Appendix D

Laboratory Spill Response Guidelines

Purpose

This appendix establishes general spill response procedures for chemical, biological, and hazardous material spills occurring in university laboratory environments. These procedures are intended to minimize injury, environmental contamination, and property damage while ensuring compliance with institutional safety requirements.

All laboratory personnel shall be trained on spill response procedures applicable to their work areas prior to conducting laboratory activities.

Emergency Spill Response Procedures

Major Spill or Emergency Conditions

Immediately evacuate the area and call 911 if any of the following conditions exist:

• Fire or explosion hazard
• Significant toxic vapor release
• Unknown chemical involved
• Large quantity spill
• Injuries or exposures requiring medical attention
• Spill involving highly reactive chemicals
• Spill enters drains or the environment
• Laboratory personnel are not trained or equipped to respond safely

After evacuation:

1. Activate the building fire alarm if necessary.
2. Restrict access to the area.
3. Contact the Wichita State University Police Department.
4. Notify Environmental Health and Safety.
5. Provide information regarding:
   • Material spilled
   • Estimated quantity
   • Location
   • Injuries or exposures
   • Known hazards

Minor Chemical Spill Response

Laboratory personnel may clean minor spills only if:

• The material is known
• Personnel are trained
• Appropriate PPE and spill supplies are available
• The spill can be controlled safely
• No significant inhalation hazard exists

Minor Spill Response Steps

1. Alert personnel in the immediate area.
2. Put on appropriate PPE.
3. Stop or contain the spill if safe to do so.
4. Use absorbent materials or spill control supplies.
5. Collect contaminated materials for hazardous waste disposal.
6. Clean and decontaminate affected surfaces.
7. Report the spill to the laboratory supervisor.

Chemical Spill Response Guidelines

Biological Spill Response

Minor Biological Spills

1. Restrict access to the area.
2. Wear appropriate PPE.
3. Cover spill with absorbent material.
4. Apply appropriate disinfectant from perimeter inward.
5. Allow sufficient contact time.
6. Dispose of cleanup materials as biohazardous waste.
7. Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup.

Major Biological Spills

• Evacuate the area if aerosol generation is suspected.
• Notify laboratory supervision and EHS immediately.
• Follow laboratory biosafety procedures.

Mercury Spill Procedures

Mercury spills require specialized cleanup procedures.

Do Not:

• Use standard vacuum cleaners
• Sweep with a broom
• Dispose of mercury in regular trash or drains

Required Actions:

1. Isolate the area.
2. Ventilate the space if possible.
3. Contact Environmental Health and Safety for cleanup assistance.

Spill Kit Recommendations

Laboratories should maintain spill kits appropriate for hazards present in the workspace.

Recommended Spill Kit Contents

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The following PPE may be required during spill response:

• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles
• Laboratory coat
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Face shield when splash hazards exist
• Respiratory protection only if authorized and trained

Personnel shall not perform spill response activities requiring respiratory protection unless enrolled in the institutional respiratory protection program.

Waste Disposal Requirements

Cleanup materials contaminated with hazardous substances shall be managed as hazardous waste in accordance with university procedures and applicable regulations.

Do not dispose of:

• Chemical waste in sinks or drains unless specifically authorized
• Contaminated absorbents in regular trash
• Unknown materials without EHS guidance

Contact Environmental Health and Safety for hazardous waste disposal assistance.

Exposure and Medical Response

Skin Contact

• Flush affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.
• Remove contaminated clothing.
• Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Eye Exposure

• Use eyewash station immediately for at least 15 minutes.
• Seek medical evaluation promptly.

Inhalation Exposure

• Move person to fresh air.
• Call 911 for breathing difficulty or severe symptoms.

Ingestion

• Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
• Seek immediate medical attention.

Spill Reporting Requirements

All laboratory spills shall be reported to the laboratory supervisor.

The following incidents shall also be reported immediately to Environmental Health and Safety:

• Major spills
• Mercury spills
• Reactive chemical incidents
• Injuries or exposures
• Environmental releases
• Fires or explosions
• Unknown chemical releases

Incident documentation shall be completed according to university policy.

Training Requirements

Laboratory personnel shall receive spill response training covering:

• Spill classification
• PPE selection and use
• Spill kit contents and procedures
• Emergency notification procedures
• Waste disposal requirements
• Exposure response procedures

Training shall be documented and refreshed periodically based on laboratory hazards and operational changes.