5c. What to do with a chemical spill and how to protect yourself.

Ensure your workplace has chemical spill kits available in a prominent, accessible location and able to be retrieved promptly. Here’s the procedures you should follow…

1. Protect yourself

Wear personal protection equipment (PPE).

This may include gloves, goggles (eye & face protection), rubber footwear and clean synthetic clothing (waterproof). Avoid flammable protective clothing… such as cotton, rayon or wool. Avoid leather shoes.

2. Locate and identify the spill.

Know where, what and how much spill you are dealing with. Consult the SDS. Locate the appropriate spill kit if applicable. Isolate, secure, evacuate and notify management and the relevant authorities if necessary.

3. Eliminate hazards then contain and absorb spill.

Remove ignition sources and unplug nearby electrical equipment. Establish exhaust ventilation eg. by opening windows. Surround the spill with absorbent powder, sock/boom or material to stop the spill from spreading. Then uses absorbent powder, paper towel or absorbent cloths to absorb the remainder of the spill.

4. Clean up waste.

Used absorbent and chemical powders should be swept up gently to avoid floating dust particles. Waste and disposable items should be placed in a sealed container or plastic bag. Residues left behind should be cleaned up using a mop and bucket or in some cases using a wet vacuum may be preferred.

5. Final cleanup and disposal of waste.

All contaminated PPE, cloths, paper towels, powders, mops and buckets should be sealed and disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and returned for later use.

Dispose of all waste according to local, state or territory government legislation. Return and restock Spill Kit. Wash and dry hands and skin thoroughly.

Document and report spill to supervisor and activate ‘Corrective Action Policy’.

6. Isolate, Secure and Evacuate.

Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before cleaning up a spill. Should no spill kit be available or if the spill is uncontainable and dangerous, activate your internal disaster plan. 

ISOLATE, SECURE AND EVACUATE.