Business and Administration

TYPES OF SPILLS

There are two general types of spills:

• Complicated spills:
  • Require assistance from outside the
    laboratory
•  Simple spills:
  • Spills you can clean up yourself

COMPLICATED SPILLS

A spill is considered complicated or high hazard if it could result in fire, explosion, or a situation immediately dangerous to life and health.

Immediate Actions:

• Evacuate the immediate area.
• Call 911 from a safe location and stay on the line until instructed to hang up.
• Notify AUDCSS at 844-8888 to alert the Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT).

For Larger Incidents:

• Evacuate the entire building with the help of building authorities.
• Gather upwind at a safe distance.
• Laboratory managers should account for all personnel.
• Those involved should stay nearby to assist emergency responders.

Information to Provide:

• Details of the chemicals or biohazardous agents involved.
• Notify the principal investigator and department head after relaying information to responders.

If Personal Injury or Chemical Contamination Occurs:

• Call 911 and request an ambulance.
• Provide your name, phone number, exact location, and type of contaminant.
• For corrosive chemical exposure, assist the injured to an eyewash station or shower, then call 911.
• For other exposures, follow the SDS first aid recommendations and have a copy available for emergency personnel.

SIMPLE SPILLS

• A spill is considered simple if it:
  • Is less than one gallon.
  • Does not spread rapidly.
  • Only endangers people or property by direct contact.
  • Does not endanger the environment.

  Note: If a spill does not meet all these criteria, it is considered complicated. When in doubt, contact 911 immediately.

  Response to Simple Spills:

  • Neutralize, absorb, or manage the spill yourself.
  • Consider the following factors:
    • Amount of chemical spilled.
    • Type of chemical.
    • Hazardous characteristics of the chemical.
    • Location of the spill.
    • Proper cleanup method.
    • Availability of suitable personal protective equipment.

PRE-PLANNING

Pre-planning is essential to minimize exposure to hazardous substances. Personnel protection is the top priority, with spill cleanup being secondary.

Pre-Planning Steps:

1. Consult the SDS: Know the hazards of each compound you work with.
2. Assess Risks: Evaluate the risks before using any chemical.
3. Emergency Plan: Have a laboratory emergency plan for hazardous materials, posted conspicuously for employees and responders.
4. Emergency Contacts: Post emergency phone numbers and home numbers of laboratory supervisors.

Considerations When Using Hazardous Substances:

• • Toxicity, reactivity, corrosivity, and flammability of the compound.
  • Amounts involved.
  • Expected duration of exposure.
  • Potential routes of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact).

PRECAUTIONS

General Precautions

• Reduce clutter and unnecessary materials in your work areas.
• Eliminate tripping hazards and other obstructions.
• Have all needed equipment readily available before starting work.

Storage precautions

• Use sturdy shelves.
• Larger containers should be stored closer to the floor.
• Containers on shelves should be stored away from the edge to reduce the danger of falling.
• Storage shelves should have lips to reduce further the danger of falling.
• Chemicals should be stored by hazard and compatibility class.
• Inspect the storage area regularly for leaking or defective containers.
• Use appropriate storage containers.
• Engineering controls such as trays, bottle carriers, and break-resistant containers should be used in laboratories and stock rooms.

Transportation precautions

• Use carts, where appropriate.
• Use safety containers, where appropriate.
• Use bottle carriers for 2.5 and 4.0 liter bottles.
• Use straps to secure containers, where appropriate.
• Think about potential hazards before transporting chemicals.
• Consider purchasing plastic coated “shatter resistant” bottles.

Precautions in transferring chemicals

• Pay careful attention to the size of the container to avoid overfilling
• Use pumps or other mechanical devices rather than simple pouring
• Provide containment to capture leaks and spills

PROTECTION

Eye Protection:

• Minimum: Safety glasses.
• For corrosive/reactive materials: Chemical splash goggles or a face shield.

Skin Protection:

• Minimum: Lab coat.
• If splashing is possible: Wear an apron.

Gloves:

• Use chemical-resistant gloves (heavy nitrile, butyl, or neoprene).
• Have a box of disposable polyethylene gloves.
• Plan for at least two people per cleanup.

Shoes:

• Wear closed-toed, non-porous shoes that cover the entire foot.

Respiratory Protection:

• Do not use respirators for spills generating toxic vapors; evacuate and let professionals handle it.
• Only use a respirator if trained, medically evaluated, and fit-tested.
• For more information, contact the Office of Safety & Health at 844-4870.

SPILL RESPONSE EQUIPMENT

Laboratories should maintain basic chemical spill equipment in all areas where hazardous materials are used or stored. These materials should prevent spilled chemicals from spreading to drains or other areas.

Preparation:

• Ensure all necessary personal protective devices, safety equipment, and containment/cleanup materials listed in the SDS are readily available before starting any work with chemicals.

Spill Kit Knowledge:

• Individuals involved in spill response or cleanup must understand the purpose and limitations of each item in the spill kit.
• Prepackaged spill kits are available but can be expensive. Many prefer to stock their own kits.

SPILL KITS

Contents:

• Consolidate common spill kit items in one place for easy emergency access.
• Assign someone to inspect and restock the kit regularly.
• Post the list of contents and inspection schedule near the kit.

Usage:

• For small chemical amounts, use lab or paper towels if compatible with the spilled material.
• Chemical storerooms and maintenance shops need more extensive supplies.

Additional Information:

• The spill kit contents can be expanded as needed.
• For detailed information on spill kits for specific chemicals or processes, contact EHS.

SPILL REPORTING

Significant Spills:

• Report to Auburn Police (911).
• No need to notify emergency responders for simple spills, but EHS is available for advice.

Fire Hazards:

• Even small amounts of flammable or reactive substances can be hazardous.
• Remove ignition sources if possible.
• If vapors are near an ignition source, consider shutting off power from a remote circuit breaker.
• Evacuate, notify Auburn Police (911) and AUDCSS, and pull the fire alarm if unsure about fire potential.

Health Hazards:

• Uncontained chemicals that disperse fumes, gases, or dust can be hazardous.
• Evacuate if you suspect the chemical is toxic.
• If others could be exposed, evacuate the area or building and follow high-hazard emergency procedures.

Reporting a Complicated Spill:

• From a safe place, call Auburn Police (911) and AUDCSS (844-8888).
• Provide the following information:
  • Location of the spill
  • Name and amount of material spilled
  • Extent of injuries
  • Safest route to the spill
  • Your name
  • Telephone number and present location
• Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.

SPILL RESPONSE

Initial Evaluation:

• Assess the danger to yourself, others, and the environment.
• Extinguish open flames, leave fume hoods on, and open windows if possible.

After Reporting a Complicated Spill:

1. Alert nearby persons.
2. Close the laboratory door.
3. Contact the Laboratory Manager or Principal Investigator.
4. Evacuate the building for extremely toxic spills.
5. Post personnel at entrances to direct people away.
6. Arrange for someone to meet emergency responders.

Simple Spill Cleanup:

• Responsible individuals should clean up immediately using appropriate PPE.

Simple Spill Criteria:

• Less than one gallon.
• Does not spread rapidly.
• Only endangers by direct contact.
• Does not endanger the environment.

General Guidelines:

• Always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, evacuate.

Containment:

• Use absorbents or pillows to make a dike around the spill.

Supplies Needed:

• Absorbent materials (e.g., paper towels, kitty litter, spill booms, pillows).

Preventing Fume Spread:

• Close the laboratory door and keep fume hoods on.

Neutralizing Acids and Bases:

• Use caution and wear protective equipment.
• Neutralize acids and bases before mopping up and rinsing down the drain.
• Use specific neutralizing agents for hydrofluoric acid.

Supplies Needed:

• For acids: sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium carbonate.
• For bases: sodium bisulfate, monosodium phosphate.
• pH paper to check neutralization.

Absorption of Liquids:

• Add absorbents from the outer edges toward the center.
• Do not use vacuum cleaners for flammable liquids.

Supplies Needed:

• Absorbent materials (e.g., paper towels, oil-dry, vermiculite).
• Spill control pillows and activated carbon for solvents.

Recovery and Containment for Disposal:

• Collect spill residues and cleanup materials in plastic containers or bags.
• Label containers with Hazardous Waste Container labels or CHEMATIX™ Waste Cards.

Supplies Needed:

• Plastic bags, jars, bottles, jugs, pails.
• Forceps, broom, shovel, dustpan.
• Mop and bucket.

Decontamination:

• Decontaminate the area and affected equipment.