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Office of Security, Safety and Risk Management

Emergency Response to a Chemical Spill

Your laboratory should have access to the following chemicals and equipment for cleaning up spills. The spill control kits and broom and dust pans should be on each floor.

  1. A neutralizing agent. The spill control kits are clearly labelled as to which type of neutralizing agent should be used. The four types of spills are: (1) acid; (2) caustic, or basic; (3) solvent; and (4) mercury
  2. Gloves, plastic bags, whisk broom, and dust pan are included in each section of the spill control kits.
Procedure
  1. Do not attempt to clean up spills of highly toxic or dangerous materials unless you can do so without harming yourself and other people. In case of a spill of a highly toxic or dangerous material, evacuate the laboratory and shut the door. Call Emergency (911 or 6777) for help with dangerous spills that may require self-contained breathing apparatus for cleanup. Inform people in adjacent laboratories and offices of the spill and to stay out of the area of the spill.
  2. Wear protective clothing when cleaning up a spill.
  3. Spills of acids and bases can be neutralized by the neutralizing agent in the spill control kits. The neutralizing agent should be poured around the perimeter of the spill and then poured inward to dike the spill. Thoroughly mix the slurry with the scoops provided. The acid neutralizer will bubble and turn from red to blue. The caustic neutralizer may also bubble and it turns from yellow to blue. Continue adding neutralizer until color change is complete.
  4. Spills of volatile organic solvent should be covered with an adsorbent immediately to prevent fumes form igniting. Turn off room circuit breakers and any flames. Pour the solvent absorbent around the perimeter and inward to dike the spill. Mix the absorbent until it appears as a dry, free-running, non-adhering, granular material.
  5. Spills of toxic solids should be swept up and placed in a labelled plastic bag. The person or persons cleaning up the spill should make sure to wear personal protective equipment before attempting to clean up the spill.
  6. Once the spill has be neutralized or absorbed use the scoop provided to place the mixture in a plastic bag. Label the bag with the following information:
    1. material spilled
    2. date and time of the spill
    3. person or persons who cleaned up the spill
  7. Give the labelled plastic bag containing the spill to the lab supervisor or Chemical Hygiene Officer for proper disposal.