1. PURPOSE
The purpose of the standard is intended to provide outlines of the steps to manage a chemical spill in order to minimise the potential for injury and damage to the environment of the Laboratory.
2. SCOPE
This procedure is applicable to dry and wet chemistry laboratories.
3. RESPONSIBILITY
The technical manager is responsible for supervision. The quality manager is responsible for implementing this procedure. Lab attendants are responsible to perform housekeeping as per the documented procedure.
4. PROCEDURE
· A chemical spill in the laboratory can range from a minor incident, which can easily be contained and cleaned up, to a major spill which requires expert assistance and has the potential to pose a danger to laboratory workers and the environment. Spill management and response strategies should be included during laboratory emergency planning with personnel trained in the procedures.
· A quick response by laboratory personnel to a chemical spill is likely to limit the consequences, whether it be a minor or major spill.
· Persons using, storing and transporting chemicals should always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet and have controls in place to minimise the effects of a chemical spill such as double containment, bunding, drip trays or raised edges around work areas.
· Major Spill, Minor Spill: The nature of the spill is determined by the risk from the hazardous substance and the level of containment of the spill. An example of a minor spill is 5ml of concentrated Sulphuric Acid in a fume cupboard. Although the risk of concentrated acid is high it is only a small volume that can easily be neutralised and removed. An example of a major spill is the uncontrolled release of ammonia from a gas cylinder in an unventilated enclosed area. The volume is large and may represent a high risk to persons in the area.
4.1 Major spill
4.1.1 Emergency Procedures should consider the immediate danger to persons and ensure effective containment and clean up, appropriate disposal of waste material and notification to all relevant authorities.
4.1.2 Do not touch any harmful substance. Take precautions to protect yourself if necessary.
4.1.3 Raise the alarm – evacuate persons not involved in contamination from the area. Isolate contaminated individuals and treat them as per MSDS. Isolate affected persons and keep them on site. If required, summon a First Aid Officer.
4.1.4 Contact Lab Manager, or the safety coordinator. Advise security to notify Emergency Services if necessary.
4.1.5 Close doors to prevent further contamination. Secure the area to keep non-emergency response personnel away from danger.
4.1.6 Assist the emergency response personnel and supply the Material Safety Data Sheet/s if the chemical/s are known. ·In conjunction with expert assistance, minimize the spread of contamination and commence decontamination/clean-up procedures.
4.2 Minor spill
4.2.1 Containment - spills must be cleaned up promptly and thoroughly.
4.2.2 Approach with care - many harmful chemicals lack colour or offensive odours. Never assume that they are harmless.
4.2.3 Identify the chemical/s and hazards involved – check the Material Safety Datasheet.
4.2.4 Use the information on the physical and chemical properties of the material to judge response and/or evacuation procedures.
4.2.5 Decontaminate equipment, clothing and personnel, including any victims, on-site if necessary.
4.2.6 Dispose of contaminated equipment and materials only after receiving specialist advice.
4.2.7 Ensure emergency procedures are in place and practised.
4.3 Specific Chemical Spill
a) Organic Material: use vermiculite to absorb and place spent vermiculite in the labelled containers for waste disposal.
b) Acid: Spills should be neutralised with sodium bicarbonate. Laboratory Spill Kits usually contain soda ash (sodium bicarbonate) to sprinkle liberally over the spill. Avoid breathing soda ash dust.
c) Alkali: Spills can be neutralised with boric acid.
d) Mercury spills: These are small and should be removed with a mercury sponge (available from First Year(teaching laboratories), vacuumed up with a suction flask or dusted with sulphur powder. Clean up the mercury thoroughly. Once the Mercury is contained it should be clearly labelled and submitted for waste disposal. Note: mercury vapours are highly toxic.
4.4 Laboratory Spills Kit
a) A barrier to contain a spill such as clean, dry sand or a commercial product.
b) Vermiculite to absorb a spill
c) Reagents necessary for decontamination procedures e.g. Calcium carbonate
d) Personal protection equipment including protective clothing
e) Chemically resistant gloves
f) Safety glasses
g) Appropriate containers in which to store waste and contaminated materials e.g. plastic bags and buckets.
h) Warning signs and barriers. Note: face shields are available from the School Safety Coordinator.
5. REFERENCES
a) Hazard and Incident Reporting Guidelines OHS132
b) Emergency Management Procedures OHS 80
c) Working with Hazardous Substances Guidelines OHS114
6. REVISION/CHANGE HISTORY: NA
7. RECORD OR FORMAT
Accidental case record
8. ATTACHMENTS: NA
END OF THE DOCUMENT
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