Spill Response

It is essential that all personnel who work around chemicals know how to response in the event of an accidental chemical spill.

In accordance with the IU Spill Reporting Policy, all chemical spills must be reported. Do not attempt to clean up spills involving chemicals that are flammable, toxic, corrosive or reactive as indicated on the label or SDS; or that cause eye or respiratory tract irritation; or chemicals that emit strong, or noxious odors or fumes.

Exceptions include minor chemical spills, which meet all of the following criteria:

• Personnel directly involved in the spill have immediate access to a SDS for the chemical, and the NFPA and/or HMIS ratings are a 0 or 1 for health and fire, and 0 for reactivity, and/or the GHS rating on the label or SDS is a 5 or 4 for health, fire and reactivity and;

• The amount spilled is 500 milliliters or less for liquids or 500 grams or less for solids and;

• The material does not emit strong odors, vapors, fumes or dusts that are noxious or irritating to the eyes or respiratory system and;

• The material is not a known to be a carcinogen or strong mutagen, or dangerous for the environment. This information will also be in the SDS along with the HMIS or NFPA ratings and;

• The spill is contained on an impervious surface, and cannot migrate into the environment through drains, soil, ground water or surface water.

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