Safety Tip of the Week – Chemical Hazards – Chemical Spill Safety

Chemical spills can be in the form of liquids, solids such as pellets, or gases or vapors. They can be flammable (quick to burn or explode), corrosive (damaging to human tissue or other materials), or toxic (poisonous to humans and other living things).

The time to deal with a chemical spill is long before it happens, by rehearsing what you will do and obtaining the supplies you will need for self-protection and clean-up.

Procedures for Dealing with a Spill:

• Alert people in the area of the spill;
• Call the appropriate emergency numbers, which should be posted at each telephone or work area office/station;
• Attend to any injured persons, removing them from exposure and getting to a safety shower if necessary;
• Depending on the nature of the chemical, you might need to open windows and doors to provide ventilation, close the affected area to contain spills, or turn off heat and other ignition sources; and
• If you are trained and authorized, use the appropriate materials to absorb or contain the spill.

For instance, you might have kits to neutralized spilled acids or bases. For other chemicals, you could be required to sprinkle an absorbent litter on a spill or surround the spill with a dam.

Do Not Attempt Cleanup Under These Circumstances:

• When you do not know the identity of the spilled material;
• When you do not have the correct or necessary equipment for the task;
• When the spill is too large;
• When the spill is highly toxic; or
• When you are feeling symptoms of exposure.

FOLLOW PROCEDURES…KEEP SAFETY IN MIND!!