Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

12.10 Chemical Spill Procedures
When a chemical spill occurs, it is necessary to take prompt and appropriate action. The type of
response will depend on the quantity of the chemical spilled and the severity of the hazards
associated with the chemical. The first action is to alert others in your lab or work area that a
spill has occurred. Then you must determine if you can safely clean up the spill yourself.
Many chemical spills can be safely cleaned up by laboratory staff without the help of the EHSO.
One should only attempt to clean up incidental spills are trained and equipped with the proper
spill cleanup materials. Note: The following advice is intended for spills that occur within a
campus building. A release to the outside environment may require the College to file a report
with the responsible government agency. The EHS office can make this determination.
12.11 Incidental Spills
A spill is considered incidental if the following criteria are met:
Physical:
• The spill is a small quantity of a known chemical.
• No gases or vapors require respiratory protection.
Equipment:
• You have the materials and equipment needed to clean up the spill.
• You have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) available.
Personal:
• You understand the hazards posed by the spilled chemical.
• You know how to clean up the spill.
• You feel comfortable cleaning up the spill.
12.11.1 Incidental Spill Cleanup Procedures
1) Notify other people in the area that a spill has occurred. Prevent others from coming
in contact with the spill (i.e., walking through the spilled chemical). The first priority
is to always protect yourself and others.
2) Put on the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves,
respiratory protection, etc. before beginning cleanup.
3) Stop the source of the spill if possible and if safe to do so.
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