In preparation for the ISO 14001:2015 “Environmental Management Systems” accreditation of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), the Metallurgical Technology Division (MeTD) held a Training-Workshop on Chemical Handling, Control and Spill Response Procedures last September 26, 2019 at the MeTD Conference Room. It was actively participated by MeTD’s engineers, chemists and technicians, as well as laboratory personnel from MGB CALABARZON and Cordillera Administrative Region.

A lecture was held in the morning and an actual chemical spill drill in the afternoon. Mr. Gerold Allen S. Argonoso, an Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Accredited Pollution Control Officer (PCO) from Mine Safety, Environment and Social Development Division (MSESDD), was the resource speaker invited for the lecture session. He discussed about the Republic Act No. 6969 re: “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990” and the DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-22.

The chemical spill drill was also facilitated by Mr. Argonoso, together with Engr. Robert Glicer M. Domingo of MSESDD and Ms. Nieva M. Fariñas of METD who are also both EMB Accredited PCOs. Participants were divided into groups for the actual execution of the emergency response procedure in case of a chemical spill, which includes notification, scene isolation, assessment of spill, control measure implementation, implementation of clean-up procedure and incident reporting.

The said training-workshop was a very good opportunity to enhance and refresh the knowledge of MeTD’s personnel engaged in its chemical and metallurgical research laboratories, on the basic and actual safety practices on proper chemical handling and spill scenarios.

By: Metallurgical Technology Division