Which of the following should you refer to for a chemical spill in the lab?
Note: All laboratory workers, or persons using hazardous materials must be trained in how to clean up the materials they are using. Spill Kits are required in all areas where chemicals are used or stored - employees who work in those areas must be trained in how to use the kits and in how to activate the Emergency Response Procedures for Major Spills. Show B. Non-Emergency - Minor Chemical SpillSmall spills (< 1 Liter and does not present an immediate fire, safety, environmental or health hazard).
C. Spill Kits:Chemical Spill Kits shall be available in the laboratory. The contents of the kit should include materials for cleaning up a spill for all chemicals in the lab such as:
Commercial spill kits are available that have instructions D. Emergency Response Procedures - Major SpillLarge Spills (> 1 Liter or a material presents an immediate fire, safety, environmental, or health hazard regardless of quantity). Examples: Spill of greater than 1 Liter of ethanol, methanol, strong acids or bases or any quantity of highly volatile organics, and mercury compounds.
REQUIRED POSTINGS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSEThe following telephone numbers are to be posted in all laboratories and/or chemical storage facilities where all other safety information is displayed. Emergency Telephone Numbers:
When there is a threat to human health or life, and/or institutional property, call Public Safety at ext. 1-2911. Public Safety personnel will contact the Departments responsible for managing each situation. An uncontrolled chemical spill or leakage in the lab is classified as a dangerous and notifiable incident. It can involve a solid, liquid, or gas. In the laboratory, chemical spills are a common occurrence. They can occur at any time and during normal laboratory activities. Even small chemical spills can have deadly consequences if the substance is highly toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable. Therefore, avoiding chemical spills should be a priority for every laboratory. Larger spills will invariably release more airborne contaminants, be capable of spreading airborne contaminants to other parts of the building such as through the ventilation system, and if flammable, create a more expansive explosive zone. Chemical spill preventionRegardless of the type or quantity of hazardous chemicals involved, all laboratories must implement measures to reduce the potential for spills and have a plan for responding to chemical spills. Below are preventive measures that management can implement before a spill occurs. These measures are listed under the type of activity during which spills can occur. These tips are meant to act as a general starting point for management to implement more comprehensive and specific measures within their own labs. Chemical procurement
Storage
Transport
Transferring chemicals
Handling and use
Disposal
Minor and major spillsA minor chemical spill is one that the laboratory staff can handle safely without the assistance of safety or emergency personnel. They are small, confined, and present minimal hazards to health or the environment. A major chemical spill is far more severe and generally necessitates the immediate evacuation of the area concerned, if not the entire premises. Major spills present an immediate hazard including fire, explosion, or chemical exposure to hazardous materials. A large chemical spill requires an emergency response. Below are SOPs for chemical spills or releases. The cleanup of a chemical spill should only be done by knowledgeable and experienced personnel. Chemical spill response
TrainingThe OSHA Laboratory standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450, requires laboratories to develop and implement a chemical hygiene plan (CHP). This written program must be tailored to reflect the specific chemical hazards present in the laboratory and require employers to provide their employees with information and training to ensure that they are apprised of these chemicals' dangers and the measures employees can take to protect themselves. The CHP sets forth appropriate procedures, equipment, PPE, and work practices to safely work with these chemicals and what should be done in the event of a spill. Emergency response planning and training are critical aspects of a sound spill response plan. Before handling any chemical(s), employees should know the facility's policies and procedures for handling a chemical spill. The program should offer clear guidance on whether evacuations are necessary and how employees should handle evacuations, and where employees should go. Employees should know the location of all safety equipment and the nearest fire alarm and telephones. Management should post a list of emergency telephone numbers in a prominent area. Safety equipment, including spill control kits, safety shields, fire safety equipment, PPE, safety showers and eyewash units, and emergency equipment, should be available in well-marked, prominent locations in all chemical laboratories. In addition to detailed instructions about proper containment, cleanup, and disposal of spilled materials and equipment, the plan should explain how to safely decontaminate the surfaces where the spill occurred. Employees should be prepared to provide essential emergency treatment. By providing ongoing information and training to ensure that employees understand what to do in the event of a spill, laboratories will minimize the potential danger posed by chemical spills. What is the correct procedure to follow if a chemical is spilled?Lab Safety Quiz. What are the 3 steps to respond to a spill?The general hazardous material spill response procedures include: RESCUE - Evacuate the spill area. Provide assistance including the use of safety showers and eyewashes. Seek emergency medial assistance once properly decontaminated.
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