Spill kits for our group are available in rooms 688 and 788. They contain physical barriers, protection equipment, and chemicals to prevent spills from spreading uncontrollably and causing additional damage before help arrives. Like first aid kits, they are not intended to replace immediate response protocols and professional assistance, and they only provide for temporary relief. There are also circumstances where it is unwise to try to contain a chemical spill without extensive protective equipment, and any physical exposure to the spilled chemical(s) is dangerous. Always follow immediate action guidelines – remove contaminated clothing, head to the safety shower and/or rinse the contaminated area with water for 15 min. Assess the situation, alert the lab supervisor and, if in any doubt, call EH&S. Ask your labmates to shut off access to the spill area.

The first step after a chemical spill is always to remove contaminated clothing, then rush for water to rinse contaminated skin areas, alert bystanders and get help! Do not do anything alone!

The spill kits contain absorbant mats and pillows, pH paper, gloves, lab coat & goggles, dust masks, brush & shovel, and chemical absorbants for acids, caustics & solvents. Plastic bags or the drum itself can be used to collect contaminated items.

Please let me know as soon as possible whenever a spill happens! The lab area needs to be inspected for debris and other residual hazards before it can be accessed and used again. Also, items used from the spill kit need to be reordered and restocked.