Chemical Spill Response
Where a hazard is believed to present an immediate danger, contact Campus Safety Services at (613) 520-2600 ext. 4444 IMMEDIATELY.
When a chemical spill occurs, it is important to be aware of the steps necessary to manage the spill safely and efficiently. Spill response planning must be done in advance, not once a spill occurs. Use the resources below and create your lab-specific chemical spill response plan. Ensure your spill kit is fully stocked, easily accessible, and become familiar with its contents.
General Spill Response
- Stay clear and warn others
- Assist injured or contaminated persons
- Assess the situation, if the situation is an emergency call (613) 520-2600 ext. 4444
- If the spill can be cleaned up safely, grab your pre-prepared spill kit and proceed with spill clean-up
Resources
The following documents will help you plan for an appropriate response when a chemical spill occurs. Reminder to consult your Safety Data Sheets prior to developing a chemical spill response plan.
This document describes the general procedures to respond to spills or releases of laboratory chemicals.
Spill response procedures should be developed based on chemicals specific to your lab. Use this template to develop proper lab-specific procedures to deal with releases of hazardous chemicals.
Spill response procedures vary depending on whether the event is a minor or major chemical spill. If the spill is safe to clean-up, follow the below clean-up and reporting procedures based on the type of chemical you’re dealing with.
Spill kits should be readily accessible and all personnel working in the lab should know their location. The below recommended spill kit inventory should be modified according to lab-specific requirements.
Reporting
All workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents including spills that have been cleaned up, must be reported immediately to the workplace supervisor and through CU WorkSafe.