Laboratory Emergency Equipment
All laboratories that use hazardous materials (hazardous chemicals or human source or infectious biological material) must have access to an:
- emergency eyewash
- emergency shower
- fire extinguisher
- appropriate spill kit
Everyone working in the lab must know where the emergency equipment is located and how to use it.
For more information, review the Emergency Shower and Eyewash Installation, Use, Testing and Maintenance Policy
Spill Kits
All laboratories must have spill control equipment. Commercial spill kits can be purchased or the necessary components assembled in the lab. All laboratory staff must know where the spill control equipment is kept and be instructed on how to use it. Cleanup materials must be sufficient to contain the hazard type and volume of materials being used in the laboratory. The spill control equipment must be regularly checked by the laboratory staff and restocked after use.
Basic Spill Kit equipment includes:
- Spill Warning Sign
- First Aid Kit
- Hydrofluoric Acid use requires "antidote" gel (calcium gluconate) in lab. Train all HF users. Check expiration date. Check Calgonate for more information
- Absorbent pads, vermiculite, and/or kitty litter
- Plastic dust pan, scoop and broom
- Plastic bags; Hazardous Waste labels
Material Specific Spill Control Equipment:
- Flammable Solvents
- Mercury
- Hydrofluoric Acid
- Acid/Base
- Formaldehyde
- Osmium Tetroxide
- Blood/Body Fluid
- Radioactive Material Decontamination: Products such as RadCon Surface Cleaner, RadCon Hand Cleaner (VWR), Decon NoCount Surface Cleaner or Decon NoCount Hand and Skin Cleaner (Fisher)
Personal Protective Equipment needed for spills:
- Gloves: gloves must be appropriate for the hazardous material that is being cleaned up.
- Goggles: eye protection must be appropriate for the hazardous material that is being cleaned up. Chemical splash goggles must be worn for chemical spills. A face shield may be needed and must be worn over chemical splash goggles.
- Respirator: only staff who have been medically cleared to wear a respirator, fit tested and trained on the use and limitations of the respiratory protection equipment (annual requirements) can wear a respirator. The respirator must be selected for the hazard and potential exposure of the spilled hazardous material. All respiratory protection use must be coordinated with EH&S. Contact EH&S for assistance and guidance.
For more information, review the Laboratory Emergency Plan