Since spills can greatly disrupt your activities, and, at worst, cause bodily harm or property damage, it is prudent to make preparations before spills occur. This section provides basic emergency preparedness information and gives general guidance on how you should respond to chemical spills.

Preventing spills

Listed below, and on the following page, are some basic spill prevention steps that apply to storage, transportation, and transfer of chemicals.

General precautions:

• reduce clutter and unnecessary materials in your work areas
• eliminate tripping hazards and other obstructions
• have all needed equipment readily available before starting work
Storage precautions:
• use sturdy shelves
• larger containers should be stored closer to the floor
• containers on shelves should be stored back from the edge to reduce the danger of falling
• storage shelves should have lips to further reduce the danger of falling
• chemicals should be stored by compatibility class first, then alphabetically
• inspect the storage area regularly for leaking or defective containers
• use appropriate storage containers
• periodically check containers under hoods, sinks and lab benches for signs of deterioration
Transportation precautions:
• use carts, where appropriate
• use safety containers, where appropriate
• use bottle carriers for 2.5 and 4.0 liter bottles
• use straps to secure gas cylinders, where appropriate
• think about potential hazards before transporting chemicals
• consider purchasing plastic coated "shatter resistant" bottles
Precautions in transferring chemicals:
• pay careful attention to the size of container to avoid overfilling
• use pumps or other mechanical devices rather than simple pouring
• provide containment to capture leaks and spills


Preparing for Spills

It is best to proceed in an organized manner for spill response. Establishing protocols and evaluating potential hazards in advance will be well worth the initial effort.

Establish spill response protocols

 
Before working with chemicals you should determine what could go wrong and how you might respond to a spill. As a result of this evaluation, you should prepare written protocols for use in the event of a spill. These protocols need to be communicated to all persons who might be affected by a spill.

In addition, you should have basic spill cleanup materials readily available should anything go wrong. Always create written spill protocols before using a chemical.
 

Establish spill response protocols
When spills occur, a quick appropriate response can prevent serious consequences. However, the wrong response can make things worse. In order to respond promptly and appropriately, you should evaluate the potential hazards in advance of using the chemicals. The first source of information to consult would be your Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

 Of most concern in spill situations are chemicals which are:

• air reactive
• water reactive
• flammable
• polymerizable
• corrosive
• highly toxic
Based on these hazards, you can then determine:
• appropriate personal protective equipment for spill response (e. g. gloves, respirators, etc.)
• types of fire suppression equipment
• appropriate cleanup materials
• first aid procedures


Spill cleanup materials and equipment

Prior to starting any work with chemicals, make sure that you have all the necessary personal protective devices, safety equipment, and containment/ clean up materials readily available. Each individual who may be involved in spill response or clean up must know the purpose and limitations of all personal protective equipment, safety equipment and clean up materials.

Defining and classifying a spill

Chemical spills can be broken down into two basic types: simple spills, which you can clean up yourself, and complicated spills, which require outside assistance.

A spill is complicated if:

• a person is injured; or
• identity of the chemical is unknown; or
• multiple chemicals are involved; or
• the chemical is highly toxic, flammable or reactive; or
• the spill occurs in a "public space" such as corridors; or
• the spill has the potential to spread to other parts of the building such as through the ventilation system; or
• the clean up procedures are not known or appropriate materials are not readily available; or
• the spill may endanger the environment such as reaching waterways or outside ground.
If none of the above are met, the spill is defined as simple.

Specific spill response measures for simple spills

• Prevent the spread of fumes and vapors. If the substance is volatile or can produce airborne dusts, close the laboratory door to prevent the spread of fumes and vapors to other areas. It may also be necessary to close windows.
• Control the spread of liquids. The object of this step is to contain the spill. This can be done by using absorbent material such as Oil-Dri, cat litter, vermiculite, or spill pillows. Make a dike around the liquid by placing absorbents or spill pillows at the outside edges of the spill. (Do not use silica [sand] based products with hydrofluoric acid.)
• Neutralize acids and bases. Spills of most acids or bases should be neutralized unless toxic vapors are present. One must be careful in neutralizing spills because the neutralization process often is vigorous causing splashes and giving off large amounts of heat.
• Absorb liquids. Add the absorbents to the spill, working from the outer edges toward the center. Absorbent material such as Oil-Dri, cat litter, or vermiculite are relatively inexpensive and work well, although they are messy. Spill pillows are much less messy, though more expensive. (Do not use silica [sand] based products with hydrofluoric acid.)
• Collect and contain the cleanup residues. Spill residues and cleanup materials should be collected and placed into a plastic container. If the residues are totally dry and small in volume, they may be placed in a plastic bag. Place a descriptive label on each container.
• Decontaminate the area and affected equipment. Ventilate the area if necessary. For most hard surfaces, conventional cleaning with soap and water is appropriate.

Dispose of the wastes. Seal and label the container containing the collected waste and contactthe chemical storage facility(ext. 1614 or 1877).
Specific spill response measures for complicated spills
• Evacuate the area. Leave the spill area; alert others in the area and direct/ assist them in leaving. Without endangering yourself: remove victims to fresh air, remove contaminated clothing, flush contaminated skin with water for 15 minutes. If anyone has been injured call 9-911 immediately. If your building recycles air back into the building it may be necessary to evacuate the building for extremely toxic spills.
• Confine the spill area. Close doors and isolate the area. It may also be necessary to close windows.
• Report the spill. From a safe place, call METCAD (9-911). Report that this is a chemical spill at the University of College of Cape Breton and give the name of the chemical, the quantity spilled, spill location (building name and room number), the extent of any injuries, whether a fire or explosion is involved, and your name and phone number.
• Secure the area. Until emergency responders arrive, block off the areas leading to the spill, lock doors, and post signs and warning tape to alert others of the spill. Post staff by commonly used entrances to the area to direct people to use other routes. Arrange for someone to meet the emergency responders at the main entrance to the building.
• Clean up the spill. After the Fire Department has controlled the spill, consult the emergency responders on how  to clean up the spill. In some cases you will be able to do this yourself; in other cases, an outside contractor may be required.


Special precautions for flammable liquids

• Remove all potential sources of ignition, when possible. If, however, the vapors from a flammable spill are in the vicinity of an ignition source, such as a pump, it may be advisable to shut off power from a remote circuit breaker box, instead.
• Use appropriate respiratory protection.
• Use spill pillows or absorbent towels. Contain spill cleanup materials in a sturdy plastic bag and label "[ Chemical Name] Spill Cleanup Debris." Because the wastes will be shipped off-site for disposal by incineration, avoid using inert absorbents such as bentonite clay (Oil-Dri) or vermiculite.
• Never use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to collect flammable liquids.
• Thoroughly ventilate the area when done.


Special precautions for acids

• Special precautions should be taken when cleaning up hydrofluoric acid (HF) spills. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Use a chemical sorbent specifically designed for HF, such as 3M™ Chemical Sorbent. Do not use silica [sand] based products with hydrofluoric acid.
• Protect skin and eyes from direct contact with the acid.
• Use appropriate respiratory protection.
• Neutralize the spill with the carbonate or bicarbonate of sodium or potassium. The neutralization reaction is sometimes vigorous, so be on the alert for splashes.
• Use pH paper to verify that the acid has been neutralized.


Special precautions for powder spills

• Before starting, close windows and doors to cut down on drafts that could increase dust formation.
• Carefully sweep up the powder to minimize generation of dust. Put all residues in a sealed container.
• If needed, protect your respiratory system from dusts by wearing a dust mask or respirator, as appropriate. You must be certified to wear the dust mask or respirator.


Special precautions for mercury spills

• Cordon off the area to prevent mercury from being tracked.
• If you break a mercury thermometer, a mercury sponge is usually adequate for cleaning up the spill. Use the sponge to absorb the mercury. Place it and the broken thermometer in a sturdy plastic bag. Close and label the bag "Broken mercury thermometer". A portable mercury spill kit is available from most chemical supply companies
• Contact the chemical storage facility(ext. 1614 or 1877) for the use of a hand pump to collect large amounts of mercury.

Note: The best method of dealing with mercury spills is to prevent them in the first place. Examine all uses of mercury to see if substitutes are available. If not, use trays or other equipment to provide containment in the event of a spill.


Spill control kits

It is good safety practice to have spill control materials available at all times. You may buy prepackaged spill kits from various vendors. Because prepackaged kits tend to be expensive, many chemical users prefer to make their own kits. Should you decide to make your own kit, include the following at a minimum:

• Disposable (nitrile or latex) gloves (1 box)
• Neoprene gloves (1 set)
• Safety goggles
• Poly scoop
• Poly dustpan
• Plastic bags
• Absorbent material
• 3M™ Chemical Sorbent or similar material , or
• 1: 1: 1 mixture of sand, soda ash, and kitty litter (Do not use for hydrofluoric acid.)
• 5-gallon poly (plastic) pail
The location of spill control kits should be clearly marked and highly visible. Make sure all personnel know the kit's location, are familiar with the kit's contents, and understand its limitations.