Chemical Spills
Hazardous Materials
Emergency and Non-Emergency Procedures
Non-Emergency Spills
A small amount (generally defined as less than 1 liter) of a chemical or material spilled that is not highly toxic or reactive; does not present a significant fire or environmental hazard; and is not in a public area.
Non-Emergency Spill Procedures
A spill kit should be available in areas that store or use hazardous chemicals. Spill kits can be used to clean up a small spill by trained personnel using standard PPE.
- Items capable of puncturing, cutting, or abrading the skin, such as:
- Isolate the spill and inform others.
- Use an appropriate absorbent and/or neutralizing agent then collect the spilled material and cleanup debris.
- Decontaminate the area using an appropriate solvent. Soap and water is often appropriate and the most effective.
- Review the Safety Data Sheets (SDS,) section 6 “Additional Release Measures” for chemical-specific cleanup information.
Emergency Spills
A spill of a chemical or material (over 1 L) that is highly toxic or reactive, presents an immediate risk of fire; a significant safety risk to people or the environment; or requires special PPE and/or training to clean up the spill.
Emergency Spill Procedures
- Cease all activities and evacuate the area.
- Inform others in the area to evacuate.
- If chemical exposure occurred to skin or eyes, take the affected person to the nearest safety shower or eyewash station.
- Dial 911 which will initiate both Purdue Police and Fire Department response.
- Pull the fire alarm to initiate full building evacuation if:
- A fire and/or explosion has occurred.
- There is an immediate threat of a fire, explosion or environmental hazard.
- It is a large spill in a public area that is a highly toxic chemical or poses a risk of fire or environmental hazard.
- Toxic vapors are leaving the area of the spill (i.e. seeping from the lab into a hallway or neighboring rooms).
- You are unsure of the hazards and feel that the spill could be harmful to building occupants.-
- Ensure no one enters the area until the spill has been properly cleaned up by the Purdue Fire Department.
Contact
Environmental Health and Safety
hazwaste@purdue.edu
765-494-0121