To effectively clean up spills, prepare for them beforehand
Whenever employees work with a chemical substance, they should be aware of its characteristics, and should have formulated plans of what to do in case of a spill
Chemical knowledge is critical when performing risk assessment and is available from material safety data sheets and EH&S
Specifically, employees should know
what steps to take
who to call for assistance
what personal protective equipment is necessary
what absorbent material should be used to contain and minimize the danger of a spill
where to find such equipment and material
Preparation
The first steps in any chemical spill:
assess the magnitude
assess the hazard
assess the risk to responders and other
Before attempting to fight a spill, make sure employees have proper and adequate
personal protective equipment
spill treatment materials
OSU Spill Response Team
EH&S has developed a hazardous chemical spill response team which is readily available on short notice for dealing with spills.
Response team includes a vacuum designed for mercury spill cleanup
EH&S can be contacted by calling 7-2273. Campus Security can also be reached at 7-3010
The chemical spill response available from EH&S should not lessen the responsibility of individual labs to prepare plans to deal safely with small spills
The preparation of spill response kits at strategic locations within labs or departments is encouraged
EH&S will respond appropriately to reports of any size spill.
Reporting
DEQ regulations require OSU to submit reports for spills over certain specified amounts
All large spills of a hazardous chemical (more than 1 gallon liquid or 1 pound solid) must be reported promptly to EH&S
EH&S will make the report to DEQ if necessary
Reporting smaller spills to EH&S is encouraged
Spill Control
Spill control generally follows the same basic steps, regardless of the materials used, after the initial risk assessment
Assess the magnitude, hazard, and risk of the spill
Get assistance if you are unsure about your ability to control a spill
Acquire and put on personal protective equipment appropriate for the situation, which should include
respiratory protection
eye protection
gloves
impervious shoes/boots
body protection
Get spill control materials, available equipment in two general forms:
loose materials (vermiculite, cat litter)
spill control pillows, which are produced in various shapes and contain different types of absorbents.
Materials are available designed for specific types of chemical spills such as acids or solvents
In general, liquid materials present a much greater danger than solids, and quick response is therefore critical.
Contain and absorb the spill
dike the outside perimeter with absorbent if there is danger the spill may spread
absorb the spill
contain and absorb the material first, then try any neutralization/treatment schemes - don't try "floor chemistry"
Collect the contaminated absorbent.
put into an impervious container, such as a heavy cardboard box with a plastic liner
spill pads and pillows are much easier to collect than loose absorbents
close the container
Dispose of the material correctly - contact EH&S for waste determination and disposal