Spills of chemicals or chemical
wastes must be immediately addressed.
Spill response kits for acids, solvents and caustics are available in
the chemical room and should be used to prevent release to drains and to
clean minor spills.
In the event of a chemical spill:
• Do not attempt to clean up a spill unless you have the
appropriate training and materials to respond appropriately.
• Any major leak or spill that poses the risk of an uncontrolled
airborne release of a hazardous material should be treated as an
emergency.
• Report all spills to the CHESS Operator.
• If any personnel involved in the spill has chemicals on their
skin or clothing, follow the emergency instructions in the
first aid
section "Chemical Burns".
A spill IS NOT considered an
emergency if:
• The spill occurs indoors (and not into a drain) on an
impermeable surface like a countertop or tile floor, AND
• The substance is NOT highly toxic or volatile AND
• The spill has been cleaned up properly
• All clean up materials for hazardous chemical spills must be
placed in a plastic bag and labeled with a Cornell EH&S Hazardous Waste
Label (see CHESS Operator for assistance).
