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I, I , I , I' i~ 5.2.3 Cyanide Solutions, Sodium Hydroxide, and Hydrochloric Acid IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT INVOLVING A SPILL OR LEAK, FOLLOW THESE STEPS: (If you are not familiarwith the chemicals and the appropriate responses do not attempt to respond but call immediately for help}. • Determine the nature and extent of the problem. DO NOT take any action until the proper course of action can be determined based on the nature and eMent of the accident, spill, or leak. • Notify immediate supervisor by radio. Supervisors are to notify immediately the Safety Department and the Environmental Resources Department (phone numbers are listed in section 6. See Appendix E for computation of cyanide solution. • Put on proper body and face protective gear, and breathing apparatus, if necessary. • In the case of an accident, ensure that the Satety Department is notified and, if qualified, administer first aid and medical treatment. • Attempt to stop or contain the flow of material. • Do not use the following procedure for high concentration cyanide such as at the bulk delivery area. Begin detoxification activities, if necessary. In the case of cyanide, if solution is released outside lined areas onto the ground, detoxification is required. If Calcium Hypochlorite is used for detoxification, it will be necessary to maintain elevated pH levels (8-11) for the reaction to occur. In addition, cyanogen chloride gas can be generated. This gas is highly toxic and the area should be well ventilated. Alkaline chlorination detoxification can be accomplished using beads or by making an aqueous solution. Monitoring of chlorine levels will occur during use of this method to ensure that solutions with potentially toxic chlorine levels are not released. The Reportable Quantity fior Calcium Hypochlorite is 10 pounds as released to the ground. • Begin clean-up activities. • Implement spill and spill-path monitoring, it necessary (see section 5.3). • Complete an Internal Spill Report form (Appendix A) 5.2.4 Solid Cyanide Briquettes In the event of a release of cyanide briquettes off liner, the briquettes shall be picked up expeditiously and placed into the ADR circuit. If any cyanide remains on the ground in solid form or in solution after a release, full response and reporting to the Environmental Resources Department is required. Remaining cyanide contamination shall be treated by an appropriate combination of adding calcium hypochlorite and removal of the affected soil. Calcium hypochlorite should not be used in quantities exceeding 10 pounds per any 24-hour period. Samples of fluid and soils must be collected after detoxification and soil removal. Cyanide-contaminated soils shall be placed on the VLF, unless the Environmental Resources Department approves other arrangements. Use the graphs in Appendix E io calculate the amount of cyanide released from known quantities and concentrations of cyanide. 33