Chemical Spillage? Here's What to Do!

Handling a chemical spill promptly and effectively ensures safety and minimizes damage. This article answers the question, “What do you do if spillage occurs?” by outlining the essential steps for responding to chemical spills. It focuses on immediate containment, proper cleanup procedures, and promoting awareness of safety protocols to protect individuals and the environment from hazardous exposure.

Immediate Actions: Safety First

Alert everyone in the immediate area about the spill. Secure the spill area with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Identify the Chemical

After ensuring safety, identify the spill. Observe the spilled substance's physical characteristics, such as color, viscosity, and visible reactions. Check for labels on nearby containers or safety data sheets (SDSs) in the area.

Using the Right PPE

The PPE you should use in a chemical spill area depends on the severity and nature of the spill. Here are the general guidelines:

Basic PPE for Minor Spills

• Chemical splash goggles or safety glasses meeting ANSI Z.87.1 standards
• Disposable nitrile gloves
• Lab coat or chemical-resistant apron
• Closed-toe shoes

Enhanced PPE for More Hazardous Spills

• Full-face shield (in addition to goggles)
• Chemical-resistant gloves (double-layered if necessary)
• Chemical-resistant coveralls or suit
• Chemical-resistant boots

Respiratory Protection

• Air-purifying respirators for known contaminants
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for unknown or highly toxic substances

Containment: Preventing Further Spread

To properly contain a chemical spill, follow these steps:

1. Control the spread of the liquid by creating a dike around the spill using absorbent materials like clay, pet litter, fine sand, or vermiculite.
2. Avoid using sawdust or materials that the liquid can seep through, especially for strong oxidizers, as this can create a fire hazard.
3. For liquid spills, add absorbent material on and around the spill, working from the outside towards the center. Apply enough absorbent to cover the spilled liquid completely.
4. If the spill is near waterways or drains, build dikes around access points (sinks, floor drains, storm drains) to prevent the chemical from entering.
5. If dealing with acids or bases, neutralize them before further containment. Use soda ash or sodium bicarbonate for acids and citric acid or ascorbic acid for bases.
6. For dry chemical spills, gently sweep the material, not making it airborne.

Cleanup Procedures for Different Chemicals

The cleanup procedures for different chemicals vary based on their properties. Here's an overview of the methods for various types of chemical spills:

General Liquid Spills

• Use absorbent materials like ground corn cobs (SlikQwik), vermiculite, or absorbent clay (kitty litter)
• Apply the absorbent from the outside toward the center of the spill
• Sweep up the absorbed material and place it in a leak-proof container

Acid and Base Spills

• For acids, use sodium bicarbonate to neutralize
• For bases, use citric acid to neutralize
• After neutralization, transfer the absorbed materials to a sink and complete neutralization before disposal

Organic Liquid Spills

• Use ground corn cobs (SlikQwik)
• For flammable liquids, use an excess of absorbent material

Oxidizing Liquids

• Use absorbent clay, vermiculite, or other nonreactive absorbent materials
• Do not use SlikQwik or paper towels

Mercury Spills

• Use a small mercury vacuum to pick up large drops
• Use Hg Absorb Sponges to amalgamate mercury residue
• Apply Hg Absorb Powder to amalgamate the remaining mercury

Powdered Chemical Spills

• Sweep carefully to avoid generating dust
• Use moist absorbent pads
• Alternatively, wet the powder with a suitable solvent and wipe with a dry cloth

Reporting the Incident

Obligations include promptly notifying the National Response Center (NRC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC), and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) of releases of hazardous substances. For specific incidents, OSHA requires a written report within 15 calendar days.

Staying Ahead of Future Incidents

A post-spill review analyzes response effectiveness and identifies improvement areas, enhancing future readiness. It involves examining procedures, equipment, and communication during the incident. Updated training programs ensure staff preparedness, while regular drills and revisited safety protocols fortify responses, minimizing risks and improving safety in future incidents.

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