then soluble.
F716 Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents The final viscosity depends only on the liquid to solid ratio.
F726 Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents
3.1.6 universal sorbent—an insoluble material or mixture of
F1129 GuideforUsingAqueousFoamstoControltheVapor
materials that will sorb both hydrophobic and hydrophilic
Hazard from Immiscible Volatile Liquids
liquid spills.
F1525 Guide for Use of Membrane Technology in Mitigat-
ing Hazardous Chemical Spills
4. Significance and Use
2.2 Federal Schedules:
4.1 This guide contains information regarding the contain-
2001.3
ment of a hazardous material that has escaped from its
2001.4
container. If a material can be contained, the impact on the
2008.1
environment and the threat it poses to responders and the
general public is usually reduced. The techniques described in
3. Terminology
this guide are among those that may be used by emergency
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
responders to lessen the impact of a discharge.
3.1.1 absorbent—a material that picks up and retains a
4.2 Emergency responders might include police, fire service
liquid distributed throughout its molecular structure causing
personnel, government spill response personnel, industrial
the solid to swell (50 % or more). The absorbent is at least
response personnel, or spill response contractors. In order to
70 % insoluble in excess fluid.
applyanyofthetechniquesdescribedinthisguide,appropriate
training is recommended.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous
Substances and Oil Spill Responseand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
5. Containment Methodology
F20.22 on Mitigation Actions.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013. Published April 2013. Originally
5.1 Containmentequipment,procedures,andtechniquescan
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as F1127 – 07. DOI:
be categorized into three general functional classes: (a) patch/
10.1520/F1127-07R13.
plug, (b) enclosure, and (c) immobilization. The important
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
advantage of containment is that it restricts the spreading of a
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
spill and makes cleanup easier. Careful selection of techniques
the ASTM website.
and materials is required. Errors in judgment can lead to
AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
worsening of the situation, deflagration or detonation, and
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. increased hazard to personnel involved in the cleanup.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1127 − 07 (2013)
6. Patches and Plugs (General) gaskets can be mechanically held in or on the damaged area.
Toggle and “T” bolts, washers, and wing nuts are useful
6.1 Diminishing or stopping the flow of a leaking hazardous
attachments.
material is desirable in order to limit the size of the spill. The
6.1.10 Adhesive Patch—Adhesive patches sometimes work
following techniques may be helpful in controlling leaks,
but usually require tedious surface preparation. Tape (duct,
provided response personnel can use them safely under exist-
lead, aluminum, or stainless steel) is useful when applied over
ing conditions. Whichever method is used, it should be noted
a wooden or rubber plug before application of epoxy to create
that the higher the pressure inside the container, the more
a relatively permanent repair.
difficult it is to plug the leak.
6.1.11 Bladder Wrap—Coated fabric or reinforced rubber
6.1.1 Wood Plug—Wooden cones and wedges may be ham-
pipe patches (similar to a clamp) with integral inflation bladder
mered into leaking containers (drums, tanks, pipes, and so
can be secured around a pipe or small round container with
forth). Softwoods in particular are easily sawed or lathe-turned
nylon self-adhesive fabric. Velcro, fire hoses, banding/
and conform well to irregular shapes. Additionally, softwood
strapping material, or automotive tie-downs may be used to
may absorb liquid and swell, enhancing its capacity to seal a
secure the wrap.
leak. Wedges or cedar shingles are especially applicable to
6.1.12 Pipe Pinch—A “C”-shaped clamp device with hy-
splits, gouges, rips, and tears. Rigid plywood sheets or com-
patible closed cell flexible plastic foam 1 to 2-in. (25 to draulically or explosively operated ram can flatten a section of
pipe to pinch off the fluid flow.
50-mm) thick can be fastened over a damaged area with “T”
bolts, tie-down toggle, molly, butterfly bolts, straps, or by
mechanical bracing and wedging. To minimize leakage be- 7. Enclosure
tween the plywood and the container, a gasket of rubber or
7.1 Approved salvage drums (overpacks, recovery drums,
flexible closed cell plastic foam, putty, butyl rubber caulk, lead
waste drums, “open-head” drums) may be used to encapsulate
wool, or oakum may be used.
leaking drums or other small containers. Contaminated mate-
6.1.2 Metal Sheet—Various sizes of steel or aluminum
rials (tools, clothing, soil) and plastic bags holding used
sheets can be fastened over damaged areas by mechanical
sorbents or contaminated items also may be enclosed in
methods (“T” bolts, toggle bolts, bracing, strapping, and so
salvage drums.Approved enclosure containers may be used for
forth). Gasketing material between the metal and the container
transport, storage, and disposal of many hazardous materials.
generally provides more positive sealing.
6.1.3 Inflatable Plugs and Bags—Reinforced rubber and
8. Immobilization
coated-fabricplugscanbeinsertedintoanopeningandinflated
8.1 Once a hazardous material has escaped from its
with gas (air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) or water to form a seal.
container, it may be possible to immobilize the material to
Lead-sealing bags can be secured with straps, chains, cables,
prevent it from spreading. There are a number of methods that
fire hoses, or bands to seal a leaking container.
may be used to accomplish this task; these methods vary
6.1.4 Fabric Patch—Fabrics such as neoprene-coated nylon
depending on whether the material is a liquid, a solid, or is
canbepositionedoverleaksandheldinplacebybands,chains,
volatile and escapes as a gas.
straps, and so forth. Wood, plastic, or metal reinforcements
may be required.
8.2 Liquids:
6.1.5 Formed Plug—Closed–cell polymeric foam (for
8.2.1 Spills of hazardous liquids (including slurries) are the
example, polyurethane or polyethylene), epoxy putty, or quick-
most difficult of spill problems. Good management practice
setting hydraulic cement may be injected into a rigid concave
aims to contain the material and localize it in a concentrated
form through a tubular handle or it may be troweled onto the
form. Typical procedures that can be used to affect the
form and placed against the damaged area. Once the patching
spreading of a spilled liquid are as follows:
material hardens, the support form may be removed.
8.2.2 Change the physical properties of the liquid by modi-
6.1.6 Caulking Patch—Epoxy, plastic steel/aluminum, lead
fying the viscosity or vapor pressure by temperature change
wool, clay-polymer mixtures, and oakum can be spread,
(usually cooling).
troweled, or peened into cracks and small holes. Rapid-curing
8.2.3 Immobilize the liquid by use of an adsorbent,
materials are available.
absorbent, or a gelling agent (see 8.3.1.2).
6.1.7 Foam Plug (Self-Expanding)—A package of
8.2.4 Pump to a suitable container or lined pit.
polyethylene, polyurethane, or low-density neoprene rubber
8.2.5 Erect physical barriers.
foam (all closed-cell) formed into a compact shape by com-
8.2.6 Formdikesfromearthsandbags,waterinflatablebags,
pression and vacuum packing may be opened allowing the
weighted adsorbent foamed plastic, or absorbent sand mixture.
foam to expand and fill the leak area. These plugs may not be
readily available. 8.2.7 Assemble collapsible containers (for example, plastic
swimming pools, if compatible) or use a plastic film-lined
6.1.8 Magnetic Patch—Magnetic sheets (rubber-bonded
ground depression or pit for containment.
barium ferrite composite, with or without adhesive) backed by
a thin sheet of steel foil may be strapped over the damaged
8.2.8 Deploy collection or containment devices such as
area. boom curtains and portable dams. Suitable floating absorbents
6.1.9 Mechanical Patch—Neoprene or rubber stoppers, rub- can help in preventing these booms from being made ineffec-
ber balls, and plywood or spring steel sheets with neoprene tive by stream current physically stripping liquid underneath.
F1127 − 07 (2013)
8.2.9 A porous or wire mesh boom can be efficiently used adsorbentmaterialsincludesplasticfoams,plasticfibers,straw,
with the proper floating absorbent material. A board boom is peat, sand, porous clay, feathers, foamed glass and silicates,
also effective in a ditch. activated alumina, and soil. The surface can be external as in a
8.2.10 A reverse flow weir can be used to concentrate fiber, or internal as inside a granule of activated carbon. If the
floating fluids. solid matrix does not change size, then the sorption phenom-
enon is called adsorption and the material for the liquid
8.2.11 Sewers or other types of drainage in the path of a
intended is an adsorbent. Since the spilled fluid is available on
spreading spill should be blocked. An absorbent/sand mixture
the surface of an adsorbent, it may be removable. This can be
can be used as a sealing dike or a soft closed-cell plastic foam
anadvantageifseparationfollowingrecoveryisimportant.Itis
can be used to cover the opening. Many impermeable systems
detrimental to the extent that:
can be used to seal the openings.
(1) Theliquidcanusuallyberemovedbyleaching(evenby
8.2.12 When a spilled material has a density greater than
water used in clean up), rain, and so forth.
water,aweightedwaterinsensitivesorbentcanbeplacedatthe
(2) Vaporization loss is often increased by increasing
bottom of a watercourse or sewer to pick up and immobilize a
exposed surface area. If the vapor is toxic or hazardous, this
spill.
could be a major consideration.
8.3 Land Spills:
(3) The adsorbent may leak fluid, causing secondary spill
8.3.1 Typical methods for handling spills on land are listed,
problems.
including pumping, sorbents (adsorbents and absorbents),
(4) Since adsorbents can usually be wrung out, they easily
gellants, dikes, dams, trenches, soil and dike sealants and
contaminate personnel handling them. In the line of safety
physical state modifications.
awareness, what is suitable for No. 6 fuel oil or even No. 2 fuel
8.3.1.1 Pumping—If a pool of spilled liquid can be con-
oil may be inadequate, if not hazard increasing, for gasoline,
tained on land, the most direct mitigation is to pump it into a
styrene, acrylonitrile, and so forth.
suitable container (or to use a vacuum truck). Compatibility of
8.3.1.4 Absorbents—Absorbent materials are insoluble and
all equipment with the material being handled is necessary.
inert to the spilled material but physically swell up in it. They
Many of the typical materials widely used for oil containment
often have a low surface area. They are also adsorbent by the
and cleanup are not suitable for many hazardous materials.
nature of their surface area but since this area is small, they are
Gaskets and sealants for pumping units may be oil resistant but
not often used as adsorbents. Those absorbents useful in spill
fail quickly with a hazardous material. For low-boiling-point
control do not dissolve in the spilled fluid but physically
liquids, the pump inlet will have to be below the level of the
contain it in a form with minimum surface area.This reduction
liquid. Otherwise, pump suction will cause the liquid to boil
in surface area lowers the rate of evaporation and minimizes
and the pump to cavitate. When pumping materials whose
leaching. For many hazardous spills these are required prop-
vapor is flammable, use nonsparking or explosion-proof equip-
erties. Absorbent materials also minimize human and second-
ment. Employ a grounded system so that static electric buildup
arycontaminationsincesqueezingandcontactmaynotbewith
cannot occur at discharge ports or nozzles.
a wetted surface as in the adsorbent. Use of an absorbent can
8.3.1.2 Sorbents—Sorbent is an insoluble material and is a
also provide a method of reducing or stopping ground
general term applied to both absorbents and adsorbents. The
penetration, which can minimize cleanup. Also, fire, and the
source of these products can be natural or synthetic. They can
waterusedtoextinguishit,orrainhavealowtendencytoleach
be organic, inorganic, or mixed in composition. Proper use of
spilled material.Absorbent materials for organic fluids include,
these materials depends on the compatibility with the type of
among ot
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