OHS026
Safe Work Procedure
Faculty/Division
School/ Divisional Unit
Medicine
Document number
SOMS.CGM.SWP060
Initial Issue date
18-6-09
School of Medical Sciences
Oncology Research Unit &
Neuromuscular Regenerative Medicine Unit
Current version
Current Version
Next review date
1.0
18-6-12
Issue date
18-6-09
The Writing Safe Work Procedures Guideline (OHS027) should be consulted to assist in the completion of this
form.
Safe Work Procedure Title and basic description
Title:
Chemical Spills
Description: To ensure the safe use of all chemicals with instructions on how to clean up a spill.
Associated risk assessment title and location: 60_RA_Chemical Spills_JH
Describe the activity or process
Spills of Hazardous Materials
Storage and work practices that will prevent spills must always be the primary method of
dealing with spills.
Spills cause a hazard at two levels:
1.
2.
Material maybe a hazardous substance, could be toxic, pathogenic, carcinogenic, teratogenic and any form of
ingestion may cause harm.
The substance may be volatile so their danger can spread quickly from the original point of spill.
The risk controls we have in place in the Laboratory are:A.
Bundage - A secondary container to contain any spill from the primary vessel.
B.
Laboratory training with respect to the use, safe handling and transport of chemicals, and
C.
MSDS are located in the Laboratory as a risk management procedure.
D.
Spill Kits
E.
PPE
Spill procedures
Liquid Chemical Spills
( ie Acid, Alkali, Solvent, Biological, Formaldehyde and Unknown substance).

Secure the area i.e. Make sure everybody moves to a safe distance.

Alert the nearest person that a spill has occurred.

Put on a gown, gloves, eye protection and a mask.

Select the Chemical Spill Kit located in the weighing area.

Read the laminated instructions inside the Kit.

The Chemical Spill Kit contains:
Mini Booms to contain or divert the spill;

Pillows to contain and absorb the spill; and

Pads to absorb and clean up the spill.

Consult the Chemical MSDS to determine clean up procedure.

If possible ask someone else in the Lab to assist you with the clean-up.

Deposit the Booms, Pillows or Pads into a plastic disposal bag.
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Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007


If you are satisfied all the spill material is removed, take off your gloves and mask, placing each in turn into
the plastic disposal bag.
Tie up the disposal bag, place it in the second plastic disposal bag and tie up the second bag.

Consult the Laboratory Manager about the spill and appropriate disposal of waste.

Report the spill to your Supervisor
Solid Chemical Spills









Secure the area ie. Make sure everybody moves to a safe distance.
Alert the nearest person that a spill has occurred.
Put on a gown, gloves, eye protection and a mask.
Select the Chemical Spill Kit located in the weighing area.
Read the laminated instructions inside the Kit.
The Chemical Spill Kit contains:Mini Booms to contain or divert the spill;
Pillows to contain and absorb the spill; and
Pads to absorb and clean up the spill.
Consult the Chemical MSDS to determine clean up procedure.
If possible ask someone else in the Lab to assist you with the clean up.
You must decide if the spilled solid is to be recovered or disposed of : -
Recover
Dispose
Prepare a flat "collection" surface
that can be used to collect the
spilled substance on and then
pour it into its new container e,g.
aluminium foil.
Scrape the solid onto the
collection surface. The spill may
present in ways that will need this
part to be varied.
Srape the solid onto the collection
surface and deposit it into a plastic
disposal bag.
Pour the solid into the new
container and seal.

If it is contaminated place it in the plastic disposal bag. If it is glass it may need to be wrapped prior to
appropriate disposal.

Once all of the solid spill is removed wipe the whole area with the Pads (wet if appropriate) to remove all
traces of the spilled material.

Deposit the Booms, Pillows or Pads into the plastic disposal bag.

If you are satisfied all the spill material is removed, take off your gloves and mask, placing each in turn
into the plastic disposal bag.

Tie up the disposal bag, place it in the second plastic disposal bag and tie up the second bag.

Consult the Laboratory Manager about the spill and appropriate disposal of waste.

Report the spill to your Supervisor.
List all resources required including plant,
chemicals, personal protective clothing and
equipment, etc
Always wear long sleeve lab gowns, latex gloves and eye protection when weighing out, decanting or using chemicals
in the Laboratory
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Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
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Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007
List potential hazards and risk controls including
specific precautions required
Potential Hazard of being exposed to chemicals by the skin, eyes, inhalation and ingestion
All staff and students are trained to use the specific weighing equipment and have also been orientated in the chemical
hazards that exist in the Laboratory.
Chemical Lists and MSDS are located in the Laboratory as a risk management procedure.
Laboratory induction and regular OHS discussions at Lab Meetings to reinforce the potential hazards
List emergency shutdown instructions
All items of weighing equipment have “OFF” switches that can be used in emergency
Shut all electrical equipment off at powerpoint in case of emergency.
List clean up and waste disposal requirements
Report any faults to the respective Laboratory Managers –
(BioSafety Cabinets to CGM)
List legislation, standards and codes of practice
used in the development of the SWP
NSW OHS Act 2000
NSW OHS Regulation 2001
Code of Practice for the Labelling of Workplace Substances
AS/NZS 2243.2:2006. Safety in laboratories. Part 2: Chemical aspects
AS/NZS 2243.3-2002. Safety in laboratories. Part 3: Microbiological aspects and containment facilities.
AS/NZS 2161.1:2000 Occupational Protective Gloves – Selection, Use and Maintenance
MSDS for All chemicals involved
Safe Work Procedure Form (OHS026)
Supervisory approval, training, and review
Supervisor: Peter Gunning
Signature:
Plant custodian:
Signature
List competency required – qualifications, certificates, licencing, training - eg course or instruction:
Training as per Training Needs Analysis, Induction into the Lab, Training on the SWP
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Page 3 of 3
Safe Work Procedure
Date Effective: 01/01/2007
Uncontrolled document when printed
Current Version: 1.2, 15/08/2007