The ultimate guide for 9 types of chemical spills and cleanup procedures

Plan for spills

“Failing to plan is planning to fail”: prepare to act in a safe, timely, and effective manner during chemical spills (or releases) by walking through minor/major spill protocols, optimizing lab space and organization, and reviewing reagent SOP and SDS information, in particular ‘Section 2: Hazards identification’, ‘Section 6: Accidental release measures’, and ‘Section 8: Exposure controls/personal protection’.

Minor vs major spills

As its name implies, minor spills are less severe than major spills since they present no immediate, significant threat to personal health or safety, or of being released to the environment. Minor spills can be carefully cleaned up by the person responsible, while major spills require an immediate evacuation of the contaminated area and the summoning of emergency response personnel. For both types of spills (when safe to do so), make sure to complete an accident/incident report and contact the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) office if further guidance is required. 

Minor Spill

 A minor spill meets all of the following conditions:

+ The responsible person is at the scene.

+ The identity of the spilled material is known.

+ The spill is not in a common area accessible to the public, and there is no risk of reaching the environment.

+ The material spilled is not highly toxic.

+ The quantity spilled is relatively small (< 4 L).

+ The threat of secondary events such as fire or explosion is minimal.

+ Advanced PPE (more than gloves and a half-face respirator) is not required.

+ Medical attention is not required.

+ Adequate cleanup supplies are available.

+ Local personnel are trained, equipped, and comfortable cleaning up the spill.

 

Strategy:

Ensure adequate ventilation and clear the spill path. Eliminate sources of ignition, incompatible material, and locate cleanup supplies. Place absorbent material around the periphery of a spill and move towards the center. Used cleanup materials should be stored in appropriate leak-proof labelled waste containers. Wash the area with warm, soapy water to remove any lingering residues after water-soluble spills have been cleaned up.

 

 

Major Spill

 A major spill meets at least one of the following conditions1:

+ The person responsible is not known.

+ The identity of the spilled material is not known.

+ The spill has occurred in a common area accessible to the public and/or is able to reach the environment (via the drain or vapours).

+ The spilled material may be highly toxic.

+ The spill is > 4 L or an undetermined large amount.

+ The threat of secondary events is imminent and/or someone was exposed (dermal or inhalation).

+ Advanced PPE is required.

+ Medical attention is required.

+ Adequate cleanup supplies may not be available.

+ Local personal are not trained, equipped, or comfortable cleaning up the spill.

 

Strategy:

Evacuate the immediate area and notify your supervisor and emergency response personnel immediately. Wait in a safe area for the response team to arrive and do not allow unauthorized people into the contaminated area. If the spill presents imminent danger, pull the fire alarm to initiate building evacuation.

 

 

Not all spills are the same

Refer to J&K Scientific’s curated guide for tips on how to handle nine types of chemical spills. For more information visit the ACS: Guide for chemical spill response.

 

Type of spill

Hazards

Examples

Clean up procedure

Low/no risk

 

+ Material that does not exhibit any hazardous characteristics (ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity).

 

+ Sodium chloride

+ Calcium chloride

+ Natural materials (e.g. sugars, amino acids)

+ Inert material (e.g. non-contaminated chromatography resins and gels)

 

+ Local personnel should sweep solids and place in the appropriate waste bin.

+ Liquids can be absorbed and flushed down the drain.

Flammable Spill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Solids, liquids, and gases that are prone to ignite or burn including pyrophoric materials, desensitized explosives, aerosols, organic peroxides, self-reactive substances and mixtures, self-heating substances and mixtures, and substances and mixtures that emit flammable gases upon contact with water.

 

+ Hydrogen

+ Camphor

+ Diethyl ether

+ Acetone

+ Xylene

+ Triethylborane

 

 

+ Eliminate sources of ignition immediately and avoid contact with incompatible material such as oxidizers.

+ Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray.

+ Ensure adequate ventilation and check that vapours are not accumulating in lower areas. After the spill is removed, ventilate the room for at least an hour.

+ Contain the spill and collect with non-combustible absorbent material (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc.).

+ Do NOT use paper towel as it may serve to increase evaporation.

+ Store contaminated materials in the appropriate (closed) waste container.

+ Contact lab manager/fire department for major spills.

 

Acid spill

 

+ May cause severe skin burn and/or eye damage.

 

 

+ Hydrochloric acid

+ Sulfuric acid

+ Formic acid

 

 

 

+ Use chemically resistant gloves.

+ Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray.

+ Soak up the spill with an appropriate inert non-combustible absorbent material (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite) or transform with a neutralizing agent (e.g. soda ash, sodium bicarbonate) if SAFE TO DO SO.

+pH paper may be used to determine if the spill has been neutralized.

+ Non-toxic neutralization products may be flushed down the drain.

+ Note that special absorbents are required for chemicals such as hydrofluoric acid.

+ Label hazardous waste and dispose of accordingly.

 

Base/Caustic spill

 

+ May cause severe skin burn and/or eye damage.

 

+ Sodium hydroxide

+ Potassium hydroxide

 

+ Use chemically resistant gloves.

+ Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray.

+ Soak up the spill with an appropriate inert non-combustible absorbent material (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite) or transform with a neutralizing agent (e.g. citric acid or ascorbic acid) if SAFE TO DO SO.

+ pH paper may be used to determine if the spill has been neutralized.

+ Non-toxic neutralization products may be flushed down the drain.

+ Label hazardous waste and dispose of accordingly.

 

Mercury spill

+ Fatal if inhaled.

+ May damage unborn child.

+ May cause damage to the central nervous system through prolonged or repeated exposure.

+ Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

+ May be corrosive to metals.

 

Mercury thermometer

+ Do not breathe mist/vapors/spray.

+ Evacuate immediate area.

+ Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective suit if available.

+ Ensure adequate ventilation.

+ Minor spills can be immediately collected with a mercury vacuum, an aspirator bulb, a medicine dropper, a mercury sponge, or an inert absorbent material.

+ Place contaminated items including free mercury in a sealed container.

+ Once larger globules are removed, wash the surface with a neutralizing solution such as 20% sodium sulphide or sodium thiosulphate.

+ If mercury has broken up into smaller globules, sprinkle sulphur powder or other commercial products and let sit for several hours before cleanup.

+ Label waste and dispose of accordingly.

 

Oxidizer spill

 

 

+  May intensify fires, cause fires and/or explosions upon contact with flammables, combustibles, organic materials, finely divided metals, reducing agents, and other incompatible substances.

 

+ Potassium permanganate

+ Ammonium perchlorate

+ Avoid breathing dust/fumes/gas/mist/vapors/spray.

+ Eliminate sources of incompatible material.

+ Solid oxidizers may be swept with non-sparking tools.

+ Contain and collect liquid oxidizers with and appropriate non-combustible absorbent material (e.g. Universal absorbent, sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc.).

+ Label waste and dispose of accordingly.

 

Acutely toxic material spill

 

+ May cause serious adverse health effects or death upon a single or short-term oral, dermal or inhalation exposure.

 

+ Phosgene

+ Nitric acid

+ Phosphorous tribromide

 

+ Use EXTREME CARE: become acquainted with associated emergency procedures PRIOR to use.

+ Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours.

+ Keep away from incompatible material.

+ For minor spills, clean with an appropriate non-combustible absorbent material (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc.).

+ For major spills, contact emergency response personnel (lab manager, spill team, building security, EHS, and 911).

 

Health hazard

 

 

+ May be fatal if swallowed.

+ May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.

+ May cause genetic defects.

+ May contribute to cancer.

+ May damage fertility or an unborn child.

+ May cause damage to organs in a single exposure or through prolonged or repeated exposure.

 

+ Perchloric acid

+ Tetrahydrofuran

+ Ethylene glycol

 

+ Use EXTREME CARE: become acquainted with associated emergency procedures PRIOR to use.

+ Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours.

+ Keep away from incompatible material.

+ For minor spills, clean with an appropriate non-combustible absorbent material (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc.).

+ For major spills, contact emergency response personnel (lab manager, spill team, building security, EHS, and 911).

 

Gas or chemical under pressure spill

 

+ May explode if heated.

+ Refrigerated liquefied gases may cause cryogenic burns or injury.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+ Oxygen

+ Helium

+ Liquid nitrogen

+ Eliminate sources of ignition and incompatible material.

+ For minor leaks, close all regulator valves and check all connections. If the leak continues secure the cylinder to a fume hood and notify the supplier.

+ Conduct a leak test (e.g. electronic detector, soap solution, etc.) every time a cylinder is changed. Never use a flame to check for leaks.

+ For major leaks, evacuate the area and contact emergency response personnel (spill team, lab manager, building security, EHS, and 911).

 

 

How to avoid chemical spills

1. Before a spill:

  • Conduct regular training on how to manage emergencies such as spills, fires, and minor injuries.
  • Maintain an updated list of emergency contacts (i.e. the lab manager, spill response team, building security, the EHS office, and emergency services).
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats should be worn at all times.
  • Ensure that emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, first aid kids, and emergency showers are properly maintained, operational, and unobstructed.
  • Remove clutter from work surfaces and surrounding areas to reduce the chance of spills.
  • Know the risks associated with the reaction and reagents being used. This includes knowing where spill kits are located and how to use them.

 2. During a spill:

  • If chemicals touch your clothing or body, use the emergency shower or eyewash station for at least 15 minutes.
  • Warn co-workers and move away from the spill if it is hazardous.
  • If safe to do so:
    • Unplug nearby electronics, remove flammable material, and increase ventilation.
    • Contain the spill and clean with the appropriate spill kit.
    • If this is not possible, inform the appropriate emergency contact(s).
  • Before cleaning a spill, identify:
    • The person responsible
    • The chemical that was spilled and its associated health hazards
    • The severity level and quantity of the spill: is it a minor or major spill?
    • The availability of cleanup supplies

 3. After a spill:

    • Increase ventilation to the area.
    • Decontaminate yourself by removing worn PPE and washing your hands.
    • Label used cleaning materials and segregate waste accordingly, arranging to have it removed as soon as possible. Contact EHS if further guidance is required.

 4. Preventing future spills:

  • Determine the cause of the original spill and identify actions that could prevent future (similar) spills.
  • Examine glassware and rubber tubing for cracks or defects before use.
  • Comply with chemical storage and transportation guidelines:
    • Use designated solvent carriers when transporting bottles.
    • Use spill contamination trays to catch leaks and perform all work in a fume hood.
By shuhan yang

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