Safety Tip of the Week – Spill Clean Up

Chemical spills can be in the form of liquids, solids such as pellets, gases, or vapors. They can be flammable (quick to burn or explode), corrosive (damaging to skin 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 office area.
• 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.
• If you are trained and authorized, use the appropriate materials to absorb or contain the spill.

Do Not Attempt Cleanup Under These Circumstances:

• You don’t know what the spilled material is.
• You don’t have the necessary protection or the right equipment to do the job.
• The spill is too large or highly toxic.
• You feel symptoms of exposure.

FOLLOW PROCEDURES…KEEP SAFETY IN MIND!