Dealing with a Large Spill
A large amount of coffee is spilled on the floor, posing a slip hazard. You need to quickly alert staff and perhaps help cordon off the area.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
spilled
Past tense of 'spill', meaning to accidentally pour liquid out of a container, like coffee on the floor. Use it when describing an accident with drinks.
startled
Feeling suddenly surprised or shocked, often by an unexpected event. It's useful for expressing emotions after a small accident.
slippery
Describes a surface that is wet or smooth, making it easy to slip and fall. Common in situations involving spills to warn others.
mess
A dirty or disordered situation, like spilled coffee creating a big mess. Use it to describe chaos from accidents.
slip hazard
A danger where someone might slip and fall, often due to wet floors. It's a practical term for safety warnings in public places.
staff
The employees or workers in a place like a cafe. Use it when you need to ask for help from workers.
guard
To watch or protect something to prevent accidents. In this context, it means standing by the spill to keep people away.
hurry back
A phrase meaning to return quickly. It's polite and urgent, used when asking someone to come back soon after leaving.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Oh no! I've spilled my whole coffee. It's everywhere!
This expresses surprise and regret after an accident. 'Oh no!' is an exclamation for bad situations, and 'I've spilled' uses present perfect for recent actions. Useful for apologizing or reacting to spills.
Whoa, that's a big one. Are you okay?
'Whoa' shows surprise, and 'that's a big one' means a large amount spilled. 'Are you okay?' checks if someone is hurt. Use this to show concern kindly after someone else's accident.
Yeah, I'm fine, just a bit startled.
This reassures others you're not hurt but surprised. 'Just a bit' softens the emotion. It's a natural response to show you're okay in minor incidents.
We should probably get someone from staff to help clean this up immediately.
Suggests action using 'should probably' for polite advice, and 'immediately' adds urgency. Useful for handling hazards by involving help quickly.
It's a slip hazard.
A short warning about danger. 'Slip hazard' is a key safety term. Use it to explain why a spill is problematic and needs attention.
Can you stand here for a moment and maybe guard it so no one slips?
This politely asks for help with 'can you' and 'maybe' to soften the request. 'So no one slips' explains the purpose. Great for coordinating help in accidents.
No problem. I'll make sure no one walks into it. Hurry back!
'No problem' agrees to help casually. 'I'll make sure' promises action, and 'hurry back' urges quick return. Use this to respond positively and supportively.
Will do! Thanks for your help.
'Will do' means 'okay, I will' informally. It's a quick way to agree and thank someone. Useful for ending conversations politely after receiving assistance.