Tweet

May 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Spill Center has introduced an onboard spill reporting process for trucks that enables drivers to activate company response systems quickly after spills of hazardous materials and initiate reporting and remediation actions.

Called QAlert, the onboard spill reporting process is integrated into the Qualcomm mobile information systems used by many carriers. A pre-formatted, electronic “spill macro” loaded into the truck's Qualcomm information system enables the driver to quickly fill in details of the spill and transmit it along with the truck's location.

The message travels from the truck to Qualcomm's Network Operations Center, which forwards it to the carrier and Spill Center's 24/7 call center. Qualcomm's system enables the automatic sharing of data with Spill Center once authorized by the carrier. After Spill Center receives the message, trained personnel design spill response and remediation activities, including incident coordination, and activate the carrier's pre-filed spill contingency plan.

This plan contains spill-handling instructions and contact information. Spill Center calls the carrier and, at the carrier's direction, the appropriate authorities to alert them of the spill, the location of the truck, type and amount of material spilled, and whether special gear or precautions are needed.

Visit www.spillcenter.com/QAlert for more information.