Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

4) Try to prevent spilled chemicals from entering waterways by building a dike around
access points (sink, cup sinks, and floor drains inside storm drains outside) with
absorbent material if you can safely do so.
5) Use the appropriate absorbent material for liquid spills (detailed in the following
section).
6) Slowly add absorbent material on and around the spill and allow the chemical to be
absorbed. Apply enough absorbent to completely cover the spilled liquid.
7) Sweep up the absorbed spill from the outside towards the middle.
8) Scoop up and deposit residue in a leak-proof container.
9) For acid and base spills, transfer the absorbed materials to a sink and complete the
neutralization prior to drain disposal.
10) For absorbed hazardous chemicals, label the container and dispose of through the
hazardous waste management program.
11) If possible, mark the area of the spill on the floor with chalk.
12) Wash the contaminated surface with soapy water. If the spilled chemical is highly
toxic, collect the rinsate for proper disposal.
13) Report the spill to your supervisor, Public Safety, and the EHS office immediately.
14) Restock any spill cleanup supplies that you may have used from any spill kits.
12.12 Spill Absorbent Materials
Note: The following materials are recommended spill absorbent materials; however, they
are not appropriate for every possible chemical spill. When in doubt, contact your EHSO
for advice.
For acid spills (except Hydrofluoric acid):
• Sodium carbonate
• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
• Calcium carbonate
• Calcium bicarbonate
• Soda ash
• Do not use absorbent clay for acid spills
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