CHEMICAL SPILLS chemical spill

Anticipate spills by having the appropriate safety equipment on hand. Understand the properties of the spill equipment.

If a spill occurs, immediately alert personnel in the area and do what is necessary to protect life. Warn others to stay out of the area and to avoid walking nearby. Secure the area.

If it is a small spill, your supervisor is responsible for cleaning up the spill or making sure that it is cleaned up properly.  Confine or dike the spill to keep the area involved smaller, decrease the evaporation rate, and to protect floor drains. (Whenever unsure how to handle a spill, contact the Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) Department at X8925, X8843 or X3141.)

Use an absorbent material that will neutralize the spill or suppress the flammable vapors, whenever possible.

If the spilled chemical is flammable, extinguish flames and all other sources of ignition (such as brush type motors) if safe to do so.

Protect floor drains or other means for environmental release, if possible. Absorbents and spill socks may be placed around drains, as needed.

Maintain fume hood ventilation (if applicable).

Always wear the proper personal protective equipment when cleaning up spills. For example, rubber gloves, goggles, booties, a lab coat, or a bunny suit if there may be splashing.  

Place all spill clean-up material and residue into yellow hazardous waste bags or an appropriate container. You may use a dustpan and brush to scoop the spill residue into the container. Decontaminate the area with soap and water after cleanup.

Seal bags or containers securely. Use strong tape on bags, and label the containers/bags with the chemical name(s) and as "spill debris."  Bring the bag to the central stockrooms for disposal. Make sure someone is there to accept it.

The EHRS Department must be informed of the spill. (X8925), (X8843) or (X3141) (Complete laboratory incident report, if applicable.)

If the spill is large, flammable, toxic or a threat to personnel, students, or the public, notify the EHRS Department (X8925, X8843 or X3141) or the Department of Public Safety (X7000) immediately. Ventilate or maintain fume hood ventilation, if possible.

Be prepared to report:

If the spilled chemical is flammable, extinguish all nearby flames and sources of ignition (such as brush-type motors), if safe to do so.

Confine or dike the spill on your way out, if possible.

Protect floor drains or other means for environmental release, if possible.  Absorbents and spill socks may be placed around drains, as needed.

Evacuate the area, warn others to leave and stay out of the area.   Avoid touching the spill, walking in it, or breathing it, whether it has an odor or not.  (Close the door, post a warning sign, if it is safe to do so.)

Remain on the scene, but at a safe distance, to receive and direct EHRS/Public Safety personnel when they arrive. You are needed to relay, and possibly receive, important hazard information.

Click here for information on biohazard and blood spills from the Biosafety Manual.

Click here for information on radioactive spills from the Radiation Safety Manual.

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia • 600 South Forty-third Street • Philadelphia, PA 19104-4495 • phone: 215-596-8800 • email: safety@usip.edu