Chemical Spill ProceduresEnvironmental Health and Safety Office

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Chemical Spills

Unintentional and uncontrolled release of a chemical/hazardous

material into the environment

Chemicals Laboratory spaces

Physical Plant/Caretaking

Two main categories: Major spills

Minor spills

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Approaching Chemical Spill Situations

If a spill occurs Do not panic

Determine the identity of the spilled substance

Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Assess the situation

Cordon off the area

Determine the severity of the spill Major vs. minor

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Major Spills

Injuries sustained that require medical attention

Poses an immediate danger to life and health

Potential for fire or explosion

Quantity

Properties or hazards of the spilled material are unknown

Major spills require an external emergency response for clean-up

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Major Spills - Response

Evacuate the area

If safe Attend to injured persons Shut of possible ignition sources Try to control spread of spill

Notify your supervisor

Who to contact During business hours:

Locate Chief Fire Warden and contact EHSO (474-6633) After business hours:

Security services (555 on red phones, or 474-9341)

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Major Spills - Aftermath

Incident investigation Direct supervisor

Local Area Safety and Health Committee (LASHC)

EHSO

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Minor Spills

Clean up Responsibility of those accountable for the spill EHSO will provide technical advice or onsite assistance when

requested

Only laboratory staff have the appropriate training for cleaning a laboratory spill

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Minor Spills – Response Look after contaminated people

Restrict the area with appropriate signage

Control spread of spill

Refer to the MSDS

Follow established safe work procedures

Contact During business hours: EHSO (474-6633) After business hours: Security services (555 or 474-9341)

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Hazardous Waste

Adsorbent materials Utilized to clean the spill

Hazardous Waste Program EHSO Proper disposal

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Entering Laboratory Spaces

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Assessing Laboratory Spaces WHIP

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Assessing Laboratory Spaces WHIP

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety glasses Laboratory gloves

Decommissioning Responsibility of the lab General cleanliness Removal of chemicals and equipment Experiments

You have the right to refuse work if the area is not properly decommissioned

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Unexpected Substances

Locate the source

Unknown substance Contact laboratory personnel EHSO

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Accidental Chemical Exposure

Determine the nature of the chemical

Refer to the MSDS

Locate the emergency eyewash, shower stations, and sink

Notify appropriate personnel Direct supervisor During business hours: Appropriate lab personnel, and EHSO

(474-6633) After business hours: Security services (555 or 474-9341), and 911