Chemical Exposures and Spills

• Alert people in the immediate area of spill.
• Avoid breathing vapors from spill.
• Turn off ignition and heat sources if spilled material is flammable.
• Put on appropriate protective equipment, such as safety goggles/face shield, suitable gloves, and gown/coveralls/long- sleeved lab coat.
• Confine spill to small area.
• Use appropriate kit to neutralize and absorb organic acids and bases.
• Use appropriate kit or spill pads.
• Collect residue, place in appropriate container and dispose as chemical waste (call (919) 684-2794 for waste collection).
• Clean spill area with water.

• Flood exposed area with running water from faucet, drench hose, or safety shower for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove all contaminated clothing and shoes.
• Obtain medical attention, if necessary.
• Report incident to supervisor and complete HR work-related injury/illness report or other appropriate incident report.

• Immediately rinse eyeball and inner surface of eyelid with water continuously for 15 minutes.
• Forcibly hold eye open to effectively wash behind eyelids.
• Obtain medical attention.
• Report incident to supervisor and complete HR work-related injury/illness report or other appropriate incident report.

• Alert people in the area to evacuate.
• Turn off ignition and heat sources if spilled material is flammable.
• On Campus: Call 911 from a campus phone or (919) 684-2444 from a cell phone. Off campus: Call 911.
• Attend to injured or contaminated persons and remove them from exposure.
• Have person knowledgeable of incident and area assist emergency personnel.

• Follow these instructions for cleaning spills of LIQUID hazardous drugs.
• Follow these instructions for cleaning spills of POWDERED hazardous drugs. 

OESO Environmental Programs - (919) 684-2794