Uncontrolled chemical spills or leaks in the laboratory are classified as dangerous and reportable events. It can involve solids, liquids or gases. In the laboratory, chemical spills are very common. They can occur at any time and during normal laboratory activities.
If the substance is highly toxic, corrosive, reactive or flammable, even a small chemical leak can cause fatal consequences. Therefore, avoiding chemical spills should be the top priority of every laboratory.
Larger leaks will always release more airborne pollutants, which can spread airborne pollutants to other parts of the building, such as through a ventilation system. If it is flammable, it will form a wider explosion area.
Regardless of the type or quantity of hazardous chemicals involved, all laboratories must take measures to reduce the possibility of leakage and develop a plan to deal with chemical leakage.
The following are preventive measures that management can implement before a leak occurs. These measures are listed under the type of activity where leakage may occur. These techniques are intended as a general starting point for management to implement more comprehensive and specific measures in their own laboratory.
A minor chemical spill is a situation that laboratory staff can handle safely without the assistance of safety personnel or emergency personnel. They are small, restricted, and have the least harm to health or the environment.
Major chemical spills are much more serious and usually require immediate evacuation of the relevant area, if not the entire site. Major leaks can cause direct hazards, including fires, explosions, or chemicals that come into contact with hazardous materials. Large chemical spills require emergency response.
The following is the SOP for chemical spills or releases. Cleanup of chemical spills can only be done by knowledgeable and experienced personnel.
OSHA Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450 requires laboratories to develop and implement a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP). The written plan must be tailored to reflect the specific chemical hazards present in the laboratory and require employers to provide information and training to their employees to ensure that they understand the hazards of these chemicals and the measures employees can take to protect themselves.
CHP specifies appropriate procedures, equipment, PPE and work practices for the safe use of these chemicals, as well as measures to be taken in the event of a spill.
Emergency response planning and training are key aspects of a sound spill response plan. Before handling any chemicals, employees should understand the factory's policies and procedures for handling chemical spills. The plan should provide clear guidance on whether an evacuation is necessary, how employees should handle evacuation, and where employees should go. Employees should know the location of all safety equipment as well as the nearest fire alarm and telephone number. Management should post a list of emergency telephone numbers in a prominent place.
Safety equipment, including overflow control kits, safety shields, fire safety equipment, personal protective equipment, safety showers and eyewash devices, and emergency equipment should be provided in clearly marked and conspicuous locations in all chemical laboratories. In addition to detailed instructions on the proper control, cleaning, and disposal of leaked materials and equipment, the plan should also explain how to safely decontaminate leaked surfaces. Employees should be prepared to provide necessary emergency treatment.
By providing continuous information and training to ensure that employees understand what to do in the event of a spill, the laboratory will minimize the potential hazards caused by chemical spills.
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