SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
CHEMICAL SPILL MANAGEMENT
SPILL PREVENTION
Chemical spills can be prevented in the workplace by:
Ensuring appropriate chemical containers are used with seals that are in good
condition (i.e. glass containers for corrosive chemicals)
Ensuring all chemicals are stored appropriately
Provision of locked cupboards and storage areas
Provision of drip trays or purpose built chemical storage cupboards/cabinets with
inbuilt spill retention
Storage of chemicals as per their respective Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
Ensuring appropriate equipment and procedures are in place for chemical
spill management
For chemical spill management it is to be ensured by the safety(EHS)/respective area
incharges that it maintains and reviews the relevant MSDSs to ensure appropriate
risk controls are in place for accidental spill. MSDSs should be no more than one years
old from date of issue.
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
CHEMICAL SPILL KIT
Spill kits needs to be provided and be readily accessible in relevant locations at the
facility. A chemical spill kit should include the following items:
Absorbants: Universal Spill Absorbent: [Link] mixture of Flor-Dri (or unscented kitty
litter), sodium bicarbonate and sand. This all-purpose absorbent is good for most
chemical spills including solvents, bases and acids (with the exception of hydrofluoric
acid)
Absorbent pads and rolls: absorbent pads
Acid Spill Neutralizer: Sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate or calcium carbonate
Alkali (Base) Neutralizer: Sodium bisulphate, boric acid or oxalic acid
Solvents/Organic Liquid Absorbent: Inert absorbents such as clay and sand
PPE
Hand protection: Chemical resistant safety gloves (i.e. nitrile gloves)
Eye protection: Safety goggles
Body protection: Laboratory coat/Corrosive apron
Foot protection: Enclosed footwear, shoe covers
Respiratory protection: Dust mask/Respirator (All personnel should be properly fit
tested before
using a respirator)
Clean-up material for spills can be obtained from housekeeping; including:
Brooms, plastic dustpan and square mouth shovel to sweep up the absorbent material
Paper towels for minor spills
Plastic tongs/scoops to pick up contaminated absorbent material
A chemical resistant bin with a close fitting lid to hold the volume of spill and
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
absorbent residues
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
prior to disposal
Heavy duty plastic bags for wrapping contaminated PPE.
SPILL RESPONSE
Hazardous substance spills should be cleaned up immediately, taking appropriate precautions for
hazards of the material.
STEP 1 - Assess Safety and Stop the Source of the Spill
Limit access to the immediate area where the spill has occurred and ensure that only
personnel with appropriate training and equipment deal with the spill.
This may involve righting an overturned container or placing the source (e.g. cracked
container) in a larger container to contain the spill.
STEP 2 - Review Safety Precautions and Risk Controls
Review relevant MSDS for the spilt chemical (MSDS should be located where the
chemicals are used and stored). The MSDS will have specific instructions on how to deal
with chemical spills as well as first aid information.
STEP 3 - Clean up the Spill
Using appropriate PPE promptly cover the spill with absorbent material taking care not to
spread the spill further.
Using a dust pan, collect the absorbent material/waste and place into a thick walled,
puncture-proof chemical resistant bag/bin which is suitably labeled.
STEP 4 - Notify the Appropriate Authority
Spill of dangerous chemicals should be reported to the appropriate authority.
STEP 5 - Restock the Chemical Spill Kit
Restock the spill kit and return it to its designated storage location.
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FOR CHEMICAL SPILL MANAGEMENT
NEUTRALIZING ACID SPILLS
Acid spills can be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, or calcium
carbonate.
PROCESS
Contain the liquid first
Sprinkle powder over the spill slowly, starting from the outside
Acid is neutralized if effervescence ceases in the presence of excess bicarbonate
Avoid breathing in the fine powder and the gas evolved (carbon dioxide).
NEUTRALIZING ALKALI SPILLS
Alkali spills can be neutralized with sodium bisulphite, boric acid or oxalic acid. Many
alkalis can result in serious burns to skin and eyes, so it is necessary to proceed with
extreme caution.
PROCESS
Ensure that there is adequate ventilation
Eliminate all sources of ignition as neutralization of alkali can produce heat.
This includes removing all combustible materials that are close to the spill
Right any overturned containers where the spill originated or stop leak at source only
if safe to do so
Avoid handling fluid even with nitrile gloves
Liberally apply the alkali neutralizer around the perimeter of the spill to limit the
extent of spreading and continue sprinkling it towards the centre. This should be done
until the entire spill is covered and there is no free liquid or liquid migration. The
neutralization reactions should occur 1-5 minutes after application
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
Stand clear as splattering of reaction products might occur. The heat and vigour of the
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
reaction will depend on the type and concentration of the alkali being neutralized
The alkali will be neutralized when the reaction has stopped and there is no more
fizzing from the liquid.
CAUTION
Neutralized alkalis may produce heat. Wait until mixtures have cooled before
sweeping up spilled material
Avoid handling spilled material until absorption is complete
Use non-metal, non-sparking tools such as a broom, scoop or scraper to clean
up neutralized spill. Take care not to overly disturb the neutralized spill.
SOLID SPILLS PROCESS
Sweep solid material into a plastic dust pan and place in a sealed container. Care
should be taken so as to minimise dust or the contaminated powder becoming
airborne
Use of a dust mask is advisable
Wipe the area down with a wet paper towel and dispose off the used paper towel in
a strong polyethylene bag. Seal the bag and ensure all waste is collected for proper
disposal.
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SPILL MANAGEMENT POLICY
LIQUID SPILLS (OTHER THAN FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS)
PROCESS
Spread absorbent pads over the spill starting with the edges first. This will help to
contain the spill to a smaller area. Enough pads should be used to completely cover
the liquid
Pick up the contaminated pads with tongs or a scoop and place into a
chemical resistant bin
If the chemical is water soluble, wipe the area down with a paper towel, followed
by wet mop and detergent
Appropriately dispose off used paper towel.
FLAMMABLE LIQUID SPILLS PROCESS
Control all sources of ignition - turn off all electrical and heat generating equipment
Spread the absorbent pads over the spill starting from the edge. Allow the pads
to completely soak up the liquid
Pick up the contaminated pads with tongs or scoop and minimize direct contact
Place the waste into the chemical resistant bin
Wipe the area down with a paper towel and copious amounts of water
Dispose off paper towel into a chemical resistant bin and seal the bin so it is airtight
Never use wet vacuum cleaner on flammable solvents.
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