Can any employee assist with the clean-up of a chemical spill or leak?

The correct answer highlights that only trained professionals should assist with the clean-up of a chemical spill or leak due to the potential hazards these situations can present. Chemical spills can pose serious health and safety risks, including exposure to toxic substances, risk of fire, or environmental contamination. Trained professionals, such as hazardous materials response teams or specialists, have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly assess the situation, use appropriate personal protective equipment, follow safety protocols, and deploy the correct clean-up methods.

While gloves and basic precautions may be necessary for handling some chemicals, they do not provide sufficient protection for an untrained employee attempting to manage a spill that may involve more complex risks. Supervised assistance may seem reasonable, but without proper training, even supervision cannot ensure safety. It's also important to recognize that not all employees possess the appropriate understanding of chemical safety protocols, making it essential that only those with specialized training engage in clean-up efforts.