How to Respond To and Contain Chemical Spills

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Assess the size and type of spill it is.

   This spill assessment will determine your course of action.
   
   Alert your supervisor and other people in the immediate area. , This is considered a major spill.
   
   Some universities have emergency environmental staff on the grounds during the week.
   
   Call them immediately. , Follow decontamination procedures and call emergency services for help. , Do not let any unauthorized person into the contaminated area. ,,,
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   Step 2: Evacuate immediately and call emergency services if the chemical is unknown

   , Open windows and turn on fume hoods, if available. , Start from the outer area of the spill and move inward to avoid splashing or spreading the spilled chemical. , Many spill kits contain different types of neutralizers for various spills.
   
   Pour a base such as sodium carbonate for acid spills or citric acid onto base spills. , Use a brush and pan to pick up materials. , Label the container with a hazardous materials sticker. ,,
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   Step 3: highly toxic

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   Step 4: or if the spill is more than 5 liters (1.3 US gal) (169 fl oz.).

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   Step 5: Attend to any injured or contaminated persons.

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   Step 6: Wait in a safe area for a hazardous materials response team.

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   Step 7: Follow the response team's instructions on further decontamination or medical care.

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   Step 8: File a report to the appropriate authorities in your area.

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   Step 9: Put on protective clothing

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    Step 10: such as gloves and eye protection.

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    Step 11: Turn off all possible ignition sources if a flammable material was spilled.

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    Step 12: Ventilate the area to control fumes.

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    Step 13: Contain the spill by using absorption materials such as sand or vermiculite.

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    Step 14: Use an appropriate neutralizer for the spilled chemical.

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    Step 15: Clean up the materials once the liquid has been properly absorbed and neutralized.

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    Step 16: Place the spilled materials into an appropriate leak-proof container.

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    Step 17: Contact your local environmental protection services office for pickup and disposal.

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    Step 18: Disinfect the spill area with mild soap and water.

Detailed Guide

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