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Or, response personnel may determine that available personnel and equipment is insufficient to construct a dike or a retention pond. In many cases, however, diking and retention techniques will follow the diversion technique. That is, diversion can begin immediately, while diking and retaining work may begin as resources arrive. i. Diversion Usually dirt is used as a barrier to divert a spilled liquid. Because diversion requires that barriers be constructed in advance of the flow, using dirt from the area is practical because it is generally readily available, and a barrier can be quickly constructed. In order for diversion to be effective, response personnel should have a preplan for constructing diversion walls or barriers. For example, for a small barrier, each participating response personnel should be equipped with a hand tool for digging and a pick for breaking the ground. As the first responder breaks the ground with a pick, a second responder should place the dirt on a pile, while a third responder packs the dirt tightly. This process should continue until the diversion barrier is completed. In constructing the diversion wall, the speed and the angle of the oncoming, flowing spill must be considered. For fast moving spills, angles of 60° or more should be used for intercepting the spill. Generally, the greater the speed of the flow, the greater the distance and angle required to slow it down. Construction equipment may be needed to build a diversion barrier if large quantities of liquids are involved. This is practical when the equipment and trained personnel are available at the scene. ii. Diking Dikes can be constructed from practically any available materials. The materials and manpower to construct a typical dike are usually readily available and inexpensive. Several common items are: dirt, tree limbs, boards, roof ladders, pike poles, and salvage covers. In a severe emergency, bagged materials such as tree bark, sand, dog food, kitty litter, and charcoal could be commandeered from a nearby food or garden store. Over time, however, both vertical and horizontal seepage through and around the dike will occur. This process can be slowed by the use of "visqueen" or "poly" plastics (a form of Polyethylene) . 57 Site safety i Health Plan Rev. /1 . 0 October 20, 1997