How to Handle Chemical Spills in Laboratory
Chemical spillage is the unintentional release of hazardous substances in solid, liquid, or gas form. Regardless of the kind or quantity of hazardous chemical, worksite measures to decrease the risk of spills and protocols for reacting to chemical spills are required. Safety equipment for spills and emergency protocols are among the preparations for chemical spills.
Immediate Action After
Spillage of Hazardous Chemicals While Awaiting Trained Personnel
- Alert the workers around the area immediately.
- Workers should be highly cautious if the spillage involves corrosives, highly toxic or reactive chemicals.
- Call for assistance as it could threaten the health of the healthcare workers, patients and others in the vicinity.
- Put up a warning sign to indicate the area where the spillage has occurred. This is to limit access to the area.
- Cleaning of chemical spillage must be undertaken by trained personnel.
Handling of Chemical Spillage
- All chemicals should be deemed as dangerous during handling.
- Read the chemical label carefully before proceeding.
- Do not inhale or taste chemical.
- Use PPE such as goggles, gloves, lab coat, apron when handling chemical.
- Skin that comes in contact with chemical should be washed immediately with soap and water.
Chemical Spillage Kit
Laboratories should be equipped to
handle small amounts of low hazard chemical spills. The Chemical Spillage Kit
is required for handling chemical spills. These kits may sometimes vary
according to the chemical. Chemical Spillage Kit should consists of absorbents,
PPE, clean-up material.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Goggles and Face Shield
- Heavy Neoprene Gloves
- Disposable Lab Coat and Corrosive Apron
- Plastic Vinyl Booties
- Respirators (All lab personnel must be properly fit tested before using a respirator.)
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