Environmental Health & Safety
Spill Response
STUDENTS SHOULD NEVER CLEAN UP A HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL SPILL
If a spill occurs, notify your instructor or laboratory supervisor immediately.
Chemical spills can vary significantly in hazard depending on the material, quantity, concentration, location, ventilation, and other conditions. Spill cleanup should only be performed by trained and knowledgeable personnel when the spill can be safely managed within the scope of established procedures.
Employees should not attempt cleanup when the hazards are unknown, the spill is beyond their training or available resources, respiratory protection would be required, or conditions are otherwise unsafe.
Chemical Spill Response
Minor Chemical Spill
A minor spill is one that trained laboratory personnel can safely manage using available controls, appropriate personal protective equipment, and established spill-response procedures.
Alert people in the immediate area and notify the instructor or supervisor.
Stop work and restrict access to the spill area as needed.
Review the chemical label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when it is safe to do so.
Use personal protective equipment appropriate to the chemical and cleanup task.
Use the appropriate spill-control or absorbent material identified for the chemical involved.
Prevent the spill from spreading when this can be done safely.
Collect contaminated absorbents and cleanup materials in a compatible, closed, and properly labeled container.
Manage cleanup materials as hazardous waste when required.
Decontaminate the affected area using a method appropriate for the chemical involved.
Report the spill to EH&S.
Do not use a respirator for spill cleanup unless the task has been evaluated and the employee is authorized under the District Respiratory Protection Program. Required respirator use must meet applicable medical evaluation, fit-testing, training, and equipment requirements.
Major or Uncontrolled Chemical Spill — Call 911
A spill should be treated as major or uncontrolled when laboratory personnel cannot safely manage it with available training, equipment, and procedures, or when conditions may present a significant exposure, fire, explosion, or other emergency hazard.
Stop work and alert others.
Remove injured or exposed persons from the hazard area when this can be done safely.
Evacuate or isolate the affected area as appropriate.
Close doors when doing so can be accomplished safely.
Do not attempt cleanup.
Do not enter or remain in an area with unknown, uncontrolled, or potentially hazardous airborne conditions.
Call 911.
Notify EH&S at 831-234-5804.
Provide emergency responders with the chemical identity, SDS, quantity involved, location, and any other available information.
A person knowledgeable about the incident should remain available in a safe location to assist emergency personnel.
For spills involving flammable materials, ignition or heat sources should only be shut down when this can be done without entering or remaining in the hazardous area.
Chemical Exposure During a Spill
Eye exposure: Immediately use an eyewash and flush thoroughly with water.
Skin exposure: Immediately flush the affected area and remove contaminated clothing as appropriate.
Large-area contamination: Use an emergency shower when indicated.
Inhalation symptoms: Leave the affected area and seek medical evaluation.
Call 911 for serious injuries, significant exposures, or medical emergencies.
Employees must promptly report symptoms, suspected exposures, strong or unusual odors, spills, splashes, and ventilation problems so that the need for exposure monitoring or medical evaluation can be assessed.
Reporting Requirements
All chemical spills, regardless of size, must be reported to Environmental Health & Safety through the Hazard Reporting Form or by emailing ehs@cabrillo.edu.
Spill incidents involving employee exposure may require additional evaluation, documentation, exposure monitoring, medical evaluation, or other follow-up under the Chemical Hygiene Plan, Hazard Communication Program, Formaldehyde Safety Plan, Respiratory Protection Program, or other applicable District procedures.