You should clean up all spills and overfills _____.

• A. Within 24 hours
• B. Within 7 days
• C. Only after notifying supervisor
• D. Immediately

Answer: (D)

Cleaning up spills and overfills right away is essential to prevent immediate hazards like slips, chemical exposure, and environmental contamination. The safest approach is to begin cleanup immediately, following the proper spill-response steps: contain the spill if it’s safe to do so, wear the appropriate PPE, use absorbents or other approved cleanup materials, and dispose of waste according to your procedures. Reporting the incident to a supervisor or following your site’s reporting requirements is important, but it should not delay the cleanup. Waiting 24 hours, 7 days, or only cleaning after notifying someone allows the hazard to persist and can make the situation worse.