This guide is primarily intended to assist decision-makers and spill-responders in contingency planning, spill response, and training.

This guide is not specific to site or type of oil.

1.1 This guide covers the use of chemical cleaning agents on oiled shorelines. This guide is not applicable to other chemical agents nor to the use of such products in open waters.

1.2 The purpose of this guide is to provide information that will enable spill responders to decide whether to use chemical shoreline cleaning agents as part of the oil spill cleanup response.

1.3 This is a general guide only. It is assumed that conditions at the spill site have been assessed and that these conditions are suitable for the use of cleaning agents. It is assumed that permission has been obtained to use the chemical agents. Variations in the behavior of different types of oil are not dealt with in this guide and may change some of the parameters noted herein.

1.4 This guide covers two different types of shoreline cleaners: those that disperse oil into the water and those that disperse little oil into the water under low energy levels. The selection criteria for these two types can differ widely. This guide does not cover dispersants.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.