Spill Cleanup: What to do When a Chemical Spills

Spill Cleanup: What to do When a Chemical Spills

Spills can occur in any area where chemicals, oil, or a similar hazardous substance is handled. In these events, spill cleanup procedures must be implemented right away. Although cleanup procedures vary with the substance and size of the spill, all involve using absorbents, decontamination, and storing the substance for disposal. If a spill is not cleaned up, however, injury, environmental hazards, illness, or fire may result.

Even before a spill happens, personal protection equipment and spill control materials need to be available, and workers should be trained on spill cleanup procedures. If you need a reference point, 40 CFR 112, 261, and 264 specify procedures.

As soon as a chemical spills, identify it through the MSDS and use the proper absorbent: universal, oil only, or hazmat. Chemicals may also be a flammable or an acid, and spill cleanup procedures need to address this. If the chemical is identified as flammable, cleanup workers need to control all sources of fire and ventilate the area. If the chemical is an acid, apply a neutralizer before an absorbent. The chemical will change color once neutralized.

During this time, everyone except for the workers needs to leave the area; those exposed to the chemical need to go through proper decontamination. In most cases, this involves flushing the skin several times with water.

An absorbent needs to be applied to stop the chemical and clean it up. Socks, pads, mats, or loose absorbents may be applied to the spill and used until the chemical is fully picked up. If you decide to use loose absorbents, distribute it to the spill from the outside edge inwards. This not only prevents chemical splashes but it also keeps the spill from spreading. Loose absorbents take on a gel-like quality as soon as the chemical is absorbed, and workers need to scoop it up and place it in a container.

The container used depends upon the size of the spill. Polyethylene bags are recommended for small chemical spills, while five-gallon pails or 20-gallon drums should be used for larger spills. No matter the container used, the chemical must be identified on the outside and packaged for disposal: with secondary containment and inside a hood or similarly-ventilated area.

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