CHEMICAL SPILLS

Always remember ... perform first aid first, and then assess a chemical spill ... is it a major or minor spill?

• Small versus large spill designation

  Small chemical spill

  • Does not pose an immediate hazard
  • Can be cleaned up by trained laboratory personnel

  Large chemical spill

  • Presents an immediate hazard, some examples:
    • • Fire, explosion, chemical exposure
      • Large volumes
      • Highly toxic, flammable
      • Unknown material
  • Anything you do not think you can handle
  • Exposure, injury or medical attention required
  • May require additional materials, PPE, and special handling that make it unsafe for cleanup by laboratory workers themselves
• Small chemical spill response
  • Notify fellow workers in vicinity of spill.
  • Secure area by restricting access and posting signs.
  • Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to clean up the spill. At a minimum, this includes gloves and protective eyewear (chemical splash goggles).
    • • Depending on the size and type of spill, protective clothing (lab coat and apron), and protective foot coverings may be needed. If high splash potential exists, also wear a face shield over the chemical splash goggles.
  • Shutdown equipment.
  • Close doors and shut HVAC vents if possible.
  • Close all chemical containers.
  • Close fume hood sash (leave fume hood ON).
  • Turn off heating devices.
  • Stop any reactions in progress.
  • If flammable material spills, turn off sources of heat and ignition in entire lab.
  • Gather and review safety information on spilled chemicals. Review chemical's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for a hazard assessment and other pertinent information. Important information to know before beginning clean up includes:
    • • Flammability: Flash Point and Vapor Pressure
      • Toxicity: PEL, TLV
      • Corrosiveness: pH
  • Locate an appropriate spill kit
  • Pick up any broken glass with tongs, dustpan and broom, or some other mechanical device. Do not use your hands to pick up the broken glass. Dispose of glass in an appropriate container (e.g. heavy cardboard box which is taped shut and marked "BROKEN GLASS" prior to disposal).
  • Confine and contain spill. Place absorbent material over the spill, making sure not to spread the liquid. Protect drains - do not allow any spilled material to enter drains.
  • Clean up spill using a scoop or other suitable item and place material in appropriate disposal container.
  • Decontaminate spill surface with mild detergent and water, as appropriate. Carefully remove PPE, place non-reusable items in disposal container and thoroughly wash hands.
  • Dispose of all contaminated material in a plastic bag. Label the bag with the name of the hazardous material. Complete a hazardous waste label and affix label to container.
  • Contact EH&S for disposal.
  • Replenish spill kit.

  Liquid Spills

  • Cover spill material with absorbent.
  • Work from outside to center of spill to avoid spreading liquid.

  Flammable Solvents

  • Immediately turn off any open flames, heating devices, instrument or machine near the spill that could spark and cause the solvent vapors to ignite and flash back.
  • Use plastic scoops and dustpan to clean up absorbent material.

  Acids (except HF)

  • It is not necessary to neutralize an incidental spill. Use absorbent material.
  • Decontaminate area after removal of absorbent. Check pH if possible.

  Powder Spills

  • Do not dry sweep material. This will cause powder to become airborne and spread. Thoroughly wet material with water (or appropriate material) first.

  Alkali Metals

  • Smother with dry sand.
  • Avoid contact with water.
  • Do not dry sweep material.

  Gas Leak

  • Turn off the gas cylinder if possible.
  • If gas is toxic, corrosive or flammable, evacuate the area and call University Police at 333 campus phone or (631) 632-3333 cell phone.

  Investigate cause of spill and review with EH&S. Document spill, response and follow-up with staff. The incident report must include the following:

  • Type of emergency
  • Name of material spilled, including pH, strength, concentration, etc.
  • Area of spill and estimate of volume
  • Remediation performed
  • Any follow-up that may be necessary
  • Contact person
  • Names of people who may have been exposed to substance
• Large chemical spill response
  • Notify and evacuate fellow workers to a safe area.
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN A MAJOR SPILL!
  • Post signs in the area.
  • If spill poses a fire hazard, activate nearest fire alarm.
  • Call University Police at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 and give details of spill including specific location, chemical, quantity, and if anyone is injured.
  • In case of an injury or chemical contamination:
    • • Wear PPE and move victim from spill area.
      • If first aid trained, administer first aid as appropriate. Assist person to Employee Health or Emergency Department (after hours) for treatment. If possible, bring a chemical label or Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
      • Locate the nearest emergency safety shower or eyewash. Remove contaminated clothing and flush affected areas with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes.
      • University Police will contact EH&S and either EH&S staff or outside personnel will respond to the spill.
      • Staff knowledgeable about the spill should provide responders with all pertinent information and SDS.
      • The responders or designee will inform staff when it is safe to re-enter spill area.
  • Investigate cause of spill. Document spill, response and follow-up with staff and contact EH&S.
• Related information
  • Accident & Injury Report