Chemical Spills

The range and quantity of hazardous substances used in laboratories require preplanning to respond safely to chemical spills. The cleanup of a chemical spill should only be done by knowledgeable and experienced personnel. Spill kits with instructions, absorbents, reactants, and protective equipment should be available to clean up minor spills. A minor chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff is capable of handling safely without the assistance of safety and emergency personnel. All other chemical spills are considered major.

In the event of a chemical spill or hazardous material release in the laboratory which poses a serious danger to personnel:

Immeadiate Actions

1. Clear the area
2. Check for any persons involved
3. Isolate the spill (if safe to do so)
4. Contact the area supervisor or Safety Officer

The primary concern is to protect health and safety. No action should be taken during an emergency response that directly or indirectly violates this principle.

Considerations for Evacuation

• Uncontrolled open flame
• Uncontrolled compressed gas release
• Any situation which poses imminent threat to human health or safety

When the alarm sounds, all persons should immediately exit the building and report to their assigned assembly area. Elimination of potential sources of ignition should only be done if it can be accomplished without personal risk.

High Risk Spills

1. Contact the emergency services by calling 0-000 and Security on x46666 and explain the situation.
2. Determine who will take responsibility for the spill, ie Contractor, Fire Brigade, other Emergency Service.
3. Ensure appropriate University Personnel are advised of the situation.
4. Follow any advice or information provided by the Emergency Response Team.

Low Risk Spills

1. Have at least 2 trained workers to handle the spill
2. Use the proper protective equipment
3. Ensure fire protection is available for flammable spills
4. Control the source
5. Contain free liquids by damming, absorbing if appropriate
6. Place all spill residues in an appropriate manner
7. Decontaminate the affected area using an appropriate material
8. Decontaminate the salvage equipment
9. Analyse the area to ensure proper decontamination has taken place
10. Examine walkways, floors, stairs equipment etc for other hazards or damage

Debriefing

• All emergency personnel involved in the spill response should be debriefed after the spill has been resolved.
• All spill control supplies should be restocked.
• All damaged or used equipment should be repaired or refilled.
• When the area is deemed clear, it can be re-opened for operations.