Air Carrier ramp personnel reported refusing supervisor's order to clean up liquid on Class 9 Hazmat package. Ramp agent's refusal was based on company Hazmat cleanup policy which requires specific training to do so.
Synopsis
Air Carrier ramp personnel reported refusing supervisor's order to clean up liquid on Class 9 Hazmat package. Ramp agent's refusal was based on company Hazmat cleanup policy which requires specific training to do so.
Narrative
Arrival flight came in with pit 3 soaked with water. Class 9 [Hazmat] marked package base was also wet. After offload; lead ramp agent notified immediate supervisor of the issue and potential Hazardous Materials spill. Scheduled local departure time of XA:10 was pushed back to XA:40. After updated departure time the crew was asked to speak with immediate Supervisor to determine condition of Hazmat package. The Manager arrived and stated it was just water and gave a direct order for us to clean it up. Another ramp agent voiced his concern in which the Manager stated 'Are you refusing to do your job' in an aggressive manner. At that point; I contacted a lead from another gate who reiterated the fact that we cannot clean the pit of an aircraft if there is a potential Dangerous Goods spill and suggested that I get a union representative. After following that direction and getting a union representative; he informed the supervisors that were still on the gate that we cannot clean that aircraft and that a team of trained employees with proper PPE have to do the task. We were only given paper towels and Clorox wipes; nor are we trained to handle that task. The direct order issued by the Manager is in direct violation of Safety Policies.
Second reporter narrative
Class 9 Hazmat spill all over bags in forward pit 3.I call for Supervisor and then the Supervisor called for Assistant Manger on duty. Assistant Manager aggressively and menacingly demand I clean up spill. I choose to not clean up the spill due to no PPE and lessons stating that I should not be doing this. He then threaten my job if I did not clean up the spill. directive is against company safety policy's and procedures.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.