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Belgium - 21/03/08
Before an emergency turns into a catastrophe : Just call SGS
When a container loaded with drums is involved in a road accident, toxic chemicals are released and heavily pollute the neighbouring environment. SGS reacts immediately by sending an inspector to the incident scene. First report and pictures are made, to estimate from distance what the damage is and what actions need to be taken. An intervention team contains and neutralizes the spilled product. On-site SGS surveillance guarantees an effective flow of communication and a comprehensive final report. Site restoration reaches acceptable conditions as proven by SGS sampling/analyses and expert review of environmental data.
- A Wednesday morning in May. A truck loaded with drums containing TDI is involved in a road accident on the highway Mombasa – Nairobi, Kenya. Approx. 25% of the load is damaged and the neighbouring environment is seriously contaminated by spillage of the toxic product. Fortunately, the product cannot enter the aquatic environment (no drains, lakes, pools, rain) and the area is not densely populated, but there is a considerable risk for the valuable wildlife in the area.
- SGS Emergency Response Services are contacted and an inspector immediately proceeds to the scene of the accident. The police is asked to guard the location in order to avoid people entering. He makes a first report with pictures, which is very useful to estimate the damage and take further decisions in incident remediation. Immediately after, an intervention team comes to the scene and take necessary actions to: contain and neutralize the spilled product, clean the contaminated drums, excavate sand that was used to absorb the product and transport this to final disposal, everything closely monitored by the local authorities and provided with the necessary certificates. Our client is fully informed about all actions.
- Soil samples are taken for final analyses. Laboratory results are carefully evaluated by SGS environmental experts and presented to the authorities. The original condition has (almost) been restored and the advice to perform long-term follow-up is given.
SGS did successfully support the client with multidisciplinary involving the SGS intervention team, SGS laboratory services. SGS environmental experts, SGS waste experts, at reach at a local and international level. Permanent communication with the client and on-site protection of his interests are completed with a detailed SGS intervention report, a crucial element in the final settlement of the emergency.
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