Laboratories working with chemicals must take steps to ensure they are prepared to address a chemical spill. Before working with a chemicals, the laboratory should know how to proceed with spill cleanup and should ensure that there are adequate chemical spill cleanup supplies available.
HIGH HAZARD SUBSTANCES (HHS)
Prior to working with High Hazard Substances (those requiring a High Hazard Operating Procedure (HHOP), potential spills must be considered and a response plan prepared. Special handling and spill response procedures beyond the general guideline must be identified on the High Hazard Operating Procedure (HHOP) form and review by users.
DESIGNATE AN ONSITE COORDINATOR
Each laboratory should designate two people to help coordinate spill responses:
- On-site emergency coordinator, and
- Back-up emergency coordinator
These coordinators should know what hazards exist in the laboratory and how to implement the spill response. They will act as advisors to First Responders, including Police, Fire, and EHRS personnel.
POST THE FOLLOWING INFROMATION
EHRS Emergency Telephone Contacts
EHRS Emergency Response & Spill Management
EHRS staff will post the items above in a conspicuous location in the work areas, preferably near the telephone and exit way.
Refer to the American Chemicals Society Guide for Chemical Spill Response in Laboratories for additional information on spill response planning.
CHEMICAL SPILL CLEANUP SUPPLIES
Each laboratory must purchase basic chemical spill cleanup material and personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles, etc.) capable of handling minor spills involving those chemical expected to be encountered in the laboratory. Laboratory personnel must understand the limitation of the supplies and PPE.
CHEMICAL SPILL CLEANUP KIT REQUIREMENTS
Chemical spill cleanup kits are required in any laboratory which uses chemicals. The kits should be capable of handling minor (incidental) spills involving those chemical expected to be encountered in the laboratory.
Chemical Spill Kit Components
A chemical spill kit should contain at a minimum:
- Splash resistant goggles
- Chemical resistant gloves
- Plastic bags
- Multi-chemical absorbent ( enough for a 2-gallon spill) and acid/caustic neutralizers
- Plastic scoop and dustpan
Hydrofluoric Acid Spill Kit
Any laboratory using hydrofluoric acid (HF) must have a spill kit specifically made for HF including calcium gluconate, which helps neutralizes the acid on the skin.
An example of an HF kit is the Calgonate® Emergency Hydrofluoric Acid Spill Kit, available from VWR. Additional information on calcium gluconate is offered on the Calgonate website.
RESOURCES