CHEMICAL SPILLS

OVERVIEW
If handled properly, a spill may be nothing more than a nuisance. If handled
improperly, a spill can seriously disrupt your activities and the work of your
colleagues. At worst, a spill can cause bodily harm or property damage. This booklet
will help you think logically about your potential spills and plan for a proper
response.
In most cases, laboratory spills involve small quantities of materials and, if
precautions are taken, present minimal hazards. Laboratory workers are usually the
most appropriate people to clean up their spills because they are more likely than
others to be familiar with the spilled material's hazardous characteristics can
respond at least as quickly as, and usually more quickly than, anyone else know
about other potential hazards or complicating factors in their work area and should
be familiar with the proper cleanup techniques for a particular spill.
Some laboratory spills require outside assistance because of the spill's size or
its unusual hazards. Trained hazardous material spill responders have learned that it
is much better to be overly cautious in responding to a spill than to risk lives for
something that "shouldn't be too dangerous." Do not downplay the seriousness of
potentially hazardous spills.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
To prepare for spills, you should: (1) learn about the hazards of the chemicals
in your laboratory, (2) write response procedures to address those hazards, and (3)
make sure that you have the equipment and training necessary to follow those
procedures.
A. KNOW YOUR HAZARDS
As an integral part of any laboratory work, you must identify the hazardous or
potentially hazardous
properties of all chemicals used or produced in your laboratory. Before using any
chemicals, you should
evaluate the consequences of potential spills and develop appropriate response
procedures. If necessary, consult published data (such as material safety data
sheets and chemical dictionaries) for response planning. Additionally, communicate
potential hazards to other workers in your area.
When planning laboratory work and preparing for potential problems,
determine the hazard class of all the chemicals to be used. The following chemical
properties are of most concern when preparing for possible chemical spills:
flammability,
reactivity to air or water,
corrosion, and

high toxicity.

B. WRITE SPILL RESPONSE PROCEDURES

Every laboratory should develop written spill response procedures. Such
procedures should detail the initial steps to take when a spill occurs and include
such elements as staff responsibilities, communication
methods, instructions on using spill response equipment, and spill cleanup and
residue disposal.
Communicate these procedures to all individuals who use chemicals or who might
assist during spill
cleanup. Periodically review and update these procedures to ensure that all
laboratory workers are familiar with the current information. Each procedure should
indicate the date it was last reviewed. The laboratory's Chemical Hygiene Plan is a
good place to include these procedures.
Spill response procedures should include elements such as:

a listing of appropriate protective clothing, safety equipment, and cleanup

materials required for spill cleanup (gloves, respirators, etc.) and an
explanation of their proper use
appropriate evacuation zones and procedures
availability of fire suppression equipment
disposal containers for spill cleanup materials and
the first aid procedures that might be required.

C. MAKE MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

Before starting any work with chemicals, verify that all necessary safety
equipment and spill cleanup materials are available and in good working order.
Additionally, ensure that the individuals who may be involved in spill response are
properly trained in equipment use and spill cleanup procedures. Finally, regularly
inspect all materials and equipment to ensure that they will function properly when
needed.
FIRST
STEPS
WHEN
DETERMINATION

SPILL

OCCURS:

COMMUNICATION

AND

Whenever you spill a laboratory chemical or discover a spill or release, tell your
colleagues and laboratory director no matter how small or insignificant the spill or
release appears. In order to assess a spill's risks
and to obtain advice on cleanup procedures, it always helps to solicit the advice of
others. Even a small
spill can result in a harmful exposure to you or others or can result in hazards that
are not obvious
therefore, notification of regulatory officials may be required.
When a spill occurs, you and others should move well away from the area when
determining the

appropriate response. There are two types of spills: simple spills, which you can
clean up yourself, and
complex spills, which require outside assistance. A simple spill is defined as one
that:
does not spread rapidly,
does not endanger people or property except by direct contact, and
does not endanger the environment.
Three basic steps should be taken to determine whether a spill is simple or complex:
(A) evaluating the
spill's risks (B) evaluating quantities and (C) evaluating the spill's potential impact.
A. EVALUATE THE RISKS
The first step in evaluating whether a spill is "simple" is to estimate the risks
created by the spill. In spill
response, the key risks of concern are human health effects, property damage, and
environmental
damage.
Human Health Effects
Potential health effects is the most important hazard category to consider
when deciding whether or not to attempt a spill cleanup. Some chemical releases
may result in health hazards such as fires or explosions.
Other chemical releases may present health threats because of their ability to
spread rapidly and enter the body readily. A spill is not "simple" if it presents these
risks.
If the potential for fire or explosion exists, seek outside assistance from
trained emergency responders. Releases of flammable chemicals (liquid or solid)
can present significant fire and explosion risks when one or more of the following is
present:
volatile vapors,
water reactive or air reactive chemicals,
ignition sources,
oxidizers, and
significant quantities of combustible materials.

Toxic vapors and dust are also hazardous. Avoid direct contact with such
hazards because they spread
quickly, are easily absorbed through the skin, and may damage tissue.
A chemical spill is not a health risk if it has a low toxicity (especially if it is not
volatile or a dust), is not highly corrosive, and is not a strong oxidizer. Such spills
may be considered "simple" only if physical damage or environmental factors are
absent. When a spilled chemical's toxicity is unknown, treat the spill like a potential
human health hazard by avoiding exposure and seeking outside assistance.

PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

The potential for physical damage to property (equipment, building materials,
structures, or cleanup materials) also is important when determining whether you
have a simple spill. Remember a common first response to a spill is to try to protect
equipment and property, but any real threat to such items will also threaten the
persons cleaning up the spill. Do not attempt to protect property if there are any
human health or fire/explosion hazards present.
In addition to potential fire and explosion hazards, strong corrosives and
oxidizers typically fall under the
property damage category. If any hazards are present that would damage property,
treat the spill as
complex and contact the appropriate authorities.
ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS
Some laboratory spills have the potential for escaping into the environment.
Spills may release into the atmosphere, discharge into the sewer system, or leak
directly into soils or surface water. While few laboratory spills present environmental
threats, it is necessary to notify the appropriate authorities if a spill has the
potential to cause environmental damage. If you can do so safely, it may be prudent
to take interim measures before the hazardous materials response team arrives,
such as blocking a spreading spill with absorbents or covering a floor drain with a
rubber mat.
Though small amounts of some chemicals pose environmental problems,
most environmental risks arepresented by largequantity releases of materials. A
largequantity release that threatens the environment is not a simple spill, but
requires the attention of trained responders.
B. EVALUATE QUANTITIES
The next step to take when determining whether a spill is "simple" is to
evaluate the quantity of material
released. If a spilled chemical is not hazardous, its cleanup (without the assistance
of an emergency
response team) is dependent on the ability to control the spill, as well as the
availability of sufficient spill
control materials (e.g., an absorbent for liquids). Factors that may complicate a
cleanup effort (such as the unique characteristics of a spill's surroundings or the
restricted access to a spill) must be determined on a casebycase basis.
If the spilled chemical is hazardous, the threshold quantity for a simple spill
cleanup depends on the spilled chemical's physical properties and hazards. This
quantity depends on situational factors such as
the training and experience of laboratory personnel,
the availability of spill control materials,
the availability of personal protective equipment, and
the physical layout of the spill location.

The more toxic, corrosive, or flammable a material is, the less likely that the spill
can be defined as
"simple". Thresholds for flammable liquids and solids, as well as volatile toxics,
should be relatively low.
Spills of reactive chemicals should only be managed by trained responders (who
may be inhouse). In
general, simple spill thresholds for liquids will be lower than the thresholds for
solids. Additionally, simple
spill thresholds for volatiles will be lower than the thresholds for nonvolatiles.
C. Evaluate Potential Impacts
The third step to take when deciding whether a spill can be managed as a simple
spill is to evaluate the
potential broader impacts of the spill. A chemical spill in an area where its potential
risks are magnified by specific situations (such as physical situations or the
presence of a large number of people) should not be managed as a simple spill. For
instance, the presence of boxes, chemicals, and other ignition sources
would magnify the impact of a onegallon release of acetone. Since acetone is highly
flammable and
volatile, this situation would be immediately dangerous to both human health and
property, and cleanup
should be handled by an emergency responder. Other factors that may magnify a
spill's impact and require emergency response are
the possibility that hazardous vapors or dusts might enter the building's
ventilation system (and be distributed to other areas)
the possibility that spilled liquids might flow into other areas, thus
expanding the threat of harm (such as reaching ignition sources, exposing
other people, damaging delicate equipment)
the presence of incompatible chemicals
the proximity of classrooms or offices containing people who could be
harmed by the spill's consequences and
spills in sinks that might be connected to other sinks through the
plumbing system.
When evaluating potential impacts, a prompt response can minimize adverse
consequences. On the other hand, an inappropriate response can turn a simple spill
into a complex situation.
To determine whether a spill is simple or complex (which is often the hardest
part of spill response), you need to know (1) the hazard(s) posed by the spilled
chemical and (2) the spill's potential impact. Both these factors are, in large part,
determined by the spill's size. The following information will help you determine
whether you have a simple spill:
the type of chemical(s) spilled,
the amount,
the hazardous characteristics of the spilled chemical(s),
the location,
the proper method for cleaning up the spill,
the personal protective equipment available, and

the training of the laboratory's personnel.

RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR CLEANING UP SIMPLE SPILLS

A. GENERAL RESPONSE GUIDELINES
For simple spills, emergency responders do not need to be notified. However,
you should contact the environmental health and safety office or other responsible
person within your facility. Most importantly, before cleaning up a simple spill, be
sure that you can do so safely. You must have the right personal protective
equipment, including, at a minimum, appropriate eye protection, protective gloves,
and a lab coat. Additional protective equipment may be required for spills that
present special hazards (such as corrosive or reactive spills or spills that have a
splash potential). As a rule of thumb, if you need a respirator, you should request
outside assistance because you do not have a simple spill.
The following steps should be taken during spill cleanup.
1. PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DUSTS AND VAPORS.
If the substance is volatile or can produce airborne dusts, close the laboratory door
and increase ventilation (through fume hoods, for example) to prevent the spread of
dusts and vapors to other areas.
2. NEUTRALIZE ACIDS AND BASES, IF POSSIBLE.
Spills of most liquid acids or bases, once neutralized, can be mopped up and
rinsed down the drain (to the sanitary sewer). However, be careful because the
neutralization process is often vigorous, causing
splashes and yielding large amounts of heat. Neutralize acids with soda ash or
sodium bicarbonate. Bases
can be neutralized with citric acid or ascorbic acid. Use pH paper to determine when
acid or base spills
have been neutralized.
3. CONTROL THE SPREAD OF THE LIQUID.
Contain the spill. Make a dike around the outside edges of the spill. Use
absorbent materials such as vermiculite, cat litter, or spill pillows.
4. ABSORB THE LIQUID.
Add absorbents to the spill, working from the spill's outer edges toward the
center. Absorbent materials, such as cat litter or vermiculite, are relatively
inexpensive and work well, although they are messy. Spill pillows are not as messy
as other absorbents, but they are more expensive. Note that special absorbents are
required for chemicals such as hydrofluoric and concentrated sulfuric acids.
5. COLLECT AND CONTAIN THE CLEANUP RESIDUES.

The neutralized spill residue or the absorbent should be scooped, swept, or

otherwise placed into a plastic bucket or other container. For dry powders or liquids
absorbed to dryness, double bag the residue using plastic bags. Additional
packaging may be required before the wastes can be transported from your
laboratory. For spills of powders or solid materials, you may need to add a dust
suppressant. Be sure to
place descriptive labels on each container.
6. DISPOSE OF THE WASTES.
Keep cleanup materials separate from normal trash. Contact your
environmental health and safety officer for guidance in packaging and labeling
cleanup residues. Promptly place cleanup wastes in an appropriate hazardous waste
receptacle.
7. DECONTAMINATE THE AREA AND AFFECTED EQUIPMENT.
Ventilating the spill area may be necessary. Open windows or use a fan unless
the area is under negative pressure. In some instances, your environmental health
and safety officer can test the air to ensure that hazardous vapors are gone. For
most spills, conventional cleaning products, applied with a mop or sponge, will
provide adequate decontamination. If you have any question about the suitability of
a decontaminating agent, seek expert advice.

B. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions apply to chemicals
characteristics. Note that some
chemicals may exhibit more than one characteristic.

that

have

hazardous

1. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Remove all potential sources of ignition. Vapors are what actually burn, and
they tend to accumulate near
the ground.
Flammable liquids are best removed through the use of spill pillows or pads.
Spill pads backed with a vapor barrier are available from most safety supply
companies. Because flammable liquids will probably be incinerated, avoid using
inert absorbents such as cat litter. All used absorbent materials should be placed in
heavyduty poly bags, which are then sealed, labeled, and disposed through your
facility's hazardous waste management program. Before resuming work, make sure
the spill area has been adequately ventilated to remove flammable vapors.
2. VOLATILE TOXIC COMPOUNDS

Use appropriate absorbent material to control the extent of the spill. Spill
pillows or similar absorbent material usually work best because they do not have
the dust associated with cat litter, vermiculite, or corn cobs. Place all used
absorbent materials in heavyduty poly bags. Seal the bags, label them, and hand
them over to your facility's hazardous waste management program. Again, make
sure the spill area has been adequately ventilated before resuming work.
3. DIRECT CONTACT HAZARDS
Carefully select suitable personal protective equipment. Make sure all skin
surfaces are covered and that the gloves you use protect against the hazards posed
by the spilled chemical. Often it is a good idea to wear two sets of gloves: one as
the primary barrier, the second as a thin inner liner in the event the primary barrier
fails. When the cleanup is completed, be sure to wash hands and other potentially
affected skin surfaces.
4. MERCURY SPILLS
Mercury spills rarely present an imminent hazard unless the spill occurs in an
area with extremely poor ventilation. The main exposure route of mercury is via
vapor inhalation. Consequently, if metallic mercury is not cleaned up adequately,
the tiny droplets remaining in surface cracks and crevices may yield toxic vapors for
years.
When a mercury spill occurs, first cordon off the spill area to prevent people
from inadvertently tracking the contamination over a much larger area. Generally, a
special mercury vacuum cleaner provides the best method of mercury spill cleanup.
DO NOT use a regular vacuum cleaner, because you will only disperse toxic vapors
into the air and contaminate your vacuum cleaner. If a special mercury vacuum is
not available, first use an appropriate suction device to collect the big droplets, then
use a special absorbent (available from most laboratory supply vendors) to
amalgamate smaller mercury droplets.
Ideally, mercury spills should be prevented in the first place. Examine all uses
of mercury to see if
substitutes are available. If substitutes are not available, use trays or other
equipment to provide spill
containment. Spilled mercury often accumulates in sink traps. Be prepared to
contain the mercury when
servicing such facilities.
C. DOCUMENTATION
After cleaning up a spill, a simple writeup should be prepared to document
what happened, why, what was done, and what was learned. Such documentation
can be used to avoid similar instances in the future. Major incidents are almost
always preceded by numerous near misses.
Laboratories seeking to minimize and prevent spills should consider the
possible results of their choices and procedures. Such consideration should focus on

reducing the likelihood of spills, as well as minimizing spill damage. Experimental

plans should only involve chemicals that are actually needed for the desired results.
Ideally, laboratories should only store chemicals that will be used within a
reasonable period of time. Additionally, correct chemical and experimental
equipment choices must be made. Finally, the laboratory worker must not settle for
inappropriate laboratory arrangements.
REFERENCE
American Chemical Society's CEI/CCS Task Force on Laboratory Waste Management
American Chemical Society, Washington, DC Guidelines for Chemical Spills
Response Planning in Laboratories. (1995) Retrieved from
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/p
ublications/guideforchemicalspillresponse.html