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SECTION 8: Chemical Spills
General information about cleaning up chemical spills is available in the Emergency - Spills section of the EHS web page. This section contains information
regarding:
Developing
a Spill Response Plan
Spill Response
and Cleanup Procedures
Recommended
Spill Control Material Inventory
Pre-planning is essential. Before working with a chemical, the laboratory
worker should know how to proceed with spill cleanup and should ensure that
there are adequate spill control materials available. EHS also maintains general chemical spill kits for use by labs if no other control materials are immediately available. For more information, see related links.
Preventing Spills (top)
Most spills are preventable. The following are some tips that could
help to prevent or minimize the magnitude of a spill:
- Place chemical containers being used in a hood or lab bench area that
reduces the possibility of accidentally knocking over a container.
- Keep all unused reagents in thier appropriate storage area and keep your work area clean of needles equipment and clutter.
- Plan your movements. Look where you are reaching to ensure you
will not cause a spill.
- Avoid transporting chemicals from the stockroom during periods of high traffic in the hallways such as between classes.
- Transport chemical containers in a chemical carrier or cart.
- Place absorbent plastic backed liners on benchtops or in fume
hoods where spills can be anticipated. For volumes of liquid larger
than what
can be absorbed by liners, use trays.
Followed the guidelines outlined for safe storage of chemicals.
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