Chemical spills onto surroundings
- Identify the area of the chemical spill and inform laboratory co-workers.
- Evacuate the location and areas surrounding the spill, when necessary.
- Identify the spilled chemicals and the amount of chemical that has spilled.
- Depending on the hazardous properties and quantities of the spilled chemicals, proper actions need to be taken.
- Refer to the chemical's safety data sheet (SDS) for hazard assessments.
Minor spills
Spills of less than 2.5 liters of low-hazard chemicals or less than 20 mL of hazardous chemicals.
If a minor spill occurs:
- Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) first before taking any action.
- If possible, modify the spill source to avoid further issues.
- If possible, turn off any nearby heat or ignition source if the chemical is flammable.
- Avoid breathing any vapors from spilled chemicals. This applies especially to chemicals that are toxic and volatile.
- Locate the spill kit and use appropriate kit tools to confine and contain the spill area.
- Use suitable adsorbent to cover the spill and neutralize the spill, if the chemicals are acidic or basic in nature.
- Collect the residues and place them into in a suitable container.
- Report to Office of EHS to arrange for proper disposal of any chemical spill waste.
Major spills
Spills of larger than 2.5 liters of low-hazard chemicals or larger than 20 mL of highhazardous chemicals.
If a major spill occurs:
- Secure and evacuate the spilled area immediately.
- Make sure all nearby personnel are aware that a major spill has occurred.
- Call emergency responders or EHS for help.
- Never attempt to clean up a major spill even when wearing PPE.
- If possible, without exposure to the spill, shut down the power to any heat source if the spilled chemical is flammable.
- Help the emergency personnel identify the spilled area when they arrive. Chemical spills onto the body
- Wash off all chemicals spilled on a body immediately using a safety shower for at least 15 min. If clothes are saturated with spilled chemical, remove clothing immediately.
- If the spill splashed into eyes, use an eyewash right away for at least 15 min. Open the eyes to allow complete washing. Only attempt to remove contact lenses after eye washing has commenced.
- If the spilled chemical is a strong acid, wipe out the residues first before washing to avoid excessive or painful burning.
- Remove contaminated clothing immediately to avoid further exposure to chemicals.
- Call local responders or EHS for emergency assistance and alert people near the spill.