Chemical Spill

The range and quantity of hazardous substances used in laboratories require pre-planning to respond safety to chemical spill. The cleanup of chemical spill should only be done by knowledgeable and experienced personnel who have received appropriate training. Spill kits with instructions, absorbents, reactants, and protective equipment should be available to clean up minor spills. An incidental chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff is capable of handling without assistance of safety and emergency personnel. An emergency release requires active assistance from emergency personnel.

Incidental Chemical Spill

1. Alert people in immediate area of spill.
2. Wear protective equipment, including safety goggles, gloves, and long-sleeve lab coat.
3. Avoid breathing vapors from the spill.
4. Confine spill to a small area.
5. Do not wash spill down the drain.
6. Use the appropriate kit to neutralize and absorb inorganic acids or bases. Collect residue, place in a container, and dispose of as chemical waste.
7. For other chemicals, use the appropriate kit or absorb spill with vermiculite, dry sand, or diatomaceous earth. Collect residue, place in a container and dispose of as chemical waste.
8. Clean spill area with water.

Emergency Release

1. Attend to injured  or contaminate persons and remove them from exposure.
2. Alert people in the laboratory to evacuate.
3. If spilled material is flammable, turn off ignition and heat source. Don't light Bunsen burners or turn on other switches.
4. Contact the University of Michigan-Dearborn Department of Public Safety at 313-593-5333.
5. Close doors to the affected area.
6. Have a person knowledgeable of the incident and the laboratory assist emergency personnel.