Chemical Spill Response

The range and quantity of hazardous substances used in laboratories require pre-planning to respond safely to chemical spills. Spill Kits with instructions, absorbents, reactants, and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be available to clean up minor spills. However, the cleanup of major chemical spills should only be done by knowledgeable and experienced people. 

Is it a Non-Emergency or an Emergency?

Three (3) factors determine if a hazardous materials spill is a non-emergency or an emergency: 

1. How much was spilled? If the amount of the material spilled is more than one liter, it is considered a major spill and you should contact the Chemical Safety Office for assistance.
2. What are the hazards of the material spilled? If the spill is less than one liter, but presents an immediate danger to health, safety, the environment, or is an immediate fire hazard, it is considered a major spill; follow the Emergency - Major Chemical Spills.

3. Where is the Spill? If the spill is outside of the laboratory or outside of the area where the material is normally used, and/or there is no trained person available to clean up the spill, you should contact the Chemical Safety Office for assistance.

Non-Emergency - Minor Chemical Spills

Small spills (< 1 liter and does not present an immediate fire, safety, environmental, or health hazard).

1. Alert people in immediate area of spill.
2. Wear protective equipment - including safety goggles, gloves, long-sleeve lab coat.
3. Avoid breathing vapors from the spill.
4. Confine spill to small area.
5. Use appropriate kit to neutralize and absorb inorganic acids and bases. Collect residue, place in container, fill out blue waste tag, and contact the Chemical Safety Office at ext. 1-2663 for disposal.
6. For other chemicals, use appropriate kit or absorb spill with vermiculite, dry sand, or diatomaceous earth. Collect residue, place in container and dispose as chemical waste.

7. Clean spill area with water.

Emergency - Major Chemical Spills

Large spills (> 1 liter) or highly dangerous (the material presents an immediate fire, safety, environmental, or health hazard, regardless of quantity). Examples: Spills of greater than 1 liter of ethanol, methanol, strong acids or bases or any quantity of highly volatile organics, and mercury compounds.

1. Stop work!
2. Turn off any ignition sources.
3. Attend to any injured persons - if you can do so without personal risk. Call 706-721-2911 to evacuate injured persons.
4. Leave laboratory hood on.
5. Evacuate laboratory and close door.
6. Secure lab, i.e., keep others out of the lab.
7. Call Chemical Safety at ext. 1-2663 during normal working hours - off hours, weekends, and holidays call Campus Public Safety at 706-721-2911. 
8. Remain near lab until assistance arrives.