PROCEDURE FOR CHEMICAL SPILL ON A PERSON

For spills on the skin, flush immediately under emergency shower for at
least 15 minutes removing any contaminated clothing or jewelry that might
contain residue. If there is no sign of a burn, wash the area with soap
under warm running water.

For a chemical splash in the eyes, immediately flush the eyes at the
eyewash fountain for 15 minutes, holding the eyes open and rotating the
eyeballs.

If the spill is Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), start massaging 2.5% calcium
gluconate gel into the burn site after 15 minutes of rinsing. Apply
gel every 15 minutes and massage continuously until pain and/or redness
disappear or until more definitive medical care is given. It is
advisable for the individual applying the calcium gluconate gel to wear
gloves to prevent a possible secondary HF burn.
Consult the MSDS to see if any delayed effects should be expected, and
keep the MSDS with the victim. Have the victim taken Redfern, or if after
hours, to Clemson Health Care or the emergency room at Oconee Memorial
Hospital or Anderson Memorial Hospital for medical attention. Be sure to
inform emergency personnel of the decontamination procedures used prior to
their arrival (for example, washing for 15 minutes with water).
Be certain that emergency room personnel are told exactly what the
victim was contaminated with so they can treat the victim accordingly.
Emergency 911 or Fire Dept. 656-2242
PROEDURE FOR CHEMICAL SPILL NOT ON A PERSON
1. Identity the chemical(s) involved
2. If spill is inside chemical hood, close the sash (DO NOT turn the hood off)
3. Shut down all processes, especially ignition sources
4. Exit the Lab
5. Post the Lab/Area to prevent others from entering
6. Contact the Building Security and/or Safety Officer
7. Consult the MSDS and other available information for proper clean up procedures and proper
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
8. Obtain the proper clean-up supplies and equipment [Acids- Sodium Bicarbonate; HFCalcium Carbonate; Bases- Citric Acid; Liquids - Chemical Absorbent Pads]
9. Get proper PPE
10. Control the spread of the spill. This would be done with the appropriate material (i.e.,
polypropylene pads, sand, vermiculite, etc.)
11. Make sure that all forms of local exhaust, i.e. fume hoods, are operating
12. Absorb the free liquid.
13. Carefully remove any broken glass with laboratory tongs and place into plastic bucket.
14. Inspect the area. Carefully check the entire affected area for spill residue or hidden
contamination.
15. Dispose of the gloves as waste.
16. Replenish all spill clean-up material/PPE used.
17. Package and label. Place all material including any contaminated PPE,
pads, paper towels, etc. into bag. Attach hazardous waste label to all
bags, buckets, etc. and contact Sam Forrest (forres2@clemson.edu) for
disposal.
Precautions must be taken to minimize exposure to the spilled chemical. Be
careful not to step in the spilled material and track it around. Contact
EHS if an exposure to a chemical occurs.
If the spill is too large for you to handle, involves more than 1L of any
liquid material or more than one pound of solid material, requires a
respirator, involves radioactive material, involves an infectious agent or
involves a highly toxic, or reactive chemical, call Sam Forrest ( 656-0792
or 633-7253 ) for assistance.