A copy of this SOP is also in each Spill Response Kit (located in teaching labs and
most research areas).
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Department of Chemistry
SPILL RESPONSE
Updated
07-17-08
Task - Response to chemical spills occur at several levels. At the first level a
laboratory worker cleans up the spill. Other spills are reported and then managed
by spill response teams. Refer to the MSDS to determine whether the spill
should be immediately reported or safely cleaned up by laboratory
personnel.
All spills of more than one liter (Solvents, Acids, Bases) must be reported to Tim
Styranec- X3665, WBSH 5053 or the Chemistry Department- X 3663. If
unavailable, report spill to the Department of Environmental and Occupational
Health and Safety at X3700.
In addition to spills greater than one liter the following spills must also be
REPORTED regardless of the quantity.
Any spill which occurs in a research lab.
All mercury spills.
Any incident involving radioactive material –Do not attempt
to clean up any radioactive material -_Report Immediately
All personal contamination
All leaking containers
All uncontrolled compressed/cryogenic gas releases.
For the purpose of this SOP the spill response procedure to follow is for any
quantity less than one liter which has been determined to be non-reportable.
Designated Area
Spills may occur in any laboratory where hazardous materials are in use.
Personal Protection:
The minimum amount of personal protective equipment Goggles
Lab coat with sleeves rolled down
Nitrile or neoprene gloves
Training:
Do not perform this task unless you are faculty, the lab instructor or researcher.
Process:
Clean up materials: The actual materials to be used will depend upon the main
hazard posed by the spilled material.
Supplies include:
Goggles
Nitrile Gloves
absorbent pads/sheets
solvent absorbent
acid neutralizer
caustic neutralizer
heavy duty plastic trash bags
Chemical waste labels
Dust pan & brush
Laboratory tongs
Plastic container with lid
CLEAN UP PROCEDURE
CONTROL THE SOURCE - a bottle, for example, which was knocked
over, will still have some chemical in it. The responder should carefully
upright the container, place it on an absorbent pad in a safe location and
replace the lid.
ABSORB FREE LIQUID- any spread of spilled chemical must be
controlled. This is done by placing absorbent pads around
and on the spill. Many laboratory spills involve broken glass. The
spill responder must be careful to avoid getting cut.
Acid, Caustic or non-flammable - These are most easily absorbed with
the absorbent pads. Place used pads in a trash bag. Frequently, spills will
spread into drawers and behind or under equipment. The responder must
be careful to locate all contaminated areas.
Flammable liquids - flammable liquids should be absorbed using the
solvent absorbent powder. Use the dust brush to mix the adsorbent with
the liquid. Use the dust pan and brush to collect all residue. Remove
broken glass using tongs and carefully place in the plastic container.
NEUTRALIZE RESIDUES & DECONTAMINATE THE AREA
Acids spills –pour acid neutralizer on all surfaces affected by the spill.
NOTE: Only use amount necessary to neutralize residue. Clean up the
neutralizer and apply fresh neutralizer.
Caustic spills – pour caustic neutralizer on all surfaces affected by the
spill. NOTE: Only use amount necessary to neutralize residue. Clean up
the neutralizer and apply fresh neutralizer.
Remove neutralizer residue - Residue from the neutralization can be
easily removed with water. Moisten a pad with water and carefully wipe
all contaminated surfaces. Repeat this process until all traces of the
neutralizer are removed. If, after the clean up is completed, the affected
area is sticky, use soapy water to remove any remaining neutralizer.
INSPECT THE AREA
Carefully check the entire affected area for spill residue, hidden
contamination or unsafe conditions.
PACKAGE AND LABEL RESIDUE
Put all spill residue in a plastic bag. Place the lid on the plastic container
and place it in the bag. Seal the bag and place a completed Chemical
Waste Form on the outside of the bag. Transport bag to room 6th floor
storage WBSH.
RESTOCK SPILL SUPPLIES
Supplies are available upon request to Tim Styranec.
Accident Procedure:
Read MSDS of the substance involved before attempting to clean up the spill.
AccidentSkin contact: Flush with water for 15 minutes.
Eye contact: Immediately flush eyes with water for
15 minutes.
Emergency numbers – POLICE (911), EOHS (x3700)
Contact Tim Styranec, WBSH 5053 (x3665) or the Chemistry Dept.
WBSH 5053 (x3663) for further assistance.
Hazards involved in procedure:
The primary consideration for laboratory personnel when a chemical is spilled is
safety. If the spill could potentially harm someone, report the spill immediately.
Do not attempt to clean up the spill.
Special Handling Requirements:
Use normal care in handling.
Approval Required:
This task is to be done or supervised by a faculty member, the laboratory
instructor or researcher.