Chemical Spill Guideline

1. Scope
This guideline is for the handling of hazardous solids and liquid spills. It does not cover
high risk unintentional release involving:
a) Any gaseous chemicals
b) Highly reactive material
c) Radioactive material
d) Explosive material.

Spill - Any unintended release of any substance at the workplace.

Hazardous Substance Any substance that may potentially cause harm to the user himself, another person, or
endangering the environment.
Emergency Any situation which is unclear to the person causing or discovering the spill, that:

requires the mass evacuation of all persons ;

may cause fire or explosion ;

result in high exposure levels of hazardous substances ; and/or

may not be able to handle by himself.

2. Chemical Spill Management

The steps for spill management are shown in the left hand side of Figure 1 (in blue).

3. Acid / Alkali spill

Spills of acids/alkali (except HF) can either absorbed using inert absorbents (preferred
method) or neutralized. (Note: For concentrated acids, dilute the absorbed acid with
equal amount of water.) All absorbed and neutralized substances shall be disposed of
via licensed waste collectors.
Acid spills can be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate.
Contain the liquid spill first.
Sprinkle power over the spill slowly, starting from outside.

Test with pH strips (pH 6-8).

Acid is neutralized if effervescence ceases in the presence of excess bicarbonate.
Avoid breathing in fine powder and the gas evolved (carbon dioxide).
Alkali spill can be neutralized with either boric acid or oxalic acid as described in
above.(Note property of neutralizing acids).
Do not mix strong acids and alkali together as neutralizing agents.

4. Recommended Spill Kit

Use provided chemical spill kit appropriately
5. De-contamination
Tools and PPE

All tools (plastic scoop, tongs, etc) used in the clean up need to be washed with copious
amount of water. Dry the tools and place them back into the spill kit along with the
splash goggles. Replace chemical cartridges as necessary and disinfect respirator..
Dispose of the gloves, use mask and protective suit. Replenish the spill kit.
Wash hands and face thoroughly
Change apron immediately after decontamination. If hair is contaminated, wash
immediately. Wipe the sole of the shoes (or dispose of shoe covers).
No person with open toe shoes or slippers must handle spills.
Liquid Spills (Other than flammable liquids)
Spread the absorbent pads over the spill starting with the edges first. This will help to
contain the spill to a smaller area. (Do not step ON adsorbent pads/pillows) Spread
enough pads over the spill to completely cover the liquid. Pick up the contaminated
pads with tongs or scoop and place into double polyethylene bag. If chemical is water
soluble, wipe the area down with a paper towel, followed by wet mop and detergent.
Dispose of paper towel with the waste generated from the spill cleanup. Seal bag with
bag ties.
Flammable Liquids Spills
Control all sources of ignition turn off all electrical apparatus and heat generating
equipment. Spread the pads over the spill, starting from the edge.

Allow pads to

completely soak up liquid. Pick up pads with tongs or scoops; minimize direct contact.

Place in polyethylene bag. Wipe the area down. Seal bag with bag ties into an air tight
container if possible.

Never use wet vacuum cleaner directly on flammable

solvents. Wipe with detergent and water.

Solid Spills
Use the plastic scoop to place the spilled material into the polyethylene bag. Care
should be taken so as to minimize raising of dust or cause the contaminated powder to
become airborne. Use of a dust mask would be advisable. After the bulk of the material
is cleaned up, wet a spill pad and wipe the area down.

Place the pads into the

polyethylene bag. Wipe the area down with a wet paper towel. Dispose of paper towel
with the waste generated from the spill clean-up. Seal bag.
Odorous Chemicals
Immediately cover the area with several pads if necessary a soaked pad to minimize
odors from spreading and vaporizing. Use booms to contain the spills. Immediately call
for help. Use respiratory protection with an appropriate cartridge filter. Do not use
paper or fiber masks. Depending on the amount and area of spill, the air-condition may
be shut down, windows opened and the air in the immediate area evacuated using an
exhaust fan with the outlet directed out of the window. Treat liquid as normal liquids spill
(either flammable or non-flammable)
Note: If material is lachyrmating, goggles or full respirator is to be used.
Spill Prevention
The best spill prevention is not to create a spill in the first instant.
Majority of chemical spills can be prevented or minimized by:
Maintaining a neat and organized work areas.
Review procedure prior to compound; know your chemicals.
Storing liquid chemicals in secondary containment bins.
Keeping reagent chemical containers sealed or closed at all times, where possibility.
Order reagent chemicals in plastic or plastic shrink wrapped glass containers whenever
possible.
Never store more than required as a guide sufficient for a weeks supply or at the most
four weeks used in open work area.
Transport chemicals bottles in appropriate carriers.
Carry chemicals properly.
Use an over bag or zip lock bags if necessary, especially for hazardous chemicals.

For transport outside all substances are preferably packed as per CEA regulations.

Note:
(1) Primary Hazards

Hazards most likely to cause significant ill effects.

ie. Fire or Poisoning
(2) PPE recommend for small spill
Hand Protection
3M 2217 Chemical Resistant Neoprene Coated Glove
3M Chemical Resistant Dry/Wet/Oil grip with Nitrile Coating
3M C5217 Chemical resistant with highest abrasion/ Dry
Handling

Eye protection Safety spectacles

Body Protection

Lab coat

Respiratory Protection Cartridge respirator (if toxic)

N95 (if fine solids)
N95 for all biological
(3) PPE recommended for large spill (2 persons recommended).
Hand Protection
Gloves (double gloves recommended)
Eye Protection

Goggles

Respiratory Protection 3M 8210 Particulate Respirator

Body Protection
Foot Protection

PVC Apron
Aluminum Apron (if strong acids/alkali)
PVC Safety Boot with steel toe.

(4) Clean Up
Chemical Liquids
Soak up using absorbent pads
Bag and label
Waste disposal company
Solids
Sweep up gently
Bag and label
Waste disposal company
Biological Liquids
Soak with paper absorbent towels
Autoclave
Disposed of via waste disposal company.