Chemical Spill Management - Department of...

Integrated Microfluidic Biotechnology Laboratory

Title:

Chemical Spill Management

Rev no:2

Issue Date: 25.11.2016

Page: 1-14

Prepared by Approved by Approved date Revision date

Hsu Myat Noe Dr. Chen Chia-Hung 01.12.2016 01.12.2019


Purpose

This procedure outlines the requirements for the management of chemical spills in the

workplace to minimise effects to health and safety from exposure to chemical spills and

reduce the impact on the environment. The procedure applies to all university staff students

and contractors in all areas of the university where chemical substances are transported,

purchased, stored, handled, or used, including vehicles of visitors or suppliers who bring

substances into the university that are potentially hazardous

The procedure provides general guidance and therefore each laboratory or other work area

that use chemical substances should have specific procedures for the particular types of

substances used within the workplace or brought onto the premises.

Definitions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - equipment to protect a person working in a

hazardous environment.

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Level A (PPE) – to be worn when the highest level of respiratory, skin, eye, and mucous

membrane protection is needed. It consists of fully encapsulating, chemical resistant clothing

and self-contained breathing apparatus.

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Level B (PPE) - should be used when the highest level of respiratory protection is required,

but a lesser level of skin and eye protection is sufficient.

Level C (PPE) - can be used when proper respiratory protection can be afforded by air-

purifying, canister-equipped protective breathing devices. It provides the same level of skin

protection as Level B, but a lower level of respiratory protection.

Level D (PPE) - consists primarily of a standard work uniform. It provides no respiratory

protection and affords only minimal skin protection.

Chemical Spill Guides - Guides to assist in the emergency management of particular classes

of spill ranging from acids to biological spill management. These guides outline the steps to

take and the PPE to wear to protect both the clean up team/person and the environment.

Designated Hazardous Substance – a hazardous substance that is:

1. Listed on Environment protection and Management act (EPMA) of designated

Hazardous Substances above its lowest cut-off concentration or

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2. that is determined to be a hazardous substance by the manufacturer or importer of the

substance

Hazardous Substance – a substance that contains ingredients that may be harmful to health.

This includes substances that are lethal and non-lethal, corrosive, toxic, irritant, sensitising,


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mutagenic, teratogenic or carcinogenic. The concentration level of each ingredient in a

mixture is taken into account in determining whether the mixture as a whole is determined to

be hazardous.

Dangerous Goods – a hazardous substance also defined by the 2nd Schedule of the EPMA.

They are classified on the basis of immediate physical or chemical effects that may impact on

people, property or the environment – explosive, flammable, corrosive, chemically reactive,

highly combustible, acutely toxic, radioactive or infectious, under the GHS classification

system.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) – information sheets that provide technical information

in relation to substances. These sheets are obtained directly from the manufacturer or through

the University ChemWatch MSDS database. Be aware of the possible differences between the

manufacturer’s and generic MSDS’s.

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Risk - the probability (likelihood) of harm or damage occurring from exposure to a hazard,

and the likely consequences (severity) of that harm or damage.

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) - An atmosphere-supplying respirator for

which the breathing air source is designed to be carried by the user.


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Roles and Responsibilities

Line Managers are responsible for ensuring that:

This procedure is implemented within their area of responsibility

All necessary equipment is available and maintained in the case of a chemical spill and

they are clearly labelled and signed

risk assessments are carried out to identify risk control measures to protect the health and

safety of people and potential harm to the environment

procedures are written following the identification of specific risks relevant to local areas

all staff receive appropriate training to deal with chemical spills where identified as

necessary

all supervisory staff are aware of the legal obligations and UniSA standards regarding

environmental pollution from chemical spills

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all staff that use, store or manage chemical substances as a minimum requirement

complete the online learning programs in environmental awareness and chemical spill

management

appropriate personnel are informed of any chemical spills and external providers

contracted to clean up where necessary.


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Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that:

this procedure is implemented within their area(s) of responsibility

information is provided to all relevant staff and students to safely clean up spilled

chemical substances. This should include emergency services contact details, building

evacuation team contacts, and other staff as appropriate, location of equipment and

materials such as self contained breathing apparatus or respirator locations

appropriate equipment is cleaned, stored and maintained by qualified persons

Chemical Spill Management Facilities Inspections are carried out as per Workplace

Inspection procedure at least quarterly

all new area staff are inducted in environmental awareness and chemical spill

management

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Staff are responsible for ensuring that:

they do not place themselves or others at risk of injury

they place personal safety first - keep clear of a spill unless trained in spill control and

clean up

immediately reporting of chemical spill to their supervisor

only trained and competent staff attempt to clean up a chemical substance spill

they know where MSDS’s are kept, or how they can be accessed


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online learning modules in environmental awareness and chemical spill management are

completed

written procedures provided for spill control are followed

spill control equipment is used in the proper manner

equipment is stored and maintained as appropriate

Potential Hazards

The laboratory worker should not attempt to handle any chemicals unless they are properly

trained in handling chemical spills because of the potential hazards involved. Chemicals can

be radioactive, toxic, corrosive, flammable, explosive or carcinogenic. The risk of the

chemical spilled, the volume and the location of the spill, whether minor or major, determine

the nature of a spill.

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Another common concern over chemical accidents and spills is short-term toxicity. Acutely

toxic contaminants such as cyanide and chlorine gas released from chemical spills pose an

immediate threat to worker health. Chronic or long-term toxicity such as exposure to

carcinogens may result in cancer 10 or 20 years after the time of the spill although exposure

does not result in short-term health problems.

The potential for slipping and falling over uncovered spills such as acids which can cause the

floor to be very slippery is also a potential hazard.

Personal Protective Equipment

Refer to the MSDS, which will list the personal protective equipment recommended for use

with the chemical spilled.

1. Eye and face protection: Chemical splash goggles together with a face shield

provide protection to the face and neck if there is a potential for eye injury such as an

explosion or implosion (pressure or vacuum) hazard,

2. Skin and body protection:

i. Buttoned long-sleeved laboratory coat with a chemical splash

apron (made of rubber, Viton or neoprene),

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ii. Disposable chemical-resistant Viton, nitrile or natural rubber gloves. Check

gloves for leaks before use. If necessary, wear a second pair for double

protection

iii. PVC boots

iv. Wear closed toed shoes and long sleeved clothing to protect

the feet and arms v. Shoe covers

3. Respirators: Respirators protect against specific types of substances only and in

certain concentration ranges. Each type has its limitations. If required (esp. when

vapours and fumes are likely to be emitted) the user must be appropriately trained and

test-fitted. Test the respirator for failure (such as filter clogging, odour breakthrough,

etc) before use. Some of the protections are:


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i. Particle-removing air purifying

ii. Gas and vapour-removing airpurifying or Airsupplying

Precautions

With proper planning, the effects of a spill can be minimized. Also, the extent of the required

precautions is partially determined by the size and the resultant hazard from the spill.

Therefore, planning for a spill emergency forms an integral part of preparing for safe work

practices with chemicals.

1. Attend to any injured or contaminated people first

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a. Protect yourself and others – keep a safe distance from the spilled chemical -

cordon off the spill area to prevent additional worker and environment

contamination

b. If a volatile, flammable chemical is spilled, ventilate the area and extinguish

any open flames (e.g. Bunsen burner). Due to the possibility of sparks, do not

operate light switches, telephones, or fire alarms

c. Avoid inhaling vapours from the spill

d. Think, plan and clean up carefully.

e. Consult MSDS and determine appropriate clean up procedures for the

chemical

2. Decide if you can safely handle the spill. Do not take unnecessary risks.

a. If unsure, consult department Safety Committee Chairman and the Safety


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b. Committee member for Chemical Safety.

3. Get help if the spills involves:

a. Large liquid volume

b. Strong odour/vapour

c. Worker injury or exposure

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d. Very hazardous material

e. Hazardous conditions (e.g. explosion, fire, radiation, toxicity, etc)

4. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment

5. Wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.

Spill Handling Procedures

1. Worker injury (if any) must be taken care of FIRST, and spill clean up SECOND.

2. Assess the spill, its hazards, and the danger to people in the vicinity quickly before

taking action.

3. In the event the spilled chemical is unknown, assume the worst and evacuate. The

safety of those in the vicinity is top priority.

4. Apply the “Three C” procedure:

i. Clean up the spill:


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Clean and Decontaminate

ii. Control the spill:

Immediate steps should be taken to control or stop the spill

Do not leave the area unattended, cordon off the spill site

iii. Contain the spill:

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• Contain the spilled chemical in as small an area as possible and prevent it

from spreading

Worker injury and contamination

1. Minor injury: Rinse minor burns by chemicals or scalds with lots of cold tap water for

at least 15 minutes. Treat with the laboratory First Aid kit

2. Eye contact: If chemical splash on eye, flush eye with plenty of water. Seek immediate

medical attention.

3. Serious injury or worker incapacitated: Send victim immediately to the Accident and

Emergency Department of National University Hospital to seek emergency medical

attention.

4. Chemical splashes on large area: Immediately remove chemical- soaked clothing and

flush under the emergency shower for 15 minutes and obtain immediate medical help

at the University Health and Wellness Centre (Tel: 67761631 / 65162880) or NUH

A & E Department (Tel: 67725000)


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Handling spills

Laboratory workers who have had the appropriate training and the appropriate equipment can

safely and effectively handle most of chemical spills that occur in the laboratory such as those

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involving one liter or less of liquid and or less than one kilogram of a solid. Refer to the

Materials Safety Data Sheets for recommended spill clean up.

Do not attempt to handle a large spill of a hazardous chemical (corrosive, highly toxic, or

reactive, emit fumes and vapors)

(I) The Chemical Spill Kit

Spill kits should be easily available for use. Used items should be replenished and the

contents checked on a monthly basis. The contents should include:

1. Personal protection equipment:

• Chemical-resistant gloves, e.g. nitrile rubber gloves • Chemical splash goggles

• Face shield

• Protective gown

• PVC boots


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2. Chemical Absorbent:

• Vermiculite

• Zeolite

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• Powersorb spill pillow

3. Chemical Neutralizing material:

• Algosol, Neutrasorb, Spill-X-A-Acid (neutralizes acid spills)

• Spill-X-C-Caustic, Neutracit-2 (neutralize caustic spills)

• Spill-X-Solvent, Solusorb (solvent neutralizer, act to reduce vapors, raise flashpoint)

• Hg Absorb sponge & powder (amalgamate mercury residue); Hg Vapor Absorbent

(reduce concentration of vapor in hard to reach areas )

4. Plastic scoop, dust pan, broom or brush with plastic bristles

5. Reagents for decontamination:

Calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate (for corrosive liquid spills)

6. Strong, heavy duty leak-proof waste bags, sealing tapes

7. Hazardous waste labels, warning signs

(II) General spill clean-up procedure

Minor Chemical Spill (chemical type and quantity which is not an immediate threat to health

and does not result in contamination to body)


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1. Alert workers in the vicinity of the spill

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2. Turn off open flames and heat sources if the spilled chemical is

flammable.

3. Ventilate area

4. Wear appropriate protective equipment

5. Avoid inhaling any vapors emitted from the spill

6. Confine and contain spill with appropriate absorbent material. Or sweep solid spills

into a dustpan.

7. If acid or base chemical, neutralize

8. Gather all solid contaminated material and put in a plastic bag. Seal and label.

9. If broken glass is present, use the scoop to place it in an appropriate plastic container

and label.

10. Clean and mop spill area with soap and water.

11. Decontaminate the area, equipment and broom/brush/dustpan used

12. Dispose plastic bag as chemical waste

Major Chemical Spill or Spills of hazardous or toxic chemicals

1. To minimize exposure, alert people in the laboratory to evacuate.

2. Turn off open flames and heat sources if the spilled chemical is flammable.

3. Ventilate area.

4. Cordon off affected area and post a warning sign at the entrance of the site to warn

others while trained personnel arrive to clean up the spill.

5. Call Campus Security (Tel: 68741616) for assistance.

References

National Code of Practice for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances NOHSC:

2014(1995)

Approved Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances

National Guidance Note for the Labelling of Workplace Substances (NOHSC: 3013(1991))

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail

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National Model Regulations for the Control of Scheduled Carcinogenic Substances NOHSC:

1011(1995)

Approved Code of Practice for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances

University OHSW&IM Policy

University OHSW&IM Strategic Plan (PDF 358kb)

University OHSW&IM Management System (PDF 250kb)

University Research Policy RES-5.1 Bio-hazards Research

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http://www.unisa.edu.au/ohsw/docs/ohsw&imsystemjuly2006.pdf

http://www.unisa.edu.au/ohsw/docs/ohswimstrategicplan20062008.pdf

http://www.unisa.edu.au/policies/policies/corporate/C06.asp

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