1. SPILL RESPONSE
Training Program

2. Objectives Become familiar with applicable regulatory standards
Demonstrate an understanding of potential hazards and appropriate responses
Demonstrate an understanding of NYMC procedures
Your health and safety, and that of your coworkers’, depends on your understanding of the information NYMC and chemical manufacturers provide about handling chemicals. This information can help you prevent disabling injury, serious illness, even death due to explosion, fire, overexposure to chemicals or other accident. Mishandling chemicals is a common cause of accidents.
OSHA established the Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard to protect the health and safety of workers. Three important aspects include: Proper container labeling, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and worker training (proper handling, storage, usage, transportation, and emergency procedures when applicable). Also applicable are the OSHA Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standard and the NYMC Laboratory Safety Manual. Principal Investigator instructions and procedures may compliment these regulations and procedures.
When working with chemicals always have available:
The associated chemical MSDS for quick reference (you should read it before beginning a job).
Know emergency procedures and follow instructions.

3. Why Do We Need Spill Kits?
Because Accidents Happen!!
Chemical spills occur despite the best work procedures and practices.
Potential hazards must be recognized.
YOU need to know the safest response.
Therefore, knowledge of NYMC procedures is required.
Employees have a need to know what are the potential hazards in a workplace, and the appropriate response, that may even result in evacuation. Occasionally, despite the best work procedures and practices, chemical spills occur. The better a worker can respond to the emergency the less likelihood there will be serious personal injury or property damage

4. Chemical Spill Response Emergency Action Plan
Identifies a typical chemical spill and defines appropriate response
Fundamental requirements
Priority: personal safety
Assessment of the Incident
NYMC has defined a minor spill to which you may respond as:
Spilled quantity is less than 100 ml
Spill covers less than 10 sq. ft. (10 floor tiles)
Substance spilled is not extremely hazardous
Evacuation
Unsafe condition
Extremely hazardous spill
If a spill occurs on the floor, count the number of floor tiles as each floor tile is typically 1-square foot.
If any of these requirements are not matched, or if you are untrained, leave the area immediately and report the incident.

5. Chemical Spill Response Emergency Action Plan
Notification of procedure
Before taking any other action contact
Security, x4226
Provide all information requested, in particular:
Name
Room Number
What/How much was spilled
Security will then contact EHS
EHS will respond to the spill to assess the hazard and provide health and clean-up information.
This information can help in determining if the spill can be adequately handled with the spill kit or will require an outside contractor (i.e: hazmat team).
Find and read the MSDS for information on health hazards and other emergency response.

6. Chemical Spill Response Emergency Action Plan
Limits of Response
The emergency chemical spill kit is designed for use in a minor spill.
Everyone in the lab should know the location of the nearest spill kit
Know the locations of eyewash and safety showers
Ventilation, use of PPE and Spill Kit
Ensure adequate ventilation
PPE must be worn at ALL times
Report injuries to Health Services Dept.
Circumstances which define the nature of a spill and available resources are available in the Emergency Action Plan.
A list of spill kit locations is available from EHS.

7. Spill Kit Located in each lab
Contains gloves, absorbent pads, sheets, goggles, aprons & disposal bags.
An inventory on the outside of the bucket lists what is contained inside
Periodically check the spill kit to see if supplies need to be replenished. Additional supplies may be obtained from EHS

8. Conclusion Know potential hazards and adhere to emergency procedures
It may save your life
If a procedure is not clear, or you have a questions, ASK SOMEONE TO EXPLAIN
Know where the spill kits are located
Report all unsafe conditions and incidents
Report before taking any action
In an emergency, remember to call Security at x 4226
Do not, by your actions, create hazardous situations that may endanger employees
Store and handle chemicals in a proper manner
At or below eye level
If you cannot safely respond - Evacuate

9. Biological Spills
Biohazard Spill Kits can be found in each lab. The kits are equipped with spill control material along with instructions for use. All laboratory personnel are encouraged to use these materials to clean up small to medium size biohazardous spills within their work area. Use of Spill Kit material should be reported to the EHS Department x4078 so kits can be replenished.

10. …continued
For clean up assistance, call Security at x4226 and provide the following information:
Name
Location
Description of incident
Name of Agent
* While awaiting EHS response, use caution barrier tape to identify spill area.

11. Mercury Spills
Elemental mercury is extremely toxic to the body in high and low doses and can enter the body via ingestion, inhalation and dermal exposure
Depending on the type of exposure, the target organ(s) may vary
Ex: inhalation of mercury vapors can lead to brain and neural toxicity
Metallic mercury slowly evaporates when exposed to the air. The air in a room can reach contamination levels just from the mercury in a broken thermometer
This is why all mercury spills, regardless of quantity, should be treated seriously

12. …continued If a spill occurs, the following action is to be taken:
Immediately notify your PI and co-workers of the spill and isolate the area
Mercury evaporates at room temperature, so ventilate the area to reduce the amount of vapors in the air
Contact Security at x4226 and notify them of the spill; Security will notify EHS

13. Conclusion
Use extreme care and wear proper PPE, including a lab coat, gloves and safety goggles when handling mercury or mercury containing devices
Replace any mercury-containing devices with safe alternatives
If a spill occurs:
Notify PI and coworkers
Isolate the area and ventilate
Call Security at x4226
Clean up contaminated area
Contact EHS to properly dispose of waste