Chemical Spill Procedures
Despite the best efforts of lab researchers and personnel, accidents resulting in chemical releases do occur. For this reason it is important that laboratories have a spill response plan. A spill response plan should outline appropriate practices, procedures and the materials needed to properly contain and clean up a chemical spill. Planning for chemical spills in laboratories is a necessity. The following paragraph contains information to help labs create an effective spill control plan.
Planning is one of the key components to any spill control plan. Before an individual begins work with chemicals, training should be conducted. Individuals should be trained on the hazards and properties of each chemical they work with. Training should also include how to clean up spills, the amount and location of spill clean-up materials, and the types of personal protective equipment its use. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are great sources of this information. A MSDS sheet should be kept for each chemical in the laboratory. Spill control materials such as clay based absorbent, vermiculite, and spill pads should be kept on hand. Proper personal protective equipment such as gloves, eye and face protection, tyvek aprons or suits should be worn for spill clean-ups. It is important to remember that the individual who caused the spill is ultimately responsible for prompt and proper cleanup.
The following are general guidelines to be followed for chemical spills. Your lab spill response plan may contain more detailed procedures for spill clean-up.
- Immediately alert others working in the area. Notify supervisor or P.I. and evacuate the area if necessary.
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If there is a fire or if medical attention is needed, contact UK police at 257-1616.
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Attend to any individual who may be contaminated. Clothing needs to be removed and skin flushed for a minimum of fifteen minutes.
- If the spill involved a flammable material, immediately control sources of ignition in the lab and ventilate the area.
- Don the personal protective equipment appropriate to the hazards. Reference MSDS sheets and spill response plan.
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If the spill is major (more than 1 gallon or 4 liters), if there has been a release to drains or the environment, or if assistance is needed call Environmental Management (EM) at 323-6280 or UK police 257-1616.
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Protect floor drains or other avenues of environmental release.
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When spill materials have been absorbed, place materials in proper container and fill out a hazardous waste disposal ticket. Either mail or fax the white copy to EM office for pickup.
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The container can be placed in fume hood for proper ventilation until pickup by EM personnel.
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The area should be decontaminated with a mild detergent and water before work resumes.