Chemical spills can occur in various settings, from laboratories and industrial facilities to transportation incidents and natural disasters. The appropriate response depends on the size and nature of the spill, the chemicals involved, and the potential risks to human health and the environment.
Chemical spills are broadly classified into two separate categories:
- Minor (manageable) spills: small, manageable spills that do not threaten the safety of the workers.
- Major (unmanageable) spills: large spills or spills that present a risk of fire, explosion, or harm to occupant health.
Minor (Manageable) Spill Responses:
- Stop work and notify others in the vicinity that a spill has occurred.
- Don appropriate personal protective equipment for the situation. Minimally, spill responders should don eye protection and gloves. Depending upon the specific environment and nature of the spill, additional PPE may be necessary.
- Take action to stop the spill (upright bottles, recap or contain leaking containers, etc.).
- Cover the spill with absorbent materials, such as vermiculite, to stop it from spreading. Small corrosive spills may be covered in neutralizer which will make the spill easier and safer to clean up.
- Clean up the spill and any absorbents used. Decontaminate the spill area and bag all cleanup material.
- Properly dispose of spill debris.
Major (Unmanageable) Spill Responses:
- Notify all workers in the area that a spill has occurred and immediately evacuate to a safe location.
- If necessary, activate the building fire alarm system to evacuate the building.
- Notify UPD (662-325-2121). Qualified EH&S Specialists will be dispatched to assess the situation.
- If safe to do so, isolate the space to prevent inadvertent entry. Lock any access doors and/or place signs on doors reading “DO NOT ENTER-CHEMICAL SPILL”
Incident Reporting:
Report all hazardous chemical spills to EH&S: 662-325-0026