Cleaning up a Chemical Spill

1. Cleaning up a Chemical Spill How to use a spill kit

2. Evaluating a chemical spillIs help needed? Can this be handled with lab personnel? • Container label is legible • SDS is available • Hazards: reactive, flammable, volatile • Risks: health, physical property, or environment Chemical Hazards Do I know what it is? “Complex” spill GET HELP! Call 911, if no imminent hazard (fire or major injury) ask for AHERPS for further assistance. Evacuate if needed. • Available spill control materials to confine and absorb • Physical layout of the spill Quantity Can I handle a spill of this size? Yes Yes No • Hazardous vapors/ dust • Liquids can encounter ignition sources or incompatible materials • Nearby classrooms or offices No No No Impacts Can this spill be contained? Yes Training and Equipment Can I safely clean up the spill with the available PPE and equipment? • Training and experience • Available PPE • Available spill control materials “Simple” spill Can be cleaned up promptly by researcher Yes Adapted from: Univ. of Wiscon. Environment, Health and Safety. Spill Response and Reporting http://web.uwsa.edu/oslp/ehs/hazmaterials/spill-response-and-reporting/

3. Cleaning up a chemical spill • Before cleaning up a spill make sure that you can do so safely. • Contact DEHS for guidance • Look up the SDS of the chemical • Clean up procedures • PPE requirements – put it on! • Remember, Do NOT use spill kits for HF, radioactive material, or mercury spills (call DEHS). • Secure the area – Post do not enter signs • Control the spread of spill with absorbent materials (spill mats). • Neutralize acids and bases. • Add neutralizer slowly from edges to center; Mix • Test with pH (want pH from 6-8) • For acids use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) • For bases use citric or ascorbic acid Images: Minor spill clean up. Iowa State University, Environmental Health and Safety http://www.ehs.iastate.edu/laboratory/spills-leaks/minor-spill

4. Cleaning up a chemical spill • Absorb the liquid with spill mats or other absorbent • Be careful not to be cut by any glass shards • Collect and contain the cleanup residues • Place in a plastic waste container/bucker or double layered plastic bags. • Label with a yellow hazardous waste label and a red solid waste sticker. • Contact DEHS personnel for more information. • Decontaminate the area and effected equipment. • Vent the spill area (open doors/windows, use a fan • Clean area with soap and water with a mop or sponge Hazardous Waste Images: Minor spill clean up. Iowa State University, Environmental Health and Safety http://www.ehs.iastate.edu/laboratory/spills-leaks/minor-spill

5. Compatible Absorbents How to make a spill Kit FAQs, Hazardous Waste Management Program. Vermont DEC, Waste Management and Prevention Division http://www.anr.state.vt.us/dec/wastediv/rcra/SpillKitFAQ.htm

6. New PIG HazMat Mat Pad Great chemical compatibility http://www.newpig.com/pig/US/pig-hazmat-mat-pad-mat301?cm_cat=item_number_search

7. Keep in Mind VentilationFume hood < vented cabinet < lab < hall < closet Risks • Explosives / air, water, temperature reactive • Dangerous, but rare; likely already reacted prior to clean up of residue • Fire / volatile / inhalation hazards • Tricky to evaluate; Call DEHS (911 + AHERPS) • Contact hazards (corrosives / toxic via ingestion) • Most likely can be handled by lab (unless at high concentration or volume) • Delayed effect (carcinogens / environmental hazards) • Handled by lab Lower risk Higher risk