Chemistry

Considering the information posted on the overturned tanker truck, it contains thionyl chloride, a corrosive, and colorless to pale yellow or reddish chemical which corresponds to the UN number 1836 and is described by the Class 8 label code placed on the truck.  Given such chemical, an NFPA diamond consisting of 0 at 12 oclock for being not flammable a 2 at 3 oclock for a possible violent chemical reaction a 4 at 9 oclock for being highly health hazardous upon contact or when inhaled or ingested and a slashed W at 6 oclock for a possible dangerous reaction with water, is appropriate. When faced with such event concerning such hazardous chemical and the likes, as an EHS professional, the following information should be considered

The Elements of Danger (physical and chemical properties, extent of possible health hazard, amount of chemical involved, time essence, etc.)
The Condition of the Environment (location, weather, population, etc.)
The Ways of Getting Rid of the Chemical (needed materials and equipment, etc.)

While the information regarding the elements of danger concerning the involved chemical so as the ways of getting rid of the chemical are known to an EHS professional, the condition of the environment can also be easily determined through observation. Knowing that the chemical involved is highly hazardous and cannot be easily taken cared of without the help of a hazardous material team which at the moment is at most 15 miles (24.14 km.) away, the following precautionary   or initial actions should be done

Call for a hazardous material team.

While the hazardous material squad is not yet around,
To prevent more danger of the chemical reacting with water, the ongoing irrigation activity of spraying water should be prevented.

Isolate the overturned truck 60 meters in all directions when the chemical is spilled in water or only 30 meters in all directions when spilled on land. This involves preventing anyone (drivers and other individuals so as animals) from getting closer to the accident area.

Inform the nearby inhabitants of the town which is 1 mile (1.61 km.) away from the accident area to stay beyond 1.7 km. of the accident area when chemical is spilled in water or 0.8 km. beyond when the chemical is spilled on land.

If personal protective equipment or clothing is present, try stopping the leak if possible. Spilled chemical can be absorbed in sand and be contained in sealable containers while waiting for disposal.

Upon the arrival of a hazardous material team,
Inform the team of the chemical type, the extent or amount of spilled chemical, the hazards involved so as of the precautionary actions already taken cared.

Impede spillage with complete protective equipment or clothing when leakage was not previously stopped after which, dispose the spilled chemical. Spilled chemical can be absorbed in sand and be contained in sealable containers prior to disposal. On the other hand, when spillage was previously stopped and contained, dispose spilled chemical eventually.