ASTM F1127-22

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. Initial hazard assessment should be performed before applying mitigation techniques.  
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. See OSHA Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) requirements.
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.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2021
• ICS: 11.160 - First aid
• ICS: 13.300 - Protection against dangerous goods
• Technical Committee: F20 - Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Response
• Drafting Committee: F20.22 - Mitigation Actions

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F716-18 - Standard Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents for Use on Chemical and Light Hydrocarbon Spills
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM F726-17 - Standard Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents for use on Crude Oil and Related Spills
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM F726-12 - Standard Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2012
• Refers: ASTM F716-09 - Standard Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM F716-07 - Standard Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM F726-06 - Standard Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Refers: ASTM F726-99 - Standard Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1999
• Refers: ASTM F716-82(2001) - Standard Methods of Testing Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
• Effective Date: 13-Jan-1982
• Refers: ASTM F716-82(1993)e1 - Standard Methods of Testing Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
• Effective Date: 13-Jan-1982

Overview

ASTM F1127-22: Standard Guide for Containment of Hazardous Material Spills by Emergency Response Personnel provides comprehensive guidelines for effectively containing hazardous material spills. Developed by ASTM, this standard is intended for use by trained emergency response personnel, such as police, fire service, industrial response teams, and spill response contractors. The guide emphasizes minimizing environmental impact and threats to human health by outlining methods to prevent the spread of hazardous substances following accidental releases.

Containing chemical and hazardous material spills is crucial for limiting ecological damage and safeguarding responder and public safety. Effective spill containment helps streamline cleanup efforts and mitigates risks associated with hazardous exposure.

Key Topics

• Spill Containment Techniques: The guide categorizes containment approaches into three main functional classes:

  • Patch/Plug: Methods for stopping or reducing leaks from containers, such as using wooden or metal plugs, inflatable bags, magnetic and adhesive patches, and mechanical clamps.
  • Enclosure: Use of salvage drums or approved containers to encapsulate leaking items or contaminated materials, enabling safe transport and disposal.
  • Immobilization: Techniques to localize and prevent the spread of hazardous materials, especially liquids, through diking, damming, trenching, and using sorbents or gellants.

• Use of Sorbents and Gellants:

  • Adsorbents: Materials that collect hazardous fluids on their surfaces.
  • Absorbents: Materials that retain liquids, swelling in the process.
  • Universal Sorbents: Blends capable of handling various types of spills, though their effectiveness and compatibility should always be verified.

• Physical and Chemical Barriers:

  • Construction of dikes, dams, trenches, and barriers using earth, sandbags, foams, or sheet materials to limit spill migration.
  • Application of soil sealants or plastic sheets to prevent infiltration.

• Advanced Containment Methods:

  • Use of membrane technologies such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and reverse osmosis for concentrating and recovering spilled chemicals in water bodies.

• Regulatory References:

  • Guidance aligns with OSHA HAZWOPER requirements (29 CFR 1910.120) and U.S. EPA regulations for spill response.

• Safety and Training: The standard highlights the importance of proper training and hazard assessment before attempting containment, stressing the need to observe all relevant safety and environmental practices.

Applications

ASTM F1127-22 is applicable in a variety of settings where hazardous material spills might occur, providing value across:

• Industrial facilities: Manufacturing plants, chemical processing units, and storage sites handling hazardous or toxic substances.
• Transportation incidents: Road, rail, or maritime accidents involving the release of hazardous payloads.
• Public emergency response: Fire departments, police, and municipal hazardous materials (HAZMAT) units.
• Environmental management: Spill response contractors and government agencies responsible for pollution control.
• Training and preparedness exercises: As a reference for training emergency responders in spill containment.

The guide assists organizations in the proper selection and application of spill containment strategies and materials tailored to specific incident scenarios.

Related Standards

Several ASTM and U.S. federal standards and guides complement ASTM F1127-22:

• ASTM F716: Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents for Use on Chemical and Light Hydrocarbon Spills.
• ASTM F726: Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents for Use on Crude Oil and Related Spills.
• ASTM F1129: Guide for Using Aqueous Foams to Control the Vapor Hazard from Immiscible Volatile Liquids.
• ASTM F1525: Guide for Use of Membrane Technology in Mitigating Hazardous Chemical Spills.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120: Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
• 40 CFR 112: Oil Pollution Prevention.
• 40 CFR 300: National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.

For best practices in emergency spill response and hazardous material containment, ASTM F1127-22 serves as a foundational guide, supporting safer and more effective incident management.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1127 − 22
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 40 CFR 112 Protection of Environment, Part 112 Oil Pollu-
tion Prevention
1.1 This guide describes methods to contain the spread of
40 CFR 300 Protection of Environment, Part 300 National
hazardous materials that have been discharged into the envi-
Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency
ronment. It is directed toward those emergency response
Plan
personnel who have had adequate hazardous material response
training.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.1 absorbent—a material that picks up and retains a
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
liquid distributed throughout its molecular structure causing
and are not considered standard.
the solid to swell (50 % or more). The absorbent is at least
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
70 % insoluble in excess liquid.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.2 adsorbent—an insoluble material that is coated by a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
liquid on its surface including pores and capillaries without the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
solid swelling more than 50 % in excess liquid.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 gellant—a material such as a colloidal network or
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
other aggregate network that pervades and holds a liquid in a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
highly viscous fragile structure. Many gels may rapidly liquefy
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
with added heat or ionic/polar addition. These materials are
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
soluble/flowable in excess liquid.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.4 sorbent—an insoluble material or mixture of materials
used to recover liquids through the mechanisms of absorption
2. Referenced Documents
or adsorption, or both.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.5 thickener—a material (usually of higher molecular
F716 Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents
weight) that is soluble in excess liquid. These materials go
for Use on Chemical and Light Hydrocarbon Spills
from dry to gummy (viscoelastic) to flowable and then soluble.
F726 Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents
The final viscosity depends only on the liquid to solid ratio
for use on Crude Oil and Related Spills
3.1.6 universal sorbent—an insoluble material or mixture of
2.2 Federal Regulations:
materials that will sorb both hydrophobic and hydrophilic
29 CFR 1910.120 – Hazardous waste operations and emer-
liquid spills.
gency response
4. Significance and Use
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous
4.1 This guide contains information regarding the contain-
Substances and Oil Spill Responseand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
F20.22 on Mitigation Actions.
ment of a hazardous material that has escaped from its
CurrenteditionapprovedJan.1,2022.PublishedMay2022.Originallyapproved
container. If a material can be contained, the impact on the
in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F1127 – 07(2013). DOI:
environment and the threat it poses to responders and the
10.1520/F1127-22.
general public is usually reduced. The techniques described in
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
this guide are among those that may be used by emergency
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
responders to lessen the impact of a discharge. Initial hazard
the ASTM website.
3 assessment should be performed before applying mitigation
Available from U.S. Government Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
e-CFR, https://www.ecfr.gov techniques.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1127 − 22
4.2 Emergency responders might include police, fire service 6.1.6 Caulking Patch—Epoxy, plastic steel/aluminum, lead
personnel, government spill response personnel, industrial wool, clay-polymer mixtures, and oakum can be spread,
response personnel, or spill response contractors. In order to troweled, or peened into cracks and small holes. Rapid-curing
applyanyofthetechniquesdescribedinthisguide,appropriate materials are available.
training is recommended. See OSHA Hazardous Waste and 6.1.7 Foam Plug (Self-Expanding)—A package of
Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) requirements. polyethylene, polyurethane, or low-density neoprene rubber
foam (all closed-cell) formed into a compact shape by com-
5. Containment Methodology
pression and vacuum packing may be opened allowing the
5.1 Containmentequipment,procedures,andtechniquescan
foam to expand and fill the leak area. These plugs may not be
be categorized into three general functional classes: (a) patch/
readily available.
plug, (b) enclosure, and (c) immobilization. The important
6.1.8 Magnetic Patch—Magnetic sheets (rubber-bonded
advantage of containment is that it restricts the spreading of a
barium ferrite composite, with or without adhesive) backed by
spill and makes cleanup easier. Careful selection of techniques
a thin sheet of steel foil may be strapped over the damaged
and materials is required. Errors in judgment can lead to
area.
worsening of the situation, deflagration or detonation, and
6.1.9 Mechanical Patch—Neoprene or rubber stoppers, rub-
increased hazard to personnel involved in the cleanup. ber balls, and plywood or spring steel sheets with neoprene
gaskets can be mechanically held in or on the damaged area.
6. Patches and Plugs (General)
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-
draulically or explosively operated ram can flatten a section of
patible closed cell flexible plastic foam 25 mm to 50 mm (1 in.
pipe to pinch off the fluid flow.
to 2 in.) thick can be fastened over a damaged area with “T”
bolts, tiedown toggle, molly, butterfly bolts, straps, or by 7. Enclosure
mechanical bracing and wedging. To minimize leakage be-
7.1 Approved salvage drums (overpacks, recovery drums,
tween the plywood and the container, a gasket of rubber or
waste drums, “open-head” drums) may be used to encapsulate
flexible closed cell plastic foam, putty, butyl rubber caulk, lead
leaking drums or other small containers. Contaminated mate-
wool, or oakum may be used.
rials (tools, clothing, soil) and plastic bags holding used
6.1.2 Metal Sheet—Various sizes of steel or aluminum
sorbents or contaminated items also may be enclosed in
sheets can be fastened over damaged areas by mechanical
salvagedrums.Approvedenclosurecontainersmaybeusedfor
methods (“T” bolts, toggle bolts, bracing, strapping, and so
transport, storage, and disposal of many hazardous materials.
forth). Gasketing material between the metal and the container
generally provides more positive sealing.
8. Immobilization
6.1.3 Inflatable Plugs and Bags—Reinforced rubber and
8.1 Once a hazardous material has escaped from its
coated-fabricplugscanbeinsertedintoanopeningandinflated
container, it may be possible to immobilize the material to
with gas (air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) or water to form a seal.
prevent it from spreading. There are a number of methods that
Lead-sealing bags can be secured with straps, chains, cables,
may be used to accomplish this task; these methods vary
fire hoses, or bands to seal a leaking container.
depending on whether the material is a liquid, a solid, or is
6.1.4 Fabric Patch—Fabrics such as neoprene-coated nylon
volatile and escapes as a gas.
canbepositionedoverleaksandheldinplacebybands,chains,
straps, and so forth. Wood, plastic, or metal reinforcements 8.2 Liquids—Spills of hazardous liquids (including slurries)
may be required. are the most difficult of spill problems. Good management
6.1.5 Formed Plug—Closed–cell polymeric foam (for practice aims to contain the material and localize it in a
example, polyurethane or polyethylene), epoxy putty, or quick- concentrated form. Typical procedures that can be used to
setting hydraulic cement may be injected into a rigid concave affect the spreading of a spilled liquid are as follows:
form through a tubular handle or it may be troweled onto the 8.2.1 Change the physical properties of the liquid by modi-
form and placed against the damaged area. Once the patching fying the viscosity or vapor pressure by temperature change
material hardens, the support form may be removed. (usually cooling).
F1127 − 22
8.2.2 Immobilize the liquid by use of an adsorbent, 8.3.3 Adsorbents—Adsorbent materials are insoluble and
absorbent, or a gelling agent (see 8.3.2 through 8.3.5). inert to the spilled material and usually have a large surface
area. Since adsorption is by definition only a surface coating
8.2.3 Pump to a suitable container or lined pit.
process, high surface area is advantageous if the fluid has
8.2.4 Erect physical barriers.
sufficiently low viscosity to cover it. An incomplete list of
8.2.5 Formdikesfromearthsandbags,waterinflatablebags,
adsorbent materials includes plastic foams and fibres (melt
weighted adsorbent foamed plastic, or absorbent sand mixture.
blown polypropylene, polyurethane), straw, peat, sand, porous
8.2.6 Assemble collapsible containers (for example, plastic
clay, feathers, foamed glass and silicates, activated alumina,
swimming pools, if compatible) or use a plastic film-lined
and soil.The surface can be external as in a fiber, or internal as
ground depression or pit for containment.
inside a granule of activated carbon. If the solid matrix does
8.2.7 Deploy collection or containment devices such as
not change size, then the sorption phenomenon is called
boom curtains and portable dams. Suitable floating absorbents
adsorption and the material for the liquid intended is an
can help in preventing these booms from being made ineffec-
tive by stream current physically stripping liquid underneath. adsorbent. Since the spilled fluid is available on the surface of
an adsorbent, it may be removable.This can be an advantage if
8.2.8 A porous or wire mesh boom can be efficiently used
with the proper floating absorbent material. A board boom is separation following recovery is important. It is detrimental to
also effective in a ditch. the extent that:
(1) Theliquidcanusuallyberemovedbyleaching(evenby
8.2.9 Areverseflowweircanbeusedtoconcentratefloating
fluids. water used in clean up), rain, and so forth.
(2) Vaporization loss is often increased by increasing
8.2.10 Sewers or other types of drainage in the path of a
exposed surface area. If the vapor is toxic or hazardous, this
spreading spill should be blocked. An absorbent/sand mixture
can be used as a sealing dike or a soft closed-cell plastic foam could be a major consideration.
can be used to cover the opening. Many impermeable systems (3) The adsorbent may leak fluid, causing secondary spill
can be used to seal the openings.
problems.
8.2.11 When a spilled material has a density greater than (4) Since adsorbents can usually be wrung out, they easily
water,aweightedwaterinsensitivesorbentcanbeplacedatthe
contaminate personnel handling them. In the line of safety
bottom of a watercourse or sewer to pick up and immobilize a
awareness, what is suitable for No. 6 fuel oil or even No. 2 fuel
spill.
oil may be inadequate, if not hazard increasing, for gasoline,
styrene, acrylonitrile, and so forth.
8.3 Land Spills—Typical methods for handling spills on
8.3.4 Absorbents—Absorbent materials are insoluble and
land are listed, including pumping, sorbents (adsorbents and
absorbents), gellants, dikes, dams, trenches, soil and dike inert to the spilled material but physically swell up in it. They
sealants and physical state modifications. often have a low surface area. They are also adsorbent by the
nature of their surface area but since this area is small, they are
8.3.1 Pumping—If a pool of spilled liquid can be contained
on land, the most direct mitigation is to pump it into a suitable not often used as adsorbents. Those absorbents useful in spill
container (or to use a vacuum truck). Compatibility of all control do not dissolve in the spilled fluid but physically
equipment with the material being handled is necessary. Many
contain it in a form with minimum surface area.This reduction
of the typical materials widely used for oil containment and
in surface area lowers the rate of evaporation and minimizes
cleanup are not suitable for many hazardous materials. Gaskets
leaching. For many hazardous spills these are required prop-
and sealants for pumping units may be oil resistant but fail
erties. Absorbent materials also minimize human and second-
quickly with a hazardous material. For low-boiling-point
arycontaminationsincesqueezingandcontactmaynotbewith
liquids, the pump inlet will have to be below the level of the
a wetted surface as in the adsorbent. Use of an absorbent can
liquid. Otherwise, pump suction will cause the liquid to boil
also provide a method of reducing or stopping ground
and the pump to cavitate. When pumping materials whose
penetration, which can minimize cleanup. Also, fire, and the
vapor is flammable, use non-sparking or explosion-proof
waterusedtoextinguishit,orrainhavealowtendencytoleach
equipment. Employ a grounded system so that static electric
spilledmaterial.Absorbentmaterialsfororganicfluidsinclude,
buildup cannot occur at discharge ports or nozzles.
among others, rubbers and cross-linked products like imbibing
8.3.2 Sorbents—Sorbent is an insoluble material and is a
polymers. Absorbents for aqueous fluids include cellulosics
general term applied to both absorbents and adsorbents. The
(synthetic and natural), cross-linked proteins, cross-linked
source of these products can be natural or synthetic. They can
hydrolyzed synthetic polymers and cross-linked starches.
be organic, inorganic, or mixed in composition. Proper use of
8.3.5 Gellants—Gellantsareusuallycolloidalmaterialsthat,
these materials depends on the compatibility with the type of
upon addition to a liquid with intimate mixing, form very high
spill, location, and type of sorbent to be used. So-called
viscosity materials. Since these materials are not true
“universal or broad range” sorbents are covered in 8.3.7, since
absorbents, the network the fluid is held in can be broken by
they are often mixtures of the singly defined types. It is also
heat or other forces. The intimate mixing required is often
true that the broad range of materials considered hazardous
difficult on a land spill. Gels usually have a delay time when
makes a truly universal material unlikely. Since these materials
congealing, therefore they may not be suitable for running
are totally different, the definitions developed in Test Methods
F716 and F726 are included in Section 3 of this guide. spills.
F1127 − 22
8.3.6 Thickeners—A material (usually of higher molecular tics such that the surfaces are not penetrated. Extensive
weight) that is soluble in excess liquid. These materials go repellant technology has been developed for four classes of
from dry, to gummy (viscoelastic), to flowable, and finally to materials:textiles,paper,leather,andmasonry.Ineach,thereis
soluble. The final viscosity depends only on the liquid to
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1127 − 07 (Reapproved 2013) F1127 − 22
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
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.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F716 Test Methods for Sorbent Performance of Absorbents for Use on Chemical and Light Hydrocarbon Spills
F726 Test Method for Sorbent Performance of Adsorbents for use on Crude Oil and Related Spills
F1129 Guide for Using Aqueous Foams to Control the Vapor Hazard from Immiscible Volatile Liquids
F1525 Guide for Use of Membrane Technology in Mitigating Hazardous Chemical Spills
2.2 Federal Schedules:Regulations:
29 CFR 1910.120 – Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
2001.340 CFR 112 Protection of Environment, Part 112 Oil Pollution Prevention
2001.440 CFR 300 Protection of Environment, Part 300 National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan
2008.1
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F20 on Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill Responseand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F20.22
on Mitigation Actions.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013Jan. 1, 2022. Published April 2013May 2022. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 20072013 as
F1127 – 07.F1127 – 07(2013). DOI: 10.1520/F1127-07R13.10.1520/F1127-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations e-CFR, https://www.ecfr.gov
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1127 − 22
3.1.1 absorbent—a material that picks up and retains a liquid distributed throughout its molecular structure causing the solid to
swell (50 % or more). The absorbent is at least 70 % insoluble in excess fluid.liquid.
3.1.2 adsorbent—an insoluble material that is coated by a liquid on its surface including pores and capillaries. capillaries without
the solid swelling more than 50 % in excess liquid.
3.1.3 gellant—a material such as a colloidal network or other aggregate network whichthat pervades and holds a liquid in a highly
viscous fragile structure. Many gels may rapidly liquefy with added heat or ionic/polar addition. These materials are
soluble/flowable in excess liquid.
3.1.4 sorbent—an insoluble material or mixture of materials used to recover liquids through the mechanisms of absorption or
adsorption, or both.
3.1.5 thickener—a material (usually of higher molecular weight) that is soluble in excess liquid. These materials go from dry to
gummy (viscoelastic) to flowable and then soluble. The final viscosity depends only on the liquid to solid ratio.ratio
3.1.6 universal sorbent—an insoluble material or mixture of materials that will sorb both hydrophobic and hydrophilic liquid
spills.
4. 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. Initial hazard assessment should be performed before applying mitigation techniques.
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. See OSHA Hazardous Waste and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER) requirements.
5. Containment Methodology
5.1 Containment equipment, procedures, and techniques can be categorized into three general functional classes: (a(a)) patch/plug,
( patch/ plug, b(b)) enclosure, and (c(c)) immobilization. The important advantage of containment is that it restricts the spreading
of a spill and makes cleanup easier. Careful selection of techniques and materials is required. Errors in judgment can lead to
worsening of the situation, deflagration or detonation, and increased hazard to personnel involved in the cleanup.
6. Patches and Plugs (General)
6.1 Diminishing or stopping the flow of a leaking hazardous material is desirable in order to limit the size of the spill. The
following techniques may be helpful in controlling leaks, provided response personnel can use them safely under existing
conditions. Whichever method is used, it should be noted that the higher the pressure inside the container, the more difficult it is
to plug the leak.
6.1.1 Wood Plug—Wooden cones and wedges may be hammered into leaking containers (drums, tanks, pipes, and so forth).
Softwoods in particular are easily sawed or lathe-turned and conform well to irregular shapes. Additionally, softwood may absorb
liquid and swell, enhancing its capacity to seal a leak. Wedges or cedar shingles are especially applicable to splits, gouges, rips,
and tears. Rigid plywood sheets or compatible closed cell flexible plastic foam 125 mm to 2-in. (2550 mm (1 in. to 50-mm)2 in.)
thick can be fastened over a damaged area with “T” bolts, tie-downtiedown toggle, molly, butterfly bolts, straps, or by mechanical
bracing and wedging. To minimize leakage between the plywood and the container, a gasket of rubber or flexible closed cell plastic
foam, putty, butyl rubber caulk, lead wool, or oakum may be used.
6.1.2 Metal Sheet—Various sizes of steel or aluminum sheets can be fastened over damaged areas by mechanical methods (“T”
bolts, toggle bolts, bracing, strapping, and so forth). Gasketing material between the metal and the container generally provides
more positive sealing.
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6.1.3 Inflatable Plugs and Bags—Reinforced rubber and coated-fabric plugs can be inserted into an opening and inflated with gas
(air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide) or water to form a seal. Lead-sealing bags can be secured with straps, chains, cables, fire hoses, or
bands to seal a leaking container.
6.1.4 Fabric Patch—Fabrics such as neoprene-coated nylon can be positioned over leaks and held in place by bands, chains,
straps, and so forth. Wood, plastic, or metal reinforcements may be required.
6.1.5 Formed Plug—Closed–cell polymeric foam (for example, polyurethane or polyethylene), epoxy putty, or quick-setting
hydraulic cement may be injected into a rigid concave form through a tubular handle or it may be troweled onto the form and
placed against the damaged area. Once the patching material hardens, the support form may be removed.
6.1.6 Caulking Patch—Epoxy, plastic steel/aluminum, lead wool, clay-polymer mixtures, and oakum can be spread, troweled, or
peened into cracks and small holes. Rapid-curing materials are available.
6.1.7 Foam Plug (Self-Expanding)—A package of polyethylene, polyurethane, or low-density neoprene rubber foam (all
closed-cell) formed into a compact shape by compression and vacuum packing may be opened allowing the foam to expand and
fill the leak area. These plugs may not be readily available.
6.1.8 Magnetic Patch—Magnetic sheets (rubber-bonded barium ferrite composite, with or without adhesive) backed by a thin
sheet of steel foil may be strapped over the damaged area.
6.1.9 Mechanical Patch—Neoprene or rubber stoppers, rubber balls, and plywood or spring steel sheets with neoprene gaskets can
be mechanically held in or on the damaged area. Toggle and “T” bolts, washers, and wing nuts are useful attachments.
6.1.10 Adhesive Patch—Adhesive patches sometimes work but usually require tedious surface preparation. Tape (duct, lead,
aluminum, or stainless steel) is useful when applied over a wooden or rubber plug before application of epoxy to create a relatively
permanent repair.
6.1.11 Bladder Wrap—Coated fabric or reinforced rubber pipe patches (similar to a clamp) with integral inflation bladder can be
secured around a pipe or small round container with nylon self-adhesive fabric. Velcro, fire hoses, banding/strapping material, or
automotive tie-downs may be used to secure the wrap.
6.1.12 Pipe Pinch—A “C”-shaped clamp device with hydraulically or explosively operated ram can flatten a section of pipe to
pinch off the fluid flow.
7. Enclosure
7.1 Approved salvage drums (overpacks, recovery drums, waste drums, “open-head” drums) may be used to encapsulate leaking
drums or other small containers. Contaminated materials (tools, clothing, soil) and plastic bags holding used sorbents or
contaminated items also may be enclosed in salvage drums. Approved enclosure containers may be used for transport, storage, and
disposal of many hazardous materials.
8. Immobilization
8.1 Once a hazardous material has escaped from its container, it may be possible to immobilize the material to prevent it from
spreading. There are a number of methods that may be used to accomplish this task; these methods vary depending on whether
the material is a liquid, a solid, or is volatile and escapes as a gas.
8.2 Liquids: Liquids—Spills of hazardous liquids (including slurries) are the most difficult of spill problems. Good management
practice aims to contain the material and localize it in a concentrated form. Typical procedures that can be used to affect the
spreading of a spilled liquid are as follows:
8.2.1 Change the physical properties of the liquid by modifying the viscosity or vapor pressure by temperature change (usually
cooling).
8.2.2 Immobilize the liquid by use of an adsorbent, absorbent, or a gelling agent (see 8.3.1.28.3.2 through 8.3.5).
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8.2.3 Pump to a suitable container or lined pit.
8.2.4 Erect physical barriers.
8.2.5 Form dikes from earth sandbags, water inflatable bags, weighted adsorbent foamed plastic, or absorbent sand mixture.
8.2.6 Assemble collapsible containers (for example, plastic swimming pools, if compatible) or use a plastic film-lined ground
depression or pit for containment.
8.2.7 Deploy collection or containment devices such as boom curtains and portable dams. Suitable floating absorbents can help
in preventing these booms from being made ineffective by stream current physically stripping liquid underneath.
8.2.8 A porous or wire mesh boom can be efficiently used with the proper floating absorbent material. A board boom is also
effective in a ditch.
8.2.9 A reverse flow weir can be used to concentrate floating fluids.
8.2.10 Sewers or other types of drainage in the path of a spreading spill should be blocked. An absorbent/sand mixture can be used
as a sealing dike or a soft closed-cell plastic foam can be used to cover the opening. Many impermeable systems can be used to
seal the openings.
8.2.11 When a spilled material has a density greater than water, a weighted water insensitive sorbent can be placed at the bottom
of a watercourse or sewer to pick up and immobilize a spill.
8.3 Land Spills: Spills—Typical methods for handling spills on land are listed, including pumping, sorbents (adsorbents and
absorbents), gellants, dikes, dams, trenches, soil and dike sealants and physical state modifications.
8.3.1 Pumping—If a pool of spilled liquid can be contained on land, the most direct mitigation is to pump it into a suitable
container (or to use a vacuum truck). Compatibility of all equipment with the material being handled is necessary. Many of the
typical materials widely used for oil containment and cleanup are not suitable for many hazardous materials. Gaskets and sealants
for pumping units may be oil resistant but fail quickly with a hazardous material. For low-boiling-point liquids, the pump inlet will
have to be below the level of the liquid. Otherwise, pump suction will cause the liquid to boil and the pump to cavitate. When
pumping materials whose vapor is flammable, use non-sparking or explosion-proof equipment. Employ a grounded system so that
static electric buildup cannot occur at discharge ports or nozzles.
8.3.2 Sorbents—Sorbent is an insoluble material and is a general term applied to both absorbents and adsorbents. The source of
these products can be natural or synthetic. They can be organic, inorganic, or mixed in composition. Proper use of these materials
depends on the compatibility with the type of spill, location, and type of sorbent to be used. So-called “universal or broad range”
sorbents are covered in 8.3.7, since they are often mixtures of the singly defined types. It is also true that the broad range of
materials considered hazardous makes a truly universal material unlikely. Since these materials are totally different, the definitions
developed in Test Methods F716 and F726 are included in Section 3 of this guide.
8.3.3 Adsorbents—Typical methods Adsorbent materials are insoluble and inert to the spilled material and usually have a large
surface area. Since adsorption is by definition only a surface coating process, high surface area is advantageous if the fluid has
sufficiently low viscosity to cover it. An incomplete list of adsorbent materials includes plastic foams and fibres (melt blown
polypropylene, polyurethane), straw, peat, sand, porous clay, feathers, foamed glass and silicates, activated alumina, and soil. The
surface can be external as in a fiber, or internal as inside a granule of activated carbon. If the solid matrix does not change size,
then the sorption phenomenon is called adsorptionfor handling spills on land are listed, including pumping, sorbents (adsorbents
and absorbents), gellants, dikes, dams, trenches, soil and dike sealants and physical state modifications. and the material for the
liquid intended is an adsorbent. Since the spilled fluid is available on the surface of an adsorbent, it may be removable. This can
be an advantage if separation following recovery is important. It is detrimental to the extent that:
8.3.1.1 Pumping—If a pool of spilled liquid can be contained on land, the most direct mitigation is to pump it into a suitable
container (or to use a vacuum truck). Compatibility of all equipment with the material being handled is necessary. Many of the
typical materials widely used for oil containment and cleanup are not suitable for many hazardous materials. Gaskets and sealants
for pumping units may be oil resistant but fail quickly with a hazardous material. For low-boiling-point liquids, the pump inlet will
have to be below the level of the liquid. Otherwise, pump suction will cause the liquid to boil and the pump to cavitate. When
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pumping materials whose vapor is flammable, use nonsparking or explosion-proof equipment. Employ a grounded system so that
static electric buildup cannot occur at discharge ports or nozzles.
(1) The liquid can usually be removed by leaching (even by water used in clean up), rain, and so forth.
(2) Vaporization loss is often increased by increasing exposed surface area. If the vapor is toxic or hazardous, this could be
a major consideration.
(3) The adsorbent may leak fluid, causing secondary spill problems.
(4) Since adsorbents can usually be wrung out, they easily contaminate personnel handling them. In the line of safety
awareness, what is suitable for No. 6 fuel oil or even No. 2 fuel oil may be inadequate, if not hazard increasing, for gasoline,
styrene, acrylonitrile, and so forth.
8.3.1.2 Sorbents—Sorbent is an insoluble material and is a general term applied to both absorbents and adsorbents. The source of
these products can be natural or synthetic. They can be organic, inorganic, or mixed in composition. Proper use of these materials
depends on the compatibility with the type of spill, location, and type of sorbent to be used. The Federal Schedule 2008.1-1.1 and
2001.3 recommends the use of inert materials (that is, sorbents without reference to the size of a spill). It also gives the On-Scene
Coordinator (OSC) the directive to use that material or method best suited to mitigate the spill. A separate part of this regulation
(2001.4) prohibits adding any harmful substance in any quantity to water. For “hazardous materials,” this prohibits the wringing
out of sorbents (absorbents) for reuse. So-called “universal or broad range” sorbents are covered in 8.3.1.7, since they are often
mixtures of the singly defined types. It is also true that the broad range of materials considered hazardous makes a truly universal
material unlikely. Since these materials are totally different, the definitions developed in Test Methods F716 and F726 are included
in Section 3 of this guide.
8.3.1.3 Adsorbents—Adsorbent materials are insoluble and inert to the spilled material and usually have a large surface area. Since
adsorption is by definition only a surface coating process, high surface area is advantageous if the fluid has sufficiently low
viscosity to cover it. An incomplete list of adsorbent materials includes plastic foams, plastic fibers, straw, peat, sand, porous clay,
feathers, foamed glass and silicates, activated alumina, and soil. The surface can be external as in a fiber, or internal as inside a
granule of activated carbon. If the solid matrix does not change size, then the sorption phenomenon is called adsorption and the
material for the liquid intended is an adsorbent. Since the spilled fluid is available on the surface of an adsorbent, it may be
removable. This can be an advantage if separation following recovery is important. It is detrimental to the extent that:
(1) The liquid can usually be removed by leaching (even by water used in clean up), rain, and so forth.
(2) Vaporization loss is often increased by increasing exposed surface area. If the vapor is toxic or hazardous, this could be
a major consideration.
(3) The adsorbent may leak fluid, causing secondary spill problems.
(4) Since adsorbents can usually be wrung out, they easily contaminate personnel handling them. In the line of safety
awareness, what is suitable for No. 6 fuel oil or even No. 2 fuel oil may be inadequate, if not hazard increasing, for gasoline,
styrene, acrylonitrile, and so forth.
8.3.1.4 Absorbents—Absorbent materials are insoluble and inert to the spilled material but physically swell up in it. They often
have a low surface area. They are also adsorbent by the nature of their surface area but since this area is small, they are not often
used as adsorbents. Those absorbents useful in spill control do not dissolve in the spilled fluid but physically contain it in a form
with minimum surface area. This reduction in surface area lowers the rate of evaporation and minimizes leaching. For many
hazardous spills these are required properties. Absorbent materials also minimize human and secondary contamination since
squeezing and contact may not be with a wetted surface as in the adsorbent. Use of an absorbent can also provide a method of
reducing or stopping ground penetration, which can minimize cleanup. Also, fire, and the water used to extinguish it, or rain have
a low tendency to leach spilled material. Absorbent materials for organic fluids include, among others, rubbers and cross-linked
products like imbibing polymers. Absorbents for aqueous fluids include cellulosics (synthetic and natural), cross-linked proteins,
cross-linked hydrolyzed synthetic polymers and cross-linked starches.
8.3.1.5 Gellants—Gellants are usually colloidal materials that, upon addition to a liquid with intimate mixing, form very high
viscosity materials. Since these materials are not true absorbents, the network the fluid is held in can be broken by heat or other
forces. The intimate mixing required is often difficult on a land spill. Gels usually have a delay time when congealing, therefore
they may not be suitable for running spills.
8.3.1.6 Thickness—A material (usually of higher molecular weight) that is soluble in excess liquid. These materials go from dry,
to gummy (viscoelastic), to flowable, and finally to soluble. The final viscosity depends only on the liquid to solid ratio. Many
names have been created to describe these materials including solidifier, encapsulant, and so forth. Since they are soluble, they do
not meet the USEPA description of sorbent.
8.3.1.7 Miscellaneous—This category includes the “universal or broad range sorbents” that are usually mixtures of other materials
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listed previously. These materials should be qualified for what type of spill they can be used on and their relative pick up of water
and spill mixtures. This type of material can be especially valuable for small spills and quick on-site response. They are less
important on larger spills where water sensitivity or the lack of water sensitivity is important.
8.3.1.8 Dikes, Dams, and Trenches—Artificial containment barriers can be created to confine liquid spills by forming a wall of
sandbags, water-inflated bags, or soil by shoveling or using mechanized earth-moving equipment. The use of an absorbent/sand
mixture offers the advantage of a sealing and diking material. Sometimes the spill can be confined on a prepared surface, such as
concrete or blacktop, but the more typical situation involves earthen surfaces and dikes, which are prone to pass spilled liquids
unless coated with a soil sealant to prevent percolation into the earth. Inorganic foams, such as foamed concrete, foamed gypsum,
and sodium silicate foam, have been used to produce dikes and barriers. The basic problem in adapting these materials to a
particular application is the difficulty in building these materials up without some form of constraint. A quick set has been achieved
in using silicate additions to cement slurries. Polyurethane foams have also been used successfully as diking material on dry
hard-packed soil for short-term containment. Liquid spills may penetrate into the soil and seep under the dike.
8.3.1.9 Dike Sealants—Several low-cost methods for sealing surface soil to prevent infiltration have been developed. These
include plastic sheets and materials that can be sprayed on a site to form an impervious layer. Soil surface sealant candidates can
be grouped into several classes: reactive, non-reactive, and surface chemical. This classification is based on how the sealant is
formed chemically and the interaction of the sealant with the soil surface. Reactive sealants are usually two-component systems
in which one material is either reacted or catalyzed with a second material to yield a polymer. Such materials include epoxy,
unsaturated polyester, phenol-formaldehyde, urea-formaldehyde, and urethane. Nonreactive sealants are those that have been
previously polymerized and are either dispersed or dissolved in either an aqueous or a solvent system. Such materials are primarily
thermoplastic in nature and include such materials as bitumastic, rubber, acrylic, cellulosic, fluoroplastic, phenolic, polyester,
polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone (RTV) room temperature vulcanizing products and also the and imbibing/absorbing type
polymers. Certain of these imbibing types will swell and seal imperfections. Most of the others depend on a solid coherent layer
of sealant. The third sealant type consists of repellant chemicals that, when applied to surfaces, modify the surface characteristics
such that the surfaces are not penetrated. Extensive repellant technology has been developed for four classes of materials: textiles,
paper, leather, and masonry. In each, there is a broad range of techniques and chemical systems.
8.3.1.10 Physical State Modification (Freezing)—Many hazardous chemicals have a freezing point that is higher than that for
ordinary water and therefore, could be frozen. Some liquid cargos are heated and insulated for shipment as liquids, ordinarily being
solids or near-solids at ambient temperatures. With respect to a relatively small spill of hazardous substance on land,
immobilization by freezing is possible. A device for effectively crushing and distributing the coolant (possibly ice or dry ice) on
a spill is required.
8.3.4 Absorbents—Absorbent materials are insoluble and inert to the spilled material but physically swell up in it. They often have
a low surface area. They are also adsorbent by the
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