PA Emissions Inspector Certification Practice Exam

What is the appropriate response when oil is spilled on the ground?

1. Leave it alone

2. Cover it with sand

3. Use an appropriate spill kit

4. Rinse it with water

The correct answer is: Use an appropriate spill kit

When oil is spilled on the ground, the appropriate response is to use an appropriate spill kit. A spill kit is specifically designed to address hazardous materials like oil, containing materials and tools that enable safe and effective cleanup. This kit typically includes absorbent pads, booms, and safety equipment to contain and absorb the spill without causing further environmental harm. Using a spill kit ensures that the oil is managed properly, limiting the potential for groundwater contamination or damage to the surrounding ecosystem. It also helps ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards, protecting both the environment and public health. Other options, such as leaving the spill alone, covering it with sand, or rinsing it with water, do not adequately address the hazard presented by the oil spill. Leaving it alone would allow the spill to spread and create further environmental issues. Covering it with sand might temporarily contain the spill but would not effectively absorb the oil or prevent it from seeping into the ground. Rinsing it with water could wash the oil into drains or soil, exacerbating the pollution problem rather than resolving it. Thus, utilizing a spill kit is the most responsible and effective action to take in this scenario.