Incidental v. Emergency Spills

Spills happen!

• Two categories of spills:– Incidental (you can

handle it)– Emergency (you

cannot handle it)

Either way, EHS is here to help!

Incidental spills

• An incidental spill is a spill that you can handle on your own or with the help of a coworker, meaning:– You have the proper spill clean up materials– You know how to clean up the spill safely– You have necessary PPE– Less than 1 gallon (small) of a low toxicity, low

volatility chemical (not toxic or volatile)– No injuries or exposures

Emergency spills

• Emergency spills involve more than 1 gallon (large) or involve a highly toxic or volatile chemical, additionally:– If you lack experience to clean up the spill– If you lack PPE– If you lack the spill cleanup equipment

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up

Step 1: Warn others and control access to the spill

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up

Step 2: Wear PPE

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up

Step 3: Contain and wipe up the spill

4 Steps to Incidental Spill Clean Up

Step 4: Collect spill debris and dispose of the debris through EHS

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up

Step 1: Warn others and evacuate the area

If there is a fire or large scale release of toxic or flammable gases, pull the fire alarm and evacuate all building occupants. Do not allow people to evacuate through the affected area.

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up

Step 2: Secure the area by closing the door, using a sign or caution tape, or posting a person at a safe distance to warn others not to enter

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up

Step 3: Report the spill from a safe location

Provide responders with:- Your name- Call-back number- Building name- Location of the release- Name and quantity of

chemical released

To report a spill from the Anschutz Medical Campus call 911 from a campus phone or (303) 724-4444.

To report a spill from the Downtown Campus call 911 from a campus phone or (303) 556-5000.

4 Steps to Emergency Spill Clean Up

Step 4: Wait for emergency responders and provide them with spill details

What to do if you’re not sure?

• CALL EHS!!!303-724-0345