1.1This guide covers the use of surface washing agents to assist in the control of oil spills. The guide is written with the goal of minimizing the environmental impacts of oil spills; this goal is the basis on which the recommendations are made. Aesthetic and socioeconomic factors are not considered although these and other factors are often important in spill response.

1.2In making surface washing agent use decisions, appropriate government authorities should be consulted as required by law.

1.3Spill responders have available several means to control or clean up spilled oil. In this guide, the use of chemical surface washing agents is considered.

1.4This guide applies only to permeable land surfaces. This guide does not apply to shorelines.

1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6This 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.