Careful chemical handling and chemical storage protocols in place will significantly reduce the occurrence of leaks and spills. However accidents do occur, so it is important to have a chemical spills procedure in place in the event of an accident.

To help you establish a chemical spills procedure, we’ve pulled together a list of recommendations to follow in the case of a chemical spill. Follow the below steps to reduce response time and ensure the damage to your business is minimal.

 

Do you use chemicals at work?

It is important to establish what kinds of chemicals are in your workplace. Workplaces that use chemicals can range greatly, from factories and farms to laboratories and offices. Types of workers that may use chemicals include:

  • Farmers
  • Cleaners
  • Chemical plant workers
  • Laboratory technicians
  • Hairdressers
  • Pest control operators

If you are an employer, the law requires you to control the use of chemicals at work. To do this you must assess the risks in your workplace and implement and maintain effective control measures.  

 

In what forms do chemicals exist?

Chemicals can exist in several forms, including:

  • Solids, such as dusts, fumes or fibres (e.g. asbestos)
  • Liquids or mists (e.g. liquid bleach) 
  • Gases or vapours (e.g. carbon monoxide gas and solvent vapour)

 

What chemicals are hazardous? 

Any substance, in gas, liquid or solid form, which has the potential to cause harm, is a hazardous material or dangerous substance. Such substances include those: 

  • Brought directly into the workplace and handled, stored and used for processing (e.g. solvents, cleaning agents, glues, resins, paints).
  • Generated by a process or work activity (e.g. fumes from welding/soldering, dust from machining of wood, flour dust, solvents). 
  • Generated as waste or residue (e.g. fumes from soldering irons, carbon monoxide from exhausts).

How to store chemicals

There is a range of storage facilities suitable for chemicals. The below guidance from the University of Nottingham provides some useful information about chemical storage facilities. 

Chemical cabinets are made of acid resistant materials [such as polypropylene, HDPE or wood] and contain a tray to catch any leakage or spillage. In addition, wooden cabinets should not store oxidising acids such as nitric or perchloric. Acid cabinets should have the following sign on the exterior:

 

Ventilated cabinets are fitted with forced ventilation, are free-standing with their own extract system, or may be situated beneath a fume cupboard and attached to its duct. They safely store chemicals that give off noxious fumes and smells. The forced ventilation removes the fumes.

Flammable solvent cabinets are made of either metal or wood with a minimum fire resistance of a half hour (some are to one and a half hour standard) BS 476. A spillage tray made of suitable material that is compatible with solvents should be used in conjunction with these cabinets. They should have one of the following signs on the exterior:

 

Chemical spills procedure

We advise in the case of a chemical spillage to follow the 7 steps to spill response. In the case of a simple/ small spillage those responsible for the cleanup should wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and then carry out the following steps.

1. Prevent the spread of dusts & vapours

Close all doors, and increase ventilation to prevent the spread of dusts and vapours created by volatile substances. 

2. Neutralise acids and base spills

Identify the chemical that has been spilled using a Chemical Classifier Kit. If possible you should seek to neutralise acids and bases by using an Acid Neutralising Spill Kit before mopping up and rinsing the area. 

3.Control the spread of the spill

Contain the spill by making a dike around the edges of the spill. Use spill control materials/ absorbent materials such as Chemical Absorbent Socks.

4.Absorb the spill

Add absorbents to the liquid spilled, working from the outer edges towards the centre. Chemical Absorbent Socks, Absorbent Granules, Chemical Absorbent Cushions, Chemical Rolls

5.Collect and contain the cleanup

The neutralised spill residue or the absorbent should be scooped, swept, or otherwise placed into a plastic bucket or other container such as a chemical drum or a wheelie bin. 

6.Dispose of the waste

Keep spill cleanup materials separate from normal  waste and use a Hazardous Waste Disposal Bag to package and label. Contact your local waste management service to dispose of safely.

7.Decontaminate the area and affected equipment

Ventilating the spill area may be necessary to decontaminate the area. Therefore you should open windows or use a fan unless the area is under negative pressure. In some instances, an environmental health and safety officer can test the air to ensure that hazardous vapours are gone. 

For most spills, conventional cleaning products, applied with a mop or sponge, will provide adequate decontamination. If you have any question about the suitability of a decontaminating agent, seek expert advice.

Please note the steps we have outlined are provided as guidance when dealing with a chemical spill. From these steps, you can build a customised spill response plan suited to your facility's requirements. Following these steps will create preparedness for spills in your facility.

Prepare for any spill

We have a comprehensive range of chemical spill kits to choose from. If you have a question about which spill kit is right for your business, get in touch with one of our experts in spill control.