To ensure compliance with all legal requirements for dealing with spills of chemical substances on University premises, or premises under University control.
This procedure applies to all areas of the University where chemical substances are transported, purchased, stored, handled, or used, including vehicles of visitors or suppliers who bring substances that are a potential hazard into the University.
A delivery vehicle may contain hazardous substances that do not belong to the University.
However, if a spill or leak from that vehicle occurs on University property and the substance enters a storm water or trade waste drain, or causes injury, the University may be liable for any subsequent action by a responsible Authority.
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Interim Regulations 2011 (Vic)
Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic)
Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7th Edition
Environment Protection Act 1970 (Vic)
NHMRC Guidelines for Laboratory Personnel Working with Carcinogenic or Highly Toxic
Chemicals
Code of Practice for Hazardous Substances
Code of Practice for Dangerous Goods
AS 1940: Storage and handling of flammable and combustible materials
AS 3780: The storage and handling of corrosive substances
AS/NZS 3833: The storage and handling of mixed classes of dangerous goods in packages and intermediate bulk containers
AS 4326: The storage and handling of oxidizing agents
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AS 4332: The storage and handling of gases in cylinders
AS/NZS 4452: The storage and handling of toxic substances
The Head of Department/Budget Division must ensure information is provided to 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, and location of equipment and materials such as self contained breathing apparatus or respirator locations.
The Head of Department/Budget Division must:
 supervisory staff are aware of the legal obligations regarding pollution from spills: and
 staff receive training that includes spill control methods, appropriate waste disposal methods and safe use of equipment used in spill control. Refer to: chemical management training.
The Head of Department/Budget Division must:
 ensure that materials for spill control are available in all areas where chemical substances are used, handled, stored or transported, and that the materials are clearly labeled and signed; and
 ensure appropriate equipment is cleaned, stored and maintained by qualified persons.
The Director, OHS and Injury Management must ensure the availability and provision of information to Departments and Faculties on the legal requirements for spill control and waste disposal, and advice on disposal methods or spilled materials and disposal contractors.
Staff and students must:
 keep clear of a spill unless trained in spill control and clean up;
 ensure only trained and competent staff attempt to clean up a chemical substance spill;
 know the location of MSDSs are kept, or are available;
 attend training provided on spill control;
 follow written procedures provided for spill control;
 use spill control equipment in the proper manner; and
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 store and maintain equipment as appropriate.
Each laboratory, department and local area that uses chemicals must develop and maintain procedures for the chemicals used in the workplace, or brought onto the premises.
The assessment must include three factors:

 the nature of the spilled chemical (low/high risk)
 the quantity spilled (small/large amounts) the location of the spill (difficult access, public site/bunded area)
When evaluating risks associated with spills, the following must be considered:


Is special training required to handle the situation?
 Is special equipment required to clean up the spill (e.g. SCBA, PPE etc)?
Are special procedures required to clean up the spill (e.g. pumps, hoses etc)?
Where the response is HIGH to any of the first three factors, or YES to any of the second three questions then the spill must be considered as HIGH RISK.
Generally spills of less than 1 litre of most chemicals can be considered LOW RISK unless the material is highly toxic or reactive.
All high risk spills must be managed by the Emergency Services response team.
Low risk spills may be managed by area workers under direct supervision.
The Material Safety Data Sheet listing the special requirements for spill control (such as the type of fire extinguisher required, incompatible substances, reactivity with substances such as water or air) must be available.
Where a substance is unknown, or an experimental substance with no MSDS, always treat as toxic.
The manager/supervisor must ensure there is:
 An amount of vermiculite sufficient to deal with a spillage of the largest container of
 non corrosive liquids used in the immediate area should be on hand.
A similar amount of Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate should be provided for spills of
 corrosive liquids.
Sand, "kitty litter" or an absorbent spill pillow should be available to prevent hazardous substances entering drains or storm water systems.
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 Appropriate PPE such as gloves, protective clothing, face shields, respirators or
SCBA should be readily available, depending on the hazards associated with the types of substances used or stored in an area.
 A chemical resistant container with a close fitting lid that will hold at least the volume of vermiculate and other contaminated material should be on hand for waste disposal of the spilled material.
Wherever practicable, the storage and use of the chemical should be in an area which can contain or restrict the flow from a spill site.

On benches, this can be assisted by a raised lip at the front of the bench, or by the use of spill trays.

In storage cabinets, trays should be provided that are compatible with the contents, and which will contain the contents of the two largest glass containers, or the largest metal or plastic container.

For storage areas where liquids are involved, bunding must be considered. This is mandatory for certain areas.
Immediate actions
All staff and students must:
 clear the area
 check for any persons involved
 isolate the spill (if safe to do so)
 contact the manager/supervisor or Local OHS Practice Expert
The primary concern is to protect health and safety. No action should be taken during an emergency response that directly or indirectly violates this principle.
Considerations for evacuation
The following situations may require evacuation:
 uncontrolled open flame;
 uncontrolled compressed gas release; and
 any situation which poses imminent threat to human health or safety.
When the alarm sounds, all persons should immediately exit the building and report to their assigned assembly area. Elimination of potential sources of ignition should only be done if it can be accomplished without personal risk.
High risk spills
The manager/supervisor must:
 Contact the Emergency Services Team by calling 0-000 or Security on 46666 (for
Parkville campus) and explain the situation.
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 Determine who will take responsibility for the spill, ie Contractor, Fire Brigade, other
Emergency Service.
 Ensure appropriate University Personnel are advised of the situation.
 Follow any advice or information provided by the Emergency Response Team.
Low risk spills
The manager/supervisor must:
 ensure there are trained staff to handle the spill
 ensure proper protective equipment is available
 ensure fire protection is available for flammable spills
The following must be followed during the cleanup of a spill
 control the source
 contain free liquids by damming, absorbing if appropriate

 place all spill residues in an appropriate manner
 decontaminate the affected area using an appropriate material decontaminate the salvage equipment
 analyse the area to ensure proper decontamination has taken place
 examine walkways, floors, stairs equipment etc for other hazards or damage
Debriefing
The manager/supervisor must ensure that:
 personnel involved in the spill response are debriefed after the incident;
 spill control supplies are restocked;
 damaged or used equipment is repaired or refilled; and
When the area is deemed clear by a competent person (e.g. emergency services, Emergency
Management Coordinator, it can be re-opened for operations.
Established by: Administrative Committee on18 August 1993.
Date: 26 June 2012. Version 1.2
Next Review: 26 June 2015
Authorised: Director, OHS and Injury
Management
(c) The University of Melbourne - uncontrolled when printed.
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